ABSTRACT

For over a decade, Rekindling Desire has helped to restore and affirm pleasure-oriented sexuality for thousands of people. Drawing on respected therapist Barry McCarthy’s extensive knowledge and experience, this updated third edition offers strategies and solutions for no-sex relationships and low sexual desire.

Contained within are psychosocial sexual skill exercises that will develop communication and confidence, as well as fascinating case studies that illustrate a wide range of couples’ sexual frustrations. The shame, embarrassment, and hesitancy that individuals feel with themselves, and the resentment and blame they can feel towards their sexual partners, are explored and put into context. With an individualized relapse prevention plan to ensure sexual gains are maintained and built upon, the book encourages couples to work as a team to minimize guilt and maximize intimacy.

Rekindling Desire, 3rd edition fully celebrates female and male sexuality, challenges inhibitions and avoidance, and promotes satisfying, secure, and sexual relationships. Whether you are married, cohabitating, or dating, it will help renew sexual desire and empower people of all sexual orientations and ages on the path towards healthy, pleasure-oriented sexuality.

chapter |4 pages

Introduction

part 1|93 pages

Awareness

chapter Chapter 1|16 pages

When and why Couples Lose Sexual Desire

chapter Chapter 2|17 pages

Whose Problem is it? Hers, His, or Ours?

chapter Chapter 3|16 pages

Turnoffs

Poisons for Sexual Desire

chapter Chapter 4|20 pages

Finding your Voice

Celebrating Female Sexuality

chapter Chapter 5|21 pages

The New Male Sexuality

Confronting Autonomous Sex Performance

part 2|91 pages

Change

chapter Chapter 6|12 pages

Being an Intimate Sexual Team

Discovering Your Couple Sexual Style

chapter Chapter 7|15 pages

Building Anticipation

Bridges to Sexual Desire

chapter Chapter 8|16 pages

Attachment

Enhancing Intimacy

chapter Chapter 9|14 pages

Nondemand Pleasuring

Let’s Play Touchy-Feely

chapter Chapter 10|16 pages

Challenging Inhibitions and Avoidance

Be Sexually Present

chapter Chapter 11|15 pages

Creating Erotic Scenarios

Vital Sexuality

part 3|49 pages

Relapse Prevention

chapter Chapter 12|12 pages

Maintaining Gains

Keeping Sexuality Vital and Satisfying

chapter Chapter 13|12 pages

Intimate Attachment

Enhancing Your Bond

chapter Chapter 14|11 pages

The Erotic Marriage

Lusting for Life

chapter Chapter 15|11 pages

Valuing a Satisfying, Secure, and Sexual Relationship