1st Edition
Effective Treatment of Women’s Pelvic and Sexual Pain Disorders Healing the Body and Mind During the #MeToo Era
This book presents a comprehensive overview of pelvic and sexual pain disorders in women and equips therapists to treat these issues in a culturally sensitive way, examining the link between unwanted sexual experiences and the development of sexual pain in later life.
Drawing on the wealth of recent research acknowledging the increased risk of developing a pelvic/sexual pain disorder in women who have experienced sexual trauma, Heather Lauren Davidson offers a much-needed resource for professionals within the essential context of the #MeToo movement. Chapters address a range of topics including types of sexual pain disorders, disparities in the mental health system that affect women’s access to treatment, how to establish treatment goals for individuals and couples, and effective relapse prevention plans. Illustrated throughout by vignettes and case studies, the book addresses a lack of knowledge in assessing and treating the experiences of these women and explores in depth how they face complex difficulties in accessing diagnosis and treatment.
Guided by culturally competent assessment and the use of evidence-based treatment techniques, clinicians will learn to effectively navigate the treatment of women presenting with pelvic/sexual pain disorders and sexual trauma.
Biography
Heather Lauren Davidson MA, LPC, CST, is a Licenced Professional Counselor, Certified EMDR Therapist, and Certified Sex Therapist. Heather is the owner and founder of Better Being Main Line, a counseling practice outside of Philadelphia, USA, which specializes in women's emotional and sexual wellness.
"This is a MUST READ for all mental and health care providers that take care of women with pelvic or sexual pain – any provider that truly wants to make a difference in their patient or client’s life."
Lynn Wang, MD, FACOG, CSC, CSE; Main Line Health, PA, USA
"An essential read for any provider who works with people experiencing intimate pain or with a history of trauma. The combination of research, medical explanations and poignant patient stories creates a great primer for a very complex and important topic."
Dana Shanis, MD, FACOG. Ob/Gyn and Owner of VHealth & Wellness, Philadelphia, PA, USA
"Davidson confronts the normalization of women’s sexual pain, pelvic pain and trauma and its profound impact on a woman’s quality of life. She unpacks the layers of a woman’s pelvic pain journey that too often go unseen or are dismissed. Boldly naming the many ways women are underserved and failed by their institutional systems, this book provides a strong call-to-action for institutions and professionals, along with a comprehensive and proven interdisciplinary treatment approach, to help women heal from trauma, pain and cultural betrayal."
Carolynn Aristone, MSW, LCSW, CST, Founder and Executive Director of the Center for Intimate Relationships, L.L.C, USA
