An excellent tool for any recovering sex addict who desires healing for his spouse/ partner. As addicts recognize the damaging effects their sexual addictions and Integrity Abuse Disorder (see Dr. Omar Minwalla’s research and terminology) had on their spouses, they realize they need help to learn how to empathize further with her. Learn ways to help her heal!

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Dr. Barbara Steffens and Marsha Means highlight the growing societal problem of sex addiction and compulsive sexual behavior. She recognizes that spouses of sex-addicts are often alone and lack the opportunity for trauma-informed therapy. This book outlines groundbreaking research showing the post-traumatic stress impact that sexual betrayal has on partners. With insights, strategies, and crucial steps to find healing, this book offers empowerment and hope for betrayed partners.

*Disclaimer: While there are so many practical tools offered in this book, I do not recommend or endorse EMDR or any similar therapies.

WARNING: The cover picture on the older editions (shown on Amazon) could be triggering to an individual navigating betrayal trauma.

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What an EXCELLENT resource to help you navigate through the painful journey of betrayal trauma.

*Disclaimer: While there are so many practical tools offered in this book, I do not recommend or endorse EMDR or any similar therapies.

“Drawing from her experience both as a marriage and family therapist and a woman who personally experienced the devastation of sexual betrayal, Dr. Sheri Keffer walks women impacted by betrayal through the pain and toward recovery. She explains how the trauma of betrayal affects our minds, bodies, spirits, and sexuality. She offers practical tools for dealing with emotional triggers and helps women understand the realities of sexual addiction. And she shows women how to practice self-care, develop healthy boundaries, protect themselves from abuse or manipulation, and find freedom from the burden of shame and guilt.” ~ Amazon

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This book will encourage the possibility of rebuilding trust in your marriage. Jason Martinkus (primary author) gives exercises and tools to guide you to more effective transparency in your relationships, more daily trust-building strategies, and shines a light on what forgiveness and restitution look like.

*Disclaimer: While there are so many gems in this book about truth-telling, abdicating privacy when having had past patterns of dishonesty, and unpacking shame, there is a misconception of the sanctification process. We believe that God never intended for us to deal with sexual temptations and while we agree that as long as we live on this earth that we will be inundated with temptations, we vehemently believe he can free us from ANY temptation and can work the sanctification process in us if we are willing.

**Though we like some aspects of this book, we do not endorse all of Arterburn’s books. See our books of caution here.

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Due to its ground-breaking research, this book explores the “why” behind unwanted sexual choices.

”Although many of us feel ashamed and unwanted after years of sexual brokenness, the book invites the reader to see that behavior as the very location God can most powerfully work in their lives. Counselors, pastors, and accountability partners of those who experience sexual shame will also find in this book the deep spiritual and psychological guidance they need to effectively minister to the sexually broken around them.” - Amazon

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I have not personally vetted this book yet, but it came to me highly recommended.

Many trauma books suggest EMDR and similar therapies as therapeutic interventions and recoveries. However, we do not endorse these types of therapies and recommend Trauma-Focused CBT therapy.

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A wonderful book that outlines steps to take when in the throes of betrayal trauma.

*Disclaimer: Some of the contributors write from a co-dependency model perspective, but the overall theme is trauma-informed and offers practical tips and solutions to navigating betrayal trauma.

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