The July/August round of Therapy Book Club is Come As You Are: The Surprising New Science That Will Transform Your Sex Life by Emily Nagoski – and I am *so* excited to read this book with you!
I talk to women all the time about their experience around sex and sexuality, and their are certain themes I hear over and over again that makes one thing clear to me: many women are dissatisfied with their sex life. They don’t know what they like, they don’t know how to communicate to their partner what they need, and they are confused about what the “should” be doing doing.
“Come As You Are” is a groundbreaking book that offers valuable insights and understanding about women’s sexuality.
Want to know if this book club is for you? Here are a few things this book focuses on:
- It embraces individuality: “Come As You Are” emphasizes the importance of accepting and embracing your unique sexual self. It encourages you to understand that your desires, responses, and preferences are normal and valid, regardless of societal expectations or norms.
- It teaches you about sexuality (spoiler alert – most women don’t know a lot about this at all!): The book provides SO MUCH scientific information about the complexities of women’s sexual anatomy and sexuality. Nagoski uses *SCIENCE* to empower you with knowledge that can help you make informed decisions about your own bodies and pleasure.
- It can help you overcome challenges: Nagoski addresses common sexual challenges that many women face – like low desire, body image issues, stress, and cultural pressures. She offers practical tools, techniques, and strategies to understand these challenges and cultivate a healthier and more satisfying sexual life.
- It encourages self-compassion: The book promotes self-compassion and self-acceptance (I’m guessing you might struggle with this…). Nagoski encourages women to let go of self-judgment and unrealistic expectations, creating space for understanding, kindness, and self-love.
- It focuses on communication and consent: The book emphasizes the importance of open and honest communication about sexual desires, boundaries, and consent. Nagoski provides guidance on how to have meaningful conversations with partners and establish healthy sexual relationships built on trust, respect, and consent.
- It helps women understand the impact of cultural influences: Nagoski examines the impact of cultural, societal, and media influences on women’s sexuality. By unpacking these influences, readers gain a better understanding of how societal messages can shape their attitudes, desires, and self-perception, empowering them to challenge harmful narratives and embrace their authentic selves.
- It encourages cultivating pleasure: “Come As You Are” celebrates the importance of pleasure in women’s sexual experiences. Nagoski encourages readers to prioritize pleasure, explore their desires, and discover what brings them joy and satisfaction.
If this sounds up your alley, you can join this round of Therapy Group Book Club by filling out this form. And if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me at cori@ourwholeliving.com