Reclaiming Sexual Wholeness

Description

A Comprehensive Christian Resource for Treating Sexual Addiction and Problematic Sexual Behavior

An estimated three to five percent of the U.S. population meet the criteria for sexual addiction, and many more engage in problematic sexual behavior or have been harmed by it. The statistics are startling:

• 77% of Christian men between 18 and 30 watch pornography monthly
• 35% of Christian men have had an extramarital affair
• 1 in 6 boys and 1 in 4 girls have been sexually abused

Americans spend $13 billion a year on pornography, the regular viewing of which is linked to higher acceptance of violence against women and adversarial sexual beliefs. Therapists and pastors are not always adequately equipped to address the unique demands of competent care for those struggling with sexually addictive behaviors. Reclaiming Sexual Wholeness, edited by Todd Bowman, presents cutting-edge research from a diverse group of experts in a single, comprehensive resource intended for therapists, clergy, and others in helping professions. Contributors include Forest Benedict, Bill Bercaw, Ginger Bercaw, Todd Bowman, Marnie Ferree, Floyd Godfrey, Joshua Grubbs, Josh Hook, Fr. Sean Kilcawley, Debbie Laaser, Mark Laaser, Kevin Skinner, Bill Struthers, and Curt Thompson

Reclaiming Sexual Wholeness moves beyond rote cognitive-behavioral approaches and treating sexual addictions solely as lust, adopting a biopsychosocial perspective that incorporates insights from attachment theory and interpersonal neurobiology. The result is a thoroughly faith-integrated, up-to-date resource useful for the classroom, ongoing professional studies, and as a counseling resource.

About the Author

Todd Bowman (Ph.D., Oklahoma State University) is currently serving as an Associate Professor of Counseling at Indiana Wesleyan University, in addition to working as the Director of the Sexual Addiction Treatment Provider Institute. Bowman has been practicing professional counseling since 2008. While he was employed at MidAmerica Nazarene University from 2008-2014, Bowman developed the only Higher Learning Commission accredited and United States Department of Education recognized sexual addiction training for mental health professionals. He continues to write and present locally, nationally and internationally on topics related to sexual health and sexually addictive behavior, including the publication of his first book, Angry Birds & Killer Bees: Talking to Your Kids About Sex (Beacon Hill Press, 2013), as well as a number of book chapters. In addition to his specialized work providing counseling for adults and adolescents with sexual addictions and attachment related concerns, Bowman has specialized training is in stress management, anxiety reduction, and other affective regulation methods, as well as psychological assessment.