Some really great books just keep getting better! For seventeen years The Betrayal Bond has been the primary source for therapists and patients wrestling the effects of emotional pain and harm caused by exploitation from someone they trusted. Divorce, litigation, incest and child abuse, domestic violence, kidnapping, professional exploitation and religious abuse are all areas of trauma bonding. These are situations and relationships of incredible intensity or importance lend themselves more easily to an exploitation of trust or power. In The Betrayal Bond, Dr. Carnes presents an in-depth study of these relationships; why they form, who is most susceptible, and how they become so powerful. Dr. Carnes also gives a clear explanation of the bond that compels people to tolerate the intolerable, and for the first time, maps out the brain connection that makes being with hurtful people comparable to 'a drug of choice.' Most importantly, Carnes provides practical steps to identify compulsive attachment patterns and ultimately to change or end them for good. This new edition includes: New science for understanding how our brains can make a prison of bad relationships New assessments and insights based on 50,000 research participants A new section utilizing the latest findings in attachment research and narrative therapy to concretely rewrite and rescript bad experiences A redefinition of the factors contributing to addictive relationships

With the revised information and up-to-date research, Out of the Shadows is the premier work on sex addiction, written by a pioneer in its treatment. Sex is at the core of our identities. And when it becomes a compulsion, it can unravel our lives. Out of the Shadows is the premier work on this disorder, written by a pioneer in its treatment. Revised and updated to include the latest research--and to address the exploding phenomenon of cybersex addiction--this third edition identifies the danger signs, explains the dynamics, and describes the consequences of sexual addiction and dependency. With practical wisdom and spiritual clarity, it points the way out of the shadows of sexual compulsion and back into the light and fullness of life.

Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Sample Book Insights: #1 The author’s friend, Lois, was offered a job at a printing company. The company president asked her to perform oral sex on clients in order to keep business. She was devastated, and her life was negatively affected. #2 When we are put in danger, our body goes into defense mode. Our physical systems become ready for action, and our electrochemical reactions between synapses in the brain accelerate. This is what happened to Lois, and she began to fall apart. #3 There are eight ways that trauma continues to affect people over time. They are: trauma reaction, trauma arousal, trauma blocking, trauma splitting, trauma abstinence, trauma shame, and trauma bonds. #4 The brain, body, and nervous system will adjust to any experience. They will acclimatize. So for survival, the soldier will continually bury the horrifying experiences into compartments in the brain. Later, these compartments start to leak.

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.

A Gentle Path through the Twelve Steps Updated and Expanded

This resource identifies the stages and progression of sex addiction, including assessment, intervention, and treatment methods. Public humiliation, broken families, and ruined careers are just some of the tragic results when sex behavior is out of control. And as the media reports each new case, we ask ourselves the disturbing question, Why? In this sequel to Out of the Shadows, author and leading expert in the field of sex addiction, Patrick Carnes adds new insight and findings, building on his original descriptive framework. Stages and progression of the illness are identified. Family structure, bonding, and boundaries are examined in depth. Finally, assessment, intervention, and treatment methods are outlined, with the goal--and the hope--of ultimate recovery. A resource for therapists who treat those with sexual addiction as well as recovering addicts.

Rev. ed. of: Facing the shadow / Barbara K. Schwartz and Gregory M.S. Canfield; illustrations incorporated by Alyce M. Kullas. c1996.