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April 4, 2003
I am convinced that many Latter-day Saint couples struggle
in their marriages with sex-related issues. Not finding the
answers at church or General Conference, the rift these problems
create may be too small to ignore, yet many times not serious
enough to warrant therapy. As a counselor, I have learned that
an essential element for healing is a safe environment in which
to learn and express. Where can these LDS couples find the indepth
answers they seek in a safe, wholesome, trustworthy environment?
Laura Brotherson writes her book And They Were Not Ashamed:
Strengthening Marriage through Sexual Fulfillment with boldness
and confidence, using the scriptures and Church authorities as the
backbone for her information. She shines a light on a topic that
has been too long in the dark, and explains how all couples can
find sexual fulfillment in their marriage by heeding the word of
God. I believe that Sister Brotherson has created a tool in
which couples can find the answers they seek.
Although other books on this topic have been written,
Sister Brotherson's book is unique in several ways:
- She introduces her own theory of sexual discord
among LDS couples, called the "Good Girl Syndrome", and
supports her theory with relevant and valid research.
She also gives workable, practical solutions for
overcoming the "Good Girl Syndrome" that couples can
realistically apply.
- Sister Brotherson addresses the "HOW" of making
sexual intimacies better in marriage - a key factor
of learning about sexual fulfillment that the other
LDS books lack and does so in a way that is wholesome,
trustworthy and correct.
- In therapy, good counselors create an environment
where the person seeking help feels cared-for and
understood. By relating to women, I feel that Sister
Brotherson has more successfully created this tone in her
writing than any other author on this subject. The
reader will trust her.
- As the Church has recently re-affirmed the necessity
for each person and couple to become increasingly self-reliant,
this book supports that declaration by providing an excellent
self-help resource. Sister Brotherson repeatedly guides and
encourages readers to take issues, concerns and questions to
the Lord, thereby strengthening their relationship with Him
and lessening their reliance on others.
I have reviewed her work and find it to be accurate, valid
and informational. Because the book is gospel-centered, I believe
it will create lasting change in those who internalize it. I am
so excited that at last there is a really useful book about sex
for Mormon women by a Mormon woman!
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Richards, MS
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