Arousal

In this fascinating and provocative book, Dr. Michael Bader offers a groundbreaking new theory of sexual desire. Drawing on his twenty-five years as a psychotherapist and psychoanalyst, Dr. Bader demonstrates that rather than being programmed by biology or society, sexual fantasies and preferences are really psychological antidotes to unconscious dangers. Armed with this novel theory, man and women will no longer need to feel ashamed about what arouses them or confused about what arouses others.

Dr. Michael J. Bader is a clinical psychologist, psychoanalyst, educator, and social critic. He is a frequent contributor to mainstream psychoanalytic criticism, and his series of highly acclaimed articles for Tikkun magazine has been instrumental in bridging the gap between psychology and popular culture. Arousal is his first book. He lives in San Francisco.

Dr. Michael J. Bader offers a groundbreaking theory of sexual desire, one that will liberate men and women and enable them to better understand their sexual preferences. Drawing on his twenty-five years as a psychotherapist and psychoanalyst, Dr. Bader demonstrates that rather than being programmed by biology or society, sexual fantasies and preferences are really psychological antidotes to unconscious dangers. Armed with this novel theory, men and women will no longer need to feel ashamed about what arouses them or confused about what arouses others.

Dr. Bader tells the stories of his patients and explains the meaning of their sexual fantasies. In terms free of jargon, he reveals how his new theory can be used to decipher a wide variety of sexual fantasies and behavior, ranging from ordinary preferences about positions in bed to flamboyant scenarios worthy of the Marquis de Sade. And yet Dr. Bader's new theory transcends the realm of individual psychology. Readers will come away with a new understanding of such issues as sexual chemistry and boredom, cybersex, pornography, and the differences in how men and women get excited.

"Arousal represents an important advance in psychoanalytic thinking about sexual fantasies."Nancy Friday, author of My Secret Garden

"Bader's story-theory of sexual arousal is revolutionary. It has the potential to change forever the way we understand everything about sex. I believe that he has no equal among psychoanalysts in his understanding and elucidation of sexual passion."Kim Chernin, author of In My Mother's House

"In this brilliant new work, Dr. Michael Bader offers an original and provocative theory that is the most definitive explanation I have ever read of both the psychological and social dynamics of sexual arousal. This highly readable and engaging book should be required reading not only for practicing psychotherapists but for all those who are interested in the how and why of sexual arousal."Lillian B. Rubin, Ph.D., author of Intimate Strangers

"Bader is a clear, graceful writer, and he makes his points with rare facility in a way useful to both lay people and therapeutic professionals."Library Journal

"An insider's look at what goes on behind the scenes of our desires."Kirkus Reviews

"Bader comes across as a compassionate psychotherapist, dedicated to exploring desire in whatever shape it might take."Library Journal

In this fascinating and provocative book, Dr. Michael Bader offers a groundbreaking new theory of sexual desire. Drawing on his twenty-five years as a psychotherapist and psychoanalyst, Dr. Bader demonstrates that rather than being programmed by biology or society, sexual fantasies and preferences are really psychological antidotes to unconscious dangers. Armed with this novel theory, man and women will no longer need to feel ashamed about what arouses them or confused about what arouses others.

Dr. Michael J. Bader has more than two decades of experience as a clinical psychologist, psychoanalyst, educator, and social critic. He is a frequent contributor to mainstream psychoanalytic criticism, and his series of highly acclaimed articles for Tikkun magazine has been instrumental in bridging the gap between psychology and popular culture. He lives in San Francisco.