Constructing the Sexual Crucible: An Integration of Sexual and Marital Therapy (Norton Professional Books

by David Schnarch

This book challenges the fundamental paradigms in sexual-marital therapies, and provides a fresh look at the nature of intimacy and the diverse barriers to eroticism in many marriages. By integrating individual, sexual and marital therapies, this study attempts to provide a fresh look at the nature of intimacy and the diverse barriers to eroticism in marriage. The author refutes the common focus on sexual technique, calling instead for an emphasis on sexual potential.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Relationships, Sexuality, Marriage, Counselling

658 pages, Hardcover

First published August 17, 1991

About the author

David Schnarch is a licensed clinical psychologist, certified sex therapist, and author of numerous books and articles on intimacy, sexuality, and relationships. He is the Director of the Crucible® Institute and his work has attracted clients and students from across the globe. His book Passionate Marriage is a perennial bestseller, offering the general public his revolutionary approach in a pragmatic and easy-to-understand form.

Reviews

[Debra Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the book, and the author. I went to a week long training with him and learned a lot. With that said, I would give the book 5 stars. You might not want a text so in depth - a textbook. If you really want to understand how to have a great relationship, including sex, you will want to endure!

It did help me with my relationship with my son. It had to do with integrity and that’s all I can say.

[Jessica Clark · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the textbook companion to Schnarch's 'Passionate Marriage.' 'Sexual Crucible' is definitely not as dry as other textbooks I've read, but much drier than the fantastic Passionate Marriage text.

[Vincent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a misleading title, this book goes so much further than couples' bs. It is a field guide to human interaction. Warning: very technical read; intended to be a clinician's guide.

[Mitchell Wright]

Great information if you want to know more about intimacy and sex in your relationship. Completely changed my understanding of sexual challenges and perspective on couples therapy. However, the 600 pg book reads like a textbook. The most useful information came from the transcripts of therapeutic sessions.

[Quincee · Rating 4 out of 5]

The content of this book is really valuable. I’m only giving it four stars because it requires immense brain power to read and understand.

[Drew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not something I would suggest to others really. It is a class assigned reading. This author seems to get his kicks by making the reader feel stupid. Who has time to read each sentence 5 times for meaning? it does have good stuff for Marriage and Family Therapy.

[Elizabeth L · Rating 3 out of 5]

autographed copy from a conference attended at Northwestern University during graduate school