ABSTRACT
The theoretical work of anthropologist Victor Turner, when applied to the therapeutic enterprise, sets up therapy as a ritual time and place and the professional as ritual leader. Application of Turner’s three stage approach to healing sexual wounding is as follows: separation—the objective identification and analysis of the sex-negative religious community or religiously negative beliefs, marginality—when what formerly was true in one’s life or belief system no longer holds true, and aggregation—when client or student moves toward a new identity or different religious allegiance that completes their transitional journey. Meditative rituals and exercises can help identify the sex-negative beliefs that are embedded in the body and provide an alternative avenue for healing and growth that cognitive-based therapy may not be able to access. There are four Christian-based meditations on sensuality, touch, and pleasure that can be used in whole or in part with clients, one of which is a take-home exercise.
