The sexual healing journey A guide for survivors of sexual abuse

Sex therapist and family counselor Maltz, who was a date-rape victim in graduate school, speaks to other sexual abuse survivors in this sexual healing self-help guide. The symptoms of sexual abuse are listed before wide-ranging case histories back up checklists and questions that accompany the logically arranged information. As with so many other behavior problems, the first key to recovery for the victim is to acknowledge the sexual abuse experiences. The author's ultimate goal is to help readers achieve an intimate, caring, respectful relationship with a sexual partner. In order to help with this, various intimacy and touching exercises are included. Not written in a quick-fix, pop-psychology style, this is a thoughtfully composed introduction to a serious problem, which may require professional therapy. Includes an extensive list of helpful resources. ~--Sue-Ellen Beauregard

Maltz, author of Incest and Sexuality (Lexington: Macmillan, 1986) offers this how-to, personal therapy book written in the form of an informative if somewhat repetitive case study. She gives concrete details on what constitutes abuse and shatters the myths surrounding double standards (e.g., actor Don Johnson being seduced by a female babysitter when he was 12 constitutes abuse, yet this ``older woman on younger boy'' style of abuse is sometimes written off). In addition to identifying the many types of abuse, Maltz demonstrates how abuse may get buried in a victim's unconscious mind and subsequently cause sexual dysfunction. She carefully deconstructs the common negative sexuality that often acts as a defense mechanism, and attempts to replace it with a healthy, positive approach to sex. Although her book is not a substitute for therapy, it can help victims of sexual abuse along the road to healing. Recommended for most libraries.-- Michael Tierno, ``Medical Aspects of Human Sexuality'' (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.