Sex Therapy Resources

Here are a few Ted Talks, books and websites that are helpful for those seeking Sex Therapy.

Listening to shameShame is an unspoken epidemic, the secret behind many forms of broken behavior. Brené Brown, whose earlier talk on vulnerability became a viral hit, explores what can happen when people confront their shame head-on. Her own humor, humanity and vulnerability shine through every word.

The secret to desire in a long-term relationshipIn long-term relationships, we often expect our beloved to be both best friend and erotic partner. But as Esther Perel argues, good and committed sex draws on two conflicting needs: our need for security and our need for surprise. So how do you sustain desire? With wit and eloquence, Perel lets us in on the mystery of erotic intelligence.

The keys to a happier, healthier sex lifeHow can we unlock the door to our own authentic sexual well-being? Sex educator Emily Nagoski suggests that the key is realizing that we are all normal, whatever our proclivities. In this playful but informative take on sex positivity, she delves into the science of sexuality to demonstrate how we can shed our insecurities and define pleasure on our own terms.

The truth about unwanted arousalSex educator Emily Nagoski breaks down one of the most dangerous myths about sex and introduces us to the science behind arousal nonconcordance: when there's a disconnect between physical response and the experience of pleasure and desire. Talking about such intimate, private moments can feel awkward or difficult, yet in this straightforward talk Nagoski urges all of us to share this crucial information with someone -- judges, lawyers, partners, kids. "With every brave conversation we have, we make the world that little bit better," says Nagoski. (This talk contains mature content.)

How to have a healthier, positive relationship to sexFrom our fear of women's bodies to our sheepishness around the word "nipple," our ideas about sex need an upgrade, say sex educators (and hilarious women) Tiffany Kagure Mugo and Siphumeze Khundayi. For a radical new take on sex positivity, the duo take the TED stage to suggest we look to Africa for erotic wisdom both ancient and modern, showing us how we can shake off problematic ideas about sex we've internalized and re-define pleasure on our own terms. (This talk contains mature content.)

Sex needs a new metaphor. Here's one ...For some reason, says educator Al Vernacchio, the metaphors for talking about sex in the US all come from baseball -- scoring, getting to first base, etc. The problem is, this frames sex as a competition, with a winner and a loser. Instead, he suggests a new metaphor, one that's more about shared pleasure, discussion and agreement, fulfillment and enjoyment. Let's talk about … pizza.

10 things you didn't know about orgasm"Bonk" author Mary Roach delves into obscure scientific research, some of it centuries old, to make 10 surprising claims about sexual climax, ranging from the bizarre to the hilarious. (This talk is aimed at adults. Viewer discretion advised.)

The lies we tell pregnant women"When we tell women that sex isn't worth the risk during pregnancy, what we're telling her is that her sexual pleasure doesn't matter ... that she in fact doesn't matter," says sex researcher Sofia Jawed-Wessel. In this eye-opening talk, Jawed-Wessel mines our views about pregnancy and pleasure to lay bare the relationship between women, sex and systems of power.

Books for Couples/Partners/Relationships:

Come As You Are: Revised and Updated: The Surprising New Science That Will Transform Your Sex Life

Emily Nagoski, PhD

Opening Up: A Guide to Creating and Sustaining Open Relationships

Tristan Taormino

Guide To Getting It On: Unzipped (Books)

Joannides Psy.D, Paul, Gröss Sr., Daerick,

Intimacy from the Inside Out: Courage and Compassion in Couple Therapy (Books)

Herbine-Blank, Toni, Kerpelman, Donna M., Sweezy, Martha, imusti

Getting the Love You Want Workbook: The New Couples' Study Guide

Hendrix Ph.D., Harville, Hunt Ph.D., Helen LaKelly, Atria Books

Getting the Love You Want: A Guide for Couples, 20th Anniversary Edition (Books)

Hendrix Ph.D., Harville, Harville Hendrix

The New Monogamy: Redefining Your Relationship After Infidelity (Books)

Nelson PhD, Tammy, New Harbinger Publications

She Comes First: The Thinking Man's Guide to Pleasuring a Woman

Kerner, Ian

He Comes Next: The Thinking Woman's Guide to Pleasuring a Man (Books)

Kerner, Ian

Books for Performance Anxiety/ Erectile Dysfunction/ Premature Ejaculation MEN:

Cockfidence: The Extraordinary Lover's Guide to Being The Man You Want To Be (Books)

Hirschman MA, Celeste, Harel PhD, Danielle, Brand: Somatica Press

Coping with Erectile Dysfunction: How to Regain Confidence and Enjoy Great Sex

by Barry W. McCarthy PhD and Michael E. Metz PhD

Books for Pelvic Pain: FEMALES

10 Steps Completely Overcome Vaginismus Book 2 : Personal Journal and Workbook (Books)

Mark Carter

10 Steps Completely Overcome Vaginismus: The Practical Approach to Pain-Free Intercourse, Book 1

Mark Carter, Lisa Carter

Sex Without Pain: A Self-Treatment Guide to the Sex Life You Deserve

by Heather Jeffcoat

When Sex Seems Impossible: Stories of Vaginismus & How You Can Achieve Intimacy

by Peter T. Pacik and Joni B. Cole

Websites:

AASECT American Association for Sex Educators, Counselors and Therapists

SSTAR Society for Sex Therapy and Research

ISSWSH International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health

Sex Therapy Resources

Opening Up: A Guide to Creating and Sustaining Open Relationships

Tristan Taormino

Call or email to book an appointment: 512-766-7789 or Tali@sextherapyofatlanta.com