Reconnecting to the Sexual Self After Trauma: Using Sex Toys as a Therapeutic Tool: A Resource Guide
Here is the online version of resource guide for my presentation “Reconnecting to the Sexual Self After Trauma: Using Sex Toys as a Therapeutic Tool” with Venessa Farn at the Securing Sexuality Conference on October 19th, 2023, in Detroit, MI.
How to contact us:
Bianca Alba: Trauma Sensitive Sexual Health Coaching & Education
Venessa Farn: Trauma Informed Sex Therapy
Research:
Basson, R., O’Loughlin, J. I., Weinberg, J., Young, A. H., Bodnar, T., & Brotto, L. A. (2019). Dehydroepiandrosterone and cortisol as markers of HPA axis dysregulation in women with low sexual desire. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 104, 259–268.
Briere, J., & Scott, C. (2015). Principles of trauma therapy: A guide to symptoms, evaluation, and treatment, 2nd edition. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Haskell, L.(2003). First stage trauma treatment: A guide for therapists working with women. Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.
Herman, J.(2015). Trauma and recovery: The aftermath of violence - from domestic abuse to political terror. Basic Books.
Janssen, E., & Bancroft, J. (2023). The dual control model of sexual response: A scoping review, 2009–2022. The Journal of Sex Research, 1–21.
Krüger, T. C., Giraldi, A., & Tenbergen, G. (2020). The neurobiology of sexual responses and its clinical relevance. In (Ed.), Psychiatry and sexual medicine (pp. 71–84). Springer International Publishing.
Struck, P., Ventegodt S. (2008) Research Article: Clinical Holistic Medicine: Teaching Orgasm for Females with Chronic Anorgasmia using the Betty Dodson Method. The Scientific World Journal. 8: 883–895.
Yehuda, R., Lehrner, A., & Rosenbaum, T. Y. (2015). Ptsd and sexual dysfunction in men and women. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 12(5), 1107–1119.
Books:
Better Sex Through Mindfulness - How Women Can Cultivate Desire - Lori Brotto
The Body Is Not An Apology - Sonja Renee Taylor
Oh Joy Sex Toy (book series)- Erika Moen and Matthew Nolan
Come As You Are: The Surprising New Science That Will Change Your Sex Life - Emily Nagoski
Succulent Sex Craft and Woman’s Anatomy Of Arousal - Sheri Winston
Sensate Focus In Sex Therapy - The Illustrated Manual - Linda Weiner and Constance Avery Clark
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Skills Workbook- Brantley, Wood, and McKay
Sex For One: The Joy of Self Loving - Betty Dodson
Clinical Tools:
DBT cards, Role play cards
Yes/No/Maybe Lists
Websites:
Vagina Rehab Doctor (pelvic floor health education)
Wirecutter Sex Toy Guides
Hey Epiphora Sex Toy Review Blog
Dangerous Lilly Sex Toy Review Blog
Oh Joy Sex Toy webcomic
A few recommended sex toy retailers:
Early to Bed (Chicago-based online & in-person retailer with sex educator staff)
Spectrum Boutique (Online retailer & sex education based in Detroit)
As You Like It (Oregon-based online & in-person retailer with sex educator staff)
A few recommended toys:
Ohnut depth limiting rings: helps alleviate pain from penetration
Vaginal dilators (Intimate Rose, Milli, etc) : helps the vagina open and relax gradually, can help with vaginismus, gender confirmation surgery recovery, pelvic tightness, etc.
Wand vibrators (especially Magic Wand Original): Very powerful and deep vibrations that can help with anorgasmia, can be used through clothing
Suction vibrators (Womanizer, Dame Aer, etc.): An alternative to traditional vibrators, gentle-to-intense clitoral stimulation that feels similar to oral sex
Le Wand Unicorn: A fun and playful wand vibrator with an insertable attachment
C-shaped G-spot Wand (Njoy Pure Wand and others): Great for massaging pelvic floor muscles, deep G-Spot, A-spot, and prostate stimulation, two sizes of insertable ends, ergonomically friendly design!
