Traditional sex therapy techniques tend not to work with patients who have suffered past child sexual abuse. Additionally, their motivations for seeking sex therapy vary from the typical motivation of a lack of sexual satisfaction. Instead, patients with histories of sexual abuse tend to seek therapy because of their partner’s frustrations. As such, it is imperative to approach sex therapy differently than for typical clients. Sexual healing, in which survivors of sexual abuse reclaim their sexuality, involves using different strategies and techniques. The author discusses these techniques, as well as the sexual impact of past sexual abuse. In adjusting therapeutic styles, the author contends that the traditional view of all sexual dysfunctions as “bad,” must be disregarded when dealing with survivors of sexual abuse. Indeed, in these cases, their sexual dysfunctions are psychologically functional and important for their survival. In addressing their dysfunctions, the author contends that therapists should do the opposite of what occurred during the past abuse; namely, empower the client and respect his or reactions. Therapists should encourage sexual empowerment because the past sexual abuse denied the survivor power and self-control. Additionally, the sex attitudes and self-concept of the abuse survivor should also be changed because in many survivors minds, sex is associated with something bad, dirty, and humiliating. Negative “self-talk” must be pointed out and “undone.” The author further suggests a series of exercises designed to enable the client to relearn touch. In conclusion, the author explains that the new sex therapy techniques known as “relearning touch techniques,” enable survivors of sexual abuse to change their sexual attitudes, behaviors, thoughts, and relationships. 16 References