Sexual Anorexia

Overcoming Sexual Self-Hatred

By: Patrick Carnes PhD, Joseph M. Moriarity - contributor

Narrated by: Terrence Bayes

A first-time examination of sexual anorexia, an extreme fear of sexual intimacy and obsessive avoidance of sex, by the acknowledged leader in the treatment of compulsive sexual behavior and recovery. 

Author Dr. Patrick Carnes begins by defining sexual anorexia and demonstrating how it and its parallel disorder, sexual addiction and compulsivity, often arise from a background of childhood sexual trauma, neglect, and other forms of abuse. Carnes explores the numerous dimensions of sexual health, examining key issues which must be addressed and resolved for recovery to proceed. 

Utilizing extensive research and elucidating case studies, Carnes develops concrete tasks and plans for restoring nurturing and sensuality, building fulfilling relationships, exploring intimacy, and creating healthy sexuality. Woven throughout the book are stories of recovery which illustrate sexual healing principles, model new behavior, and support motivation for change. Sexual Anorexia enables those suffering from this disorder to recognize that sex need not be a furtive enemy to be fought and defeated but, instead, a deeply sensual, passionate, fulfilling, and spiritual experience that all human beings are innately entitled to. 

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©1997 Patrick Carnes (P)2020 Tantor

Relational

Helpful in becoming more aware and sensitive to who i am and how i can develope a deeper meaning towards sexual growth, personally and relationally

Worth the listen

I'm not a fan of the narrator. I found his voice to be annoying. The content was good but I felt it was a very high overview and I got lost in it. A lot of things were repeated too many times and other things just skimmed over when I would've liked more depth. I do appreciate they suggested further reading material so I can dive deeper into some of the subjects. It's a complicated topic so I don't think they could've covered everything in depth in one book. It's a good place to start on the road to recovery though. I do recommend this book for those that struggle with this, but know it's just the start.

Some good information

Some good information concerning sexual anorexia that is not found elsewhere. The anorexia being one end of the addiction spectrum is not commonly talked about but is very common.

Some of the information is a bit dated. The advice given to anorexics is not necessary safe for the addict. The chapter on fantasy can be very triggering for spouses who have dealt with betrayal trauma and not appropriate advice for addicts who used fantasy to continually act out or in. Also advice to talk about sex with friends and members of the opposite sex is not helpful for married partners. It's important to keep in mind this book was written by a sex addict so the information can be one sided. It is also not in line with Christian values. Nevertheless, it gives good insight to a problem that defies understanding. I would advise taking what is helpful and leaving what is not.

The narrator speaks with a strange inflection that can be distracting.

Waste of time

Author focused on multiple topics and similarities between sexual aversion and addiction but overall this book was mostly blah,blah,blah.