(PRWEB) September 14, 2013
For recovering sex addicts, the joy that comes with a loving, happy, fully-committed relationship is elusive. They long for such an experience; yet, they are frightened at the prospect of searching for the right person. They are afraid to make the approach, afraid of rejection, afraid they will lapse into their old habits.
“Relationships in Recovery: A Guide for Sex Addicts Who Are Starting Over” is a new book filled with wise and practical methods for the recovering sex addict who wants to get into a new relationship or repair an existing one.
“I wrote this book for the 40 to 50 percent of recovering sex addicts who are single and looking for a new and healthy relationship, yet confused about how to go about it,” explained author Linda Hatch. “The book is not just about sex; this book is about approaching the whole relationship in a new way using the tools of recovery.”
For recovering sex addicts, building new relationships is their biggest challenge. The preparatory work in this book helps the addict develop a level of self-awareness and self-confidence. All of the tools are provided. A series of relevant workbook exercises spur critical growth and the ability to succeed in moving into a rewarding and long-term relationship.
The author provides a clear structure for a relationship plan similar to what is used by sex addicts when they first learn to define their sexual recovery plan. She lays the groundwork for setting goals and establishing boundaries. She teaches the recovering addict to look at all the things wanted in a partner, then do a self evaluation in each area, make appropriate changes, and be ready when an opportunistic meeting comes along. Dr. Hatch believes if the recovering addict does the right work first, healthy relationships will come.
Dr. Hatch places an emphasis on listening to what is going on with the other person, focusing on one thing at a time, and letting go of personal ego.
She encourages recovering addicts, “Go out into the exciting world of healthy relationships feeling secure and confident. You can have your individuality and still have a partner in the bond of love. There is no need to settle for being alone.”
In writing this book, Dr. Hatch draws from her many years as a psychologist and certified sex addiction therapist specializing in the treatment of sex addicts and their partners as well as the families of sex addicts.
“The ‘Meditations for Relationships’ section is the icing on the cake, a gift and guide for every person in a relationship.” – Jennifer Schneider, M.D., Ph.D., author of “Back from Betrayal: Sex, Lies & Forgiveness”
“Her most important message shines through throughout the book. Work on yourself first and healthy relationships can blossom.” – Stefanie Carnes, Ph.D., President, International Institute for Trauma & Addiction Professionals
“At the end of the day, our basic human needs for attention, validation, and intimacy are healthy and universal. We all need to feel loved and appreciated and have a sense of belonging.”-- Robert Weiss, LCSW, CSAT-5, senior vice president of Clinical Development for Elements Behavioral Health, co-author of “Closer Together/Further Apart: The Effect of Technology and the Internet on Sex, Intimacy and Relationships”
About the Author
Linda Hatch has had a long career in clinical psychology. For many years, she worked through the court system evaluating sex offenders, sexually violent predators and mentally ill offenders. In recent years, her work has been in the field of trauma and addiction. Linda also is author of the Kindle book, “Living With a Sex Addict: The Basics from Crisis to Recovery.” Linda and her husband David live in Santa Barbara, California. Linda blogs at http://blogs.psychcentral.com/sex-addiction/ and on her own website http://www.sexaddictionscounseling.com
Relationships in Recovery:
A Guide for Sex Addicts Who Are Starting Over
By Linda Hatch, Ph.D.
Pentacle, Santa Barbara, California, $16.00, Paperback, ISBN-10 061582007, July 2013