Anxieties about future and current relationships can be reduced when survivors learn better how to distinguish abusers from nonabusers. (21 pp.)

This chapter focuses on three major areas in which sexual repercussions following incest are evident. These areas are (1) sexual emergence in early adulthood, (2) sexual orientation and preference, and (3) sexual arousal, response, and satisfaction.(27 pp.)

Sexual problems that resulted from incest do not go away by themselves. Treating them successfully requires an effective, well-focused effort that addresses the ingrained results of the abuse. This chapter gives guidelines for survivors to begin repairing their attitudes and behaviors regarding sex. (22 pp.)

Relationships can be weakened by the problems incest brings. When couples work as a team to meet this relationship crisis, they are able to feel closer and more secure with each other. This chapter will focus on what the partner experiences, what each partner needs from the other, and how the couple can work together.(35 pp.)

The intent of this chapter is to empower survivors and partners of survivors by offering practical information on different aspects of therapy for incest and sexuality concerns. Counselors and therapists treating incest survivors may also find this chapter helpful for further developing their approaches and skills. The topics covered are (1) understanding therapy, (2) finding a therapist, (3) beginning therapy, (4) incest resolution therapy, and (5) sex therapy. (55 pp.)

When a survivor makes the choice to face the incest directly, her burden of pain and hurt can be lifted. The incest will always be part of her past, but she can choose to remove its hold on her life. A survivor can claim her identity as a healthy, sexual person. (15 pp.)

• Sexuality Concerns of Male Incest Survivors
• Review of Research
• Worksheet on a Sequence of Dating and Sexual Behaviors
  (36 pp.)

This chapter will discuss some coping methods survivors have used during molestation. It will also describe the role these methods later played in hampering sexual satisfaction. Problems can arise when survivors continue to employ old coping methods in adult sexual relations where there is no longer any threat to their well-being. Since coping methods were developed during traumatic situations, they tend to be deeply ingrained and hard to let go of. (19 pp.)

The immediate effects of the trauma of incest are often fear and immobilization. The impact is even more significant because the incest often lasts a long time and may not be addressed for years. It can lead to chronic depression, guilt, a sense of powerlessness, and poor self-esteem. These feelings may be manifested in many self-destructive activities, such as alcohol and drug abuse, suicide attempts, and sexual relationships in which the survivor continues to be victimized.(21 pp.)

Incest profoundly influences what survivors learn about sex and what they come to believe is expected sex role behavior. While no one can erase the past, it is possible with knowledge to break away from the crippling beliefs of the past and to learn to appreciate healthy sexuality.(22 pp.)