Shadows of Pain: Intimacy and Sexual Problems in Family Life

All too often people find themselves in relationships that provide neither true intimacy nor sexual satisfaction. In all these relationships there are symptoms of pain, hurt, and anger. Often these are the shadows of pain from the family of origin. Sexuality and intimacy are interrelated. Our sexual being and our capacity to relate are shaped by our family relationships. Combining family therapy and cognitive therapy perspectives, Vimala Pillari shows how the unrealistic and distorted views of ourselves and others that lead to problems in intimacy and sexuality can be understood and treated in both individual and couples therapy.