Desire An Inclusive Guide to Navigating Libido Differences in Relationships by Dr. Lauren Fogel Mersy and Dr. Jennifer A. Vencill

An inclusive guide to navigating Libido Differences in Relationships.

Desire invites readers of all ages, genders, sexual orientations, and relationship structures to shed the shame and misinformation that surround the topic of sex and instead learn from two certified sex therapists about how libido really works. Desire differences are one of the most common relationship issues, yet, with fewer than 1100 certified sex therapists in the country, it can be difficult to find help. This essential book breaks the mold of the sex self-help genre, which typically focuses only on cisgender women.

Through the authors’ expert guidance readers will learn about:

• embracing a more expansive definition of sex
• identifying various factors that can impact libido
• managing anxiety around sex (one of the biggest libido killers)
• the structural oppressions—from cisnormativity to heteronormativity to compulsory sexuality to minority stress—that affect our libido
• and much, much more.

It rejects the narrow, heteronormative, “staircase” model of sex—a way of thinking where many relationships get stuck. It integrates evidence-based relationship therapy techniques for better communication around sex.

Included are dozens of techniques, exercises, checklists, and journal prompts for readers to use at their own pace to fit their needs, including mindfulness, body mapping, and sensate focus. Whatever your identity, sexual practices, or reason for picking up this book, Desire will help you reach your personal sexual health goals.

Dr. Lauren Fogel Mersy (she/her) is a licensed psychologist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. She received her doctorate in clinical psychology and completed her postdoctoral training at the University of Minnesota’s Institute for Sexual and Gender Health.

She has advanced training in Gottman Method Couple Therapy and Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy. She specializes in sexual health and relationships and owns her own private practice in a suburb of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Dr. Jennifer A. Vencill (she/her) is an assistant professor, board certified clinical health psychologist, and AASECT certified sex therapist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, USA. She is dually appointed in the Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, as well as the Division of General Internal Medicine, where she spends the bulk of her time providing integrated sexual health care and educating fellows, residents, and medical students about the importance of sexual and gender health.

Her research focuses on sexual health and health disparities in marginalized sexual and gender communities.

288 pages