Sexuality in Mid-Life

ISBN-13: 9780306484469 / Angielski / Miękka / 2004 / 200 str.

Stephen B. Levine

Opis

I wrote Sexuality in Mid-Life to assist clinicians in considering love, sex, intimacy, and dysfunction as they occur in this epoch of the life cy- cle. The chapters reflect my belief that understanding the processes of living is vital for both the therapist and the patient. Despite my preoc- cupation with creating a cohesive book, I often thought of these 11 chapters as essays because in this prose form it is traditional for the author to be palpably present in the text. I tried not to hide behind the passive constructions oftypical psychiatric books. I wanted to create a book that did not restrict itself to scientific findings, clinical experi- ences, or ideological traditions. I wanted to discuss relevant issues that were generally avoided by professionals. In approaching the topics of love, extramarital affairs, and menopause, for instance, I hoped to em- phasize the developmental potentials inherent in both mid-life's smooth sailing and its underappreciated adversities. Sexuality in Mid-Life is my third solo-authored book. During the writing ofthe first two, I thought I was painting a picture of the life cy- cle of sexuality. When a young woman said something complimentary to me about Sex Is Not Simple and quickly added that I had left out any consideration of the sexuality of pregnancy, I was stunned by my over- sight.

Recenzje

"What I especially like about this book is that it is written from an unabashedly personal perspective. In a clear and concise voice, the author tells us how he approaches the problems of love, sex, intimacy, and dysfunction that he encounters in his practice as a middle-aged clinician. Stephen Levine has devoted his professional life to the study of sexuality - as a clinician, researcher, and educator. In 11 chapters ... the author ably weaves together his own clinical experience with relevant references to the work of others. The resulting tapestry is complex and rewarding - and well worth studying."
(Maj-Britt Rosenbaum in Book Forum (1999)

Spis treści

What is the Nature of Love? Psychological Intimacy. The Paradoxes of Sexual Desire. Psychological Development in Middle-Life. The Unseen Hand of Biology I: Background for Understanding Mid-Life Sexuality. The Unseen Hand of Biology II: The Fifties and Beyond. Extramarital Affairs in Mid-Life I: Meaning Making. Extramarital Affairs in Mid-Life II: Practical Considerations. The Sexual Side Effects of the Serotonergic Antidepressant Medications. On Being a Middle-Aged Therapist. One Avenue to Spiritual Love. Index.