Sexual abuse is a leading cause of sexual functioning problems. A recent national study on sexual dysfunction in the U.S. found that victims of unwanted sexual contact exhibit much higher rates of sexual functioning problems. Women who were ever sexually forced are more than twice as likely to have arousal disorders, and male victims of adult-child contact are three times as likely to experience erectile dysfunction and twice as likely to experience premature ejaculation and low sexual desire. Sexual healing is an empowering process in which you reclaim your sexuality as both positive and pleasurable. In The Sexual Healing Journey , I provide specific healing strategies and techniques to help survivors change sexual attitudes and behaviors which resulted from past sexual abuse.
Sexual healing can take several months to several years, or more, to accomplish.
It is considered advanced recovery work, and thus best undertaken after a survivor is in a stable and safe lifestyle and has addressed more general effects of sexual abuse, such as depression, anger, self-blame, and trust concerns. These exercises provide opportunities to practice a new approach to intimate touch. Professional help is often recommended because sexual healing can easily stir up traumatic memories and feelings. You don't need to be in a relationship to do sexual healing work. Anyone can learn about sexual healing and do the self-discovery exercises described in the book.