Sexual Anorexia: Overcoming Sexual Self-Hatred

A first-time examination of sexual anorexia, an extreme fear of sexual intimacy and obsessive avoidance of sex, by the acknowledged leader in the treatment of compulsive sexual behavior and recovery.

Author Dr. Patrick Carnes begins by defining sexual anorexia and demonstrating how it and its parallel disorder, sexual addiction and compulsivity, often arise from a background of childhood sexual trauma, neglect, and other forms of abuse, Carnes explores the numerous dimensions of sexual health, examining key issues which must be addressed and resolved for recovery to proceed. Utilizing extensive research and elucidating case studies, Carnes develops concrete tasks and plans for restoring nurturing and sensuality, building fulfilling relationships, exploring intimacy, and creating healthy sexuality. Woven throughout the book are stories of recovery which illustrate sexual healing principles, model new behavior, and support motivation for change.Sexual Anorexia enables those suffering from this disorder to recognize that sex need not be a furtive enemy to be fought and defeated but, instead, a deeply sensual, passionate, fulfilling, and spiritual experience that all human beings are innately entitled to.

Patrick Carnes, Ph.D., the best-selling author of Out of the Shadows and Contrary to Love, is an internationally known speaker and writer on sexual dysfunction and recovery. He is currently Clinical Director of Sexual Disorders at The Meadows, a treatment facility that works with clients who deal with a wide range of behavior disorders, addiction, and psychological conditions.

Sexual anorexia is a fear of sexual intimacy and an obsessive avoidance of sex. The author explores how sexual anorexia and sexual addiction are different sides of the same coin, often arising from childhood trauma and other forms of abuse and neglect.

Sexual anorexia, an extreme fear of sexual intimacy and obsessive avoidance of sex, is as common--though not as widely recognized--as its dysfunctional parallel, compulsive sexual addiction. In this book, the bestselling author of "Out of the Shadows" underscores how the two dysfunctions are different sides of the same coin.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 387-389) and index.

Patrick J. Carnes is a nationally-known speaker on addiction and recovery issues. He is the author of Out of the Shadows, Contrary to Love, A Gentle Path Through the 12 Steps, and Don't Call It Love. He is the clinical director for sexual disorder services at The Meadows in Wickenburg, Arizona. Carnes is the editor-in-chief of Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity: The Journal of Treatment and Prevention, the official journal of the National Council of Sexual Addiction/Compulsivity, an organization for which he also serves as a board member. He also serves on the national advisory board of the American Academy of Health Care Providers in the Addictive Disorders.