Publisher Comments: Challenging accepted theories about what makes for terrific sex, The Erotic Mind is
a breakthrough exploration of the least understood dimensions of human
sexuality — the psychology of desire, arousal, and fulfillment.
Nationally known sex therapist Dr. Jack Morin offers a bold new
perspective that celebrates the joys of Eros without denying its risks.
Based on an in-depth analysis of over 1,000 provocative stories of peak sexual experiences, The Erotic Mind
offers clear, accessible guidance on how anyone can utilize his or her
own peak encounters and fantasies as powerful tools of self-discovery.
The Erotic Mind explains the many paradoxes of erotic life,
such as: why we're most excited when we must overcome obstacles; how
anxiety, guilt, and anger — generally thought to have a negative impact
on sexual arousal — often turn out to be aphrodisiacs; how we use
unresolved issues from our early lives to intensify passion; and why
the best sex is dynamic and unpredictable, rather than static and safe.
These and other insights, combined with concrete suggestions for
increasing our enjoyment, overcoming our problems, and revitalizing our
relationships, will change forever the way we think about our eroticism.
From Publishers Weekly: Too many sex therapists focus only on the
removal of inhibitions, thus ignoring the complex and paradoxical
sources of passion, declares San Francisco-area psychotherapist Morin
in this intriguing, insightful mix of analysis, anecdote and advice.
Drawing on 351 respondents, straight and gay, who discussed their
erotic lives with him, Morin has developed an "erotic equation":
attraction plus obstacles leads to excitement. This formula, he avers,
is neither tidy nor predictable. He suggests that sexual obstacles in
one's youth create lifelong scripts for arousal, while a range of
feelings including exuberance, anxiety and anger can intensify arousal.
Morin advises readers to confront the unresolved feelings that produce
"troublesome turn-ons" and offers a seven-step guide to modifying or
expanding one's erotic patterns. In long-term relationships, Morin
observes, passion is hardly guaranteed; he advises couples to recognize
and address the interactive tension between intimacy and sexual desire.
Dr. Jack Morin has been studying eroticism for over two decades. He is
the world's foremost expert on peak erotic experiences, including
real-life encounters as well as fantasies. He has studied these
remarkably revealing and fulfilling experiences with the help of his
patients in therapy and also by analyzing anonymous responses to his
"Sexual Excitement Survey," a powerful tool for self-discovery which
you'll find in the book.
He is a diplomat of the American Board of Sexology, a board-certified
sex therapist, and a licensed psychotherapist in the San Francisco Bay
Area. Dr. Morin speaks regularly to professional and lay audiences across the
country.