HOW PSYCHEDELICS CAN HEAL OUR SEXUALITY
A COMPELLING, RADICAL EXPLORATION OF PSYCHEDELICS’ HEALING POTENTIAL.
“Goldpaugh offers a personal account, anchored in history and science, of the benefits of psychedelic use. The author, a psychotherapist with 17 years of experience treating patients and a special expertise in somatically oriented trauma therapies, here delves into the ways in which psychedelic drugs can heal a stilted sexuality and enhance pleasure. The book represents a culmination of Goldpaugh’s own 20-year healing journey (“nothing has ever been capable of helping me feel, express, move through, and ultimately reconnect to pleasure in the way psychedelic medicines have”), combining the raw vulnerability of a memoir with well-researched historical and scientific information while demonstrating a strong understanding of how the author’s experience with psychedelics fits into a broader narrative of Indigenous and Western uses.”
-
“Goldpaugh skillfully locates personal histories—their own, and that of their patients—within a sacred ancient tradition, combining cutting-edge trauma research with individual case studies. The book offers novel and easy-to-understand insights into how substances like psilocybin, MDMA, and LSD can aid in sexual healing and relationship satisfaction. Goldpaugh illustrates the potential of these substances—which were long stigmatized and criminalized by the American government—to foster deeper connections, mend strained relationships, and promote a more pleasurable outlook on life. (“They all start as tools in the hands of therapists and psychiatrists with tremendous promise…But when people started using these very same substances as vehicles for personal spiritual growth, sexual enhancement, pleasure, and even political revolution…they were recast by the authorities as threats to the public good.”) The author recommends working with a professional therapist to ensure a safe and thoughtfully paced exploration of psychedelics. They also address systemic barriers to pleasure under capitalism, adding empathy and insight. Finally, Goldpaugh addresses the pleasurable aspect of using these substances, bravely rejecting Western scientists’ prioritization of measurable, productivity-maximizing results. The result is a book that feels personal and scientifically sound.
A compelling, radical exploration of psychedelics’ healing potential.”
“There is a powerful alchemy in the combination of sexuality and psychedelics that offers extraordinary possibilities for pleasure, healing, and actualization. Goldpaugh is both a trailblazer and a trustworthy guide in this respect, and Embrace Pleasure immediately establishes itself as an ESSENTIAL WORK for all seeking insight and transformation.”
– Ian Kerner, PhD, LMFT, sex therapist and New York Times bestselling author of She Comes First
“In a world where pleasure is pathologized, Embrace Pleasure is a BREATH OF FRESH AIR. This is the book the world needs to begin to heal its sexuality and move from trauma to joy. Reading it helped me understand my journey and has given me a clear path to support others in healing. Full of fascinating information, this is essential reading for anyone seeking deeper self-awareness and more pleasure in life.”
– Tammy Nelson PhD, TEDx speaker, host of the podcast The Trouble with Sex, and author of Open Monogamy
“Under the guidance of a master clinician and fellow traveler, Embrace Pleasure is a GROUNDBREAKING BOOK that integrates sexuality, psychedelics, and profound personal growth. Suited for experienced practitioners, newbies, and curious observers, it provides an overview of the use of psychedelics that has until this point been woefully inattentive to the impact of individual and collective trauma on intimacy, connection, and pleasure. Goldpaugh takes direct aim at the personal, cultural, and professional narratives that have hindered expansive experiences of sexuality and healing. The personal stories of transformation are the heart of this book and include a wide variety of storytellers interviewed by Goldpaugh with moving skill and sensitivity. At a time of such great uncertainty and trauma, this book is urgently needed. Run, don’t walk, to your nearest bookseller!”
– Suzanne Iasenza, PhD, author of Transforming Sexual Narratives and cofounder of the Sex Therapy Program at the Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy
“Finally, a healing resource that combines the ancient power of sex with the wisdom and medicinal nourishment of psychedelics. Now more than ever, we need to embrace pleasure where we can find it, and this book is the warm hug we need to navigate tumultuous times—both inside and out. A must-read HEALING GUIDE for weary hearts and hungry souls seeking to create meaningful sex and satisfying relationships.”
– Cyndi Darnell, sex and relationships therapist and author of Sex When You Don’t Feel Like It
“There’s no better author for this much-needed book on healthy eroticism. It is helpful, practical, and LONG OVERDUE. Goldpaugh reminds us that the war on drugs has always been a war on pleasure and that ‘being present with pleasure, sensation, and deep joy even for a moment is a radical act.’”
– Julie Holland, MD, editor of The Pot Book and author of Good Chemistry
“Creative and erudite, Dee Dee Goldpaugh’s Embrace Pleasure offers a highly readable and entertaining narrative style that is also DEEPLY INFORMED by scientific research and anthropological perspectives. Once you’ve read it, your perspectives on sexual trauma, psychedelic therapy, and the healing power of pleasure will be transformed.”
– Jeffrey Guss, MD, psychiatrist, psychoanalyst, and clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at NYU School of Medicine
“With a pleasurable rush, Dee Dee Goldpaugh’s Embrace Pleasure FILLS THE VACUUM created by hundreds of grimly serious books about psychedelics. Imagine acquiring practical, well-researched knowledge that you can use to transmute your emotional pain by skillfully embracing pleasure! I wholeheartedly recommend it.”
– Charles Wininger, LP, LMHC, author of Listening to Ecstasy