Straight Talk About Strengthening Marriage Intimately

Resources
Resources on strengthening marriage and building strong families according to author and intimacy educator Laura M. Brotherson. To suggest a resource for Laura to consider click here.

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Book Resources
     Favorite books on sexual intimacy, marriage and parenting.
And They Were Not Ashamed: Strengthening Marriage through Sexual Fulfillment
by Laura M. Brotherson

One of the more comprehensive marital sex books for Christian/LDS couples; Addresses the emotional, spiritual and sexual dimensions of marriage; Goes into depth regarding the secrets of the female sexual response, and the differences between men and women and their sexual wiring; Also helps couples overcome inhibiting factors in the intimate relationship.
Books

Sex; Marriage; Parenting
Hot Monogamy: Essential Steps to More Passionate, Intimate Lovemaking
by Patricia Love

Provides valuable insights to better understand sexual intimacy, and create more passion in the intimate relationship.
Books

Sex
Passionate Marriage: Keeping Love and Intimacy Alive in Committed Relationships
by David Schnarch

A fabulous book if you really want to understand the "refining fire" potential of the sexual relationship in marriage. The sexual crucible in marriage provides for the necessary polishing process each spouse needs for wholeness, aliveness and oneness.
Books

Sex
Intended for Pleasure: Sex Technique and Sexual Fulfillment in Christian Marriage
by Ed Wheat

Provides some good basics regarding God's designs for sex, and basic sexual techniques; Addresses some common sexual problems, such as premature ejaculation and preorgasmia.
Books

Sex
Becoming One: Emotionally, Spiritually, Sexually
by Joe Beam

A great primer for understanding the foundational human need for intimacy--emotionally, spiritually and sexually; Also addresses the concept of intimacy diversions and drains that get in the way of a fulfilling sexual relationship.
Books

Sex
The Sex-Starved Marriage: A Couple's Guide to Boosting Their Marriage Libido
by Michele Weiner-Davis

A great book to gain insights into the differences in sexual desire between spouses, and suggestions for overcoming those differences.
Books

Sex
The Act of Marriage: The Beauty of Sexual Love
by Tim and Beverly LaHaye

Another good staple sex book that focuses on the basics, and addresses some common sexual problems.
Books

Sex
The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate
by Gary Chapman

A staple for any couple who wants to truly understand how to love each other effectively, and to make the most of their marriage-strengthening efforts.
Books

Marriage; Sex
Getting the Love You Want: A Guide for Couples
by Harville Hendrix

Hendrix' Imago Relationship principles taught in this book are crucial components in creating a healthy and strong relationship, though the sexual relationship is not a direct focus of this book.
Books

Marriage
Children Are from Heaven: Positive Parenting Skills for Raising Cooperative, Confident, and Compassionate Children
by John Gray

This is one of my favorite parenting books! It takes a positive approach to parenting challenges. John Gray suggests the following five messages of positive parenting to give to children: It's okay to be different. It's okay to make mistakes. It's okay to express negative emotions. It's okay to want more. It's okay to say no, but remember mom and dad are the bosses.
Books

Parenting
Between Two Worlds: The Inner Lives of Children of Divorce
by Elizabeth Marquardt

Elizabeth Marquardt provides a compelling look at the experience of children of divorce. She asks if there really is such a thing as a “good divorce.” Determined to uncover the truth, Elizabeth Marquardt—herself a child of divorce—conducted, with Professor Norval Glenn, a pioneering national study of children of divorce. In Between Two Worlds, she weaves the findings of that study together with powerful stories of the childhoods of young people from divorced families. The hard truth, she says, is that while divorce is sometimes necessary, even amicable divorces sow lasting inner conflict in the lives of children. When a family breaks in two, children who stay in touch with both parents must travel between two worlds, trying alone to reconcile their parents’ often strikingly different beliefs, values, and ways of living. Marquardt’s book is essential reading for anyone who grew up “between two worlds” or wants to understand those that have.
Books

Divorce
Website Resources
     Favorite websites on marriage and other topics.
Smart Marriages
The Coalition for Marriage, Family and Couples Education (CMFCE)

The Coalition for Marriage, Family and Couples Education is dedicated to making marriage education more widely available by getting information about marriage out of the research labs and into the hearts and minds of the public. People can "get smarter" about marriage, and when they know better, they will do better.
Websites

Marriage
The Association for Couples in Marriage Enrichment (ACME)
Building Better Marriages

"Educating Couples for Lifelong Relationships." The Association for Couples in Marriage Enrichment is an international, non-profit, non-sectarian organization whose purpose is to promote better marriages by providing enrichment opportunities and resources that strengthen couple relationships, increase intimacy and enhance personal growth, mutual fulfillment and family wellness.
Websites

Marriage
LDSCounselors.net
Database of LDS Counselors and Therapists

LDSCounselors.net is a database of licensed counselors and therapists who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Since it is helpful to find a counselor or therapist who shares and/or understands your values, this resource will be helpful to those who are looking a professional with similar values. Included in this database are each of the LDS Family Services offices around the world as well. LDS Family Services can be contacted for additional referrals in your area that may not otherwise be listed on this website. You can search by License type or location. This resource is a product of The Association of Mormon Counselors and Psychotherapists (AMCAP).
Websites

Finding a Counselor
AAMFT Therapist Locator
Database of AAMFT Therapists

TherapistLocator.net is a database of therapists who are clinical members of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). Many are licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs) who are specially trained in marriage and family issues.
Websites

Finding a Counselor
Marriage Friendly Therapist Registry
The National Registry of Marriage Friendly Therapists

Marriage counseling is a complex form of therapy. Finding a well qualified marriage therapist, especially a marriage friendly therapist can be difficult. Counselors have varying degrees of commitment to marriage, which can affect the way they do therapy. Many therapists also lack training and experience in marriage counseling. The National Registry of Marriage Friendly Therapists is the only pro-commitment marriage counseling resource of top marriage therapists who are committed to support couples in building a stronger marriage.
Click here for: "Questions about Marriage Friendly Therapy"
Click here for: "Questions to Ask a Marriage Therapist"
Click here for: "What to Look For in a Marriage Therapist"
Click here for: "How [Non-Marriage Friendly] Therapists Can Harm Marriages"
Websites

Finding a Counselor
Christian Sex Therapists
American Board of Christian Sex Therapists (ABCST)

Finding a sex therapist can be difficult. Finding one that shares your values may be even more difficult. This list of Christian sex therapists will hopefully give you a place to start in finding a good therapist who specializes in sexual issues. ABCST is associated with Sexual Wholeness, Inc.
Websites

Finding a Counselor
Before Forever Premarital Resources

This website provides helpful premarital information to help couples better prepare for their future marriage. Sponsored by the BYU School of Family Life.
Websites

Preparing for Marriage
RELATE Marriage Questionnaires
The RELATE Institute Premarital and Marital Relationship Questionnaires

For a small fee this extensive online questionnaire provides valuable relationship information to discuss prior to marriage or within marriage. Whether you're dating, engaged, or already married, understanding yourself and your partner better helps you identify and discuss the challenges and strengths that exist in your relationship.

Click here for: FAQs about the survey
Websites

Preparing for Marriage
LifeSTAR Network

LifeSTAR Network provides individual, group, and family therapy to people struggling with pornography and sexual addictions. LifeSTAR has developed a variety of powerful educational tools, including a user-friendly workbook series and other supplementary materials to help addicts and their partners rise above addiction. With demand for services, programs, and products to overcome addictions increasing, the LifeSTAR Network was established to make the LifeSTAR program available through licensed LifeSTAR Network therapists nationwide.
Websites

Addictions
SelfGrowth.com

SelfGrowth.com is a complete guide to information about Self Improvement, Personal Growth and Self Help on the internet. It is designed to be an organized directory, with articles and references to thousands of self-help Web Sites on the World Wide Web.
Websites

Self-development
DearPeggy.com
Extramarital Affairs Resource Center

Peggy Vaughn, author of many books and articles on extramarital affairs provides helpful information and resources to help anyone affected by an affair.
Websites

Infidelity
NARTH
National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality

NARTH is a professional organization with a plethora of information and resources dealing with subjects concerning human sexuality and specifically same-gender attraction issues viewed from a traditional values perspective. The information and resources available here are written by outstanding authors, using the latest scientific research, but are also considered "politically incorrect" given their traditional family values perspective. This organization strives to insure that all the necessary information on same-gender issues is available, so that people can make informed personal and public policy decisions. You'll find information and resources on homosexuality, pornography, premature sexuality, and other related topics that are of interest to families as well as therapists and academicians.
Websites

Same-gender Attraction
Sexual Products Resources
         Some of the safest places we can find for sexual products, such as lingerie, lubricants, toys, etc.
The Act of Marriage

The Act of Marriage is a Christian website for married couples that sells sexual products such as, lingerie, lubricants, massage oils & lotions, and games to enhance the sexual experience between husband and wife. This is one of the few websites we've found where the lingerie is shown on mannequins instead of real people.
Sexual Products

Sex
Bliss -- Intimate Computer Game for Lovers

Bliss is a fun way to add some passion and spice to the intimate relationship. It can be adapted to any comfort level, and would be especially fun for those who have already worked through their inhibitions to develop greater comfort with the sexual relationship. One of the benefits of a "bedroom" game like this is that it allows for greater amounts of foreplay and types of foreplay, imbued with anticipation, to help both husband and wife get in the game! I recommend this fun and romantic couples computer game to all those who want to add some playfulness and passion to their intimate relationship.
Sexual Products

Sex, Marriage
Anticipation Products -- Intimate Oils, Gels, Creams

Enjoy these high-quality, edible lovemaking products for fun and functionality in your intimate relationship. This is an intimate products company you can feel good about supporting. Smell it...Feel it...Taste it...Love it!
Sexual Products

Sex
Getaways and Seminars for Couples
     Favorite romantic getaways and seminars for couples.
Anniversary Inn

The Anniversary Inn is one of Laura's favorite romantic getaways. With so many fun and different themed rooms to choose from it's a new adventure everytime. Each suite has a jetted tub, and large screen TVs to relax and get away from the cares of the world. Guests enjoy complimentary cheesecake and sparkling cider upon check in, as well as a freshly baked breakfast delivered directly to the room in the morning. The Anniversary Inn is one of America's most romantic inns, found in Salt Lake City, and Logan, Utah as well as Boise, Idaho. Check out the room photos and choose your favorite theme room to reserve for your romantic getaway.
Getaways

Sexual Intimacy Seminars
"Becoming One" Seminars with Emil Harker MS, MFT

Experience a frank and tasteful exploration of the elements of intimacy, and the road to mutually satisfying sexual fulfillment in marriage. Emil Harker, clinical member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT) presents these fun and enlightening seminars based on teachings in the book "And They Were Not Ashamed--Strengthening Marriage through Sexual Fulfillment" by Laura M. Brotherson. Seminars occur monthly in Layton, Utah (25 miles north of Salt Lake City) with upcoming seminars on Sat. Oct 20 and Sat. Nov 17, 2007. Cost is $100 per couple. Contact Emil Harker at (801) 543-2120 for more information and to reserve your spot. Visit his blog for more information.
Getaways

Sexual Intimacy, Marriage
Articles
      Favorite articles on marriage and other topics.
'Gay'-rights leader quits homosexuality
Rising star in movement says God liberated him from lifestyle

"'Gay'-rights leader quits homosexuality"
By Art Moore
www.WorldNetDaily.com

He was a rising star in the "gay rights" movement, but Michael Glatze now declares not only has he given up activism – he's no longer a homosexual. Glatze – who had become a frequent media source as founding editor of Young Gay America magazine – tells the story of his transformation in an exclusive column published by World Net Daily.
Articles

Same-gender Attraction