A guide to psychedelics as a path to healing, love, and reconnection with the body. Praised by Kirkus Reviews as "a compelling, radical exploration of psychedelics' healing potential."
In this groundbreaking book, psychotherapist and psychedelic integration expert Dee Dee Goldpaugh shows how the profound healing and restorative effects of psychedelics can help us heal our sexuality, reconnect with pleasure, find wholeness, and feel good again.
Drawing on:
- Recent research on trauma and PTSD
- Case studies from more than a decade of professional clinical work
- The author's own healing journey from sexual trauma
Goldpaugh explores specific ways psychedelics can support sexual healing, enhance intimacy, and deepen interpersonal connection. She examines the therapeutic uses of MDMA, psilocybin, ayahuasca, mescaline, 5-MeO-DMT, and other compounds, and offers a range of integration techniques and somatic exercises to help release trauma and foster insight. She also examines the methodology behind psychedelic-assisted therapy and how readers can safely navigate risks.
Revealing the transformative power of embracing pleasure for healing sexual trauma, Embrace Pleasure provides an essential guide to psychedelic sexuality as a path to healing and love.
Note: this book is intended for adult readers and discusses sexual trauma and the therapeutic use of psychedelic substances.
Praise
"A compelling, radical exploration of psychedelics' healing potential… personal and scientifically sound." — Kirkus Reviews
"A seminal and groundbreaking study." — Midwest Book Reviews
"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." — Ian Kerner, PhD, LMFT, NYT bestselling author of She Comes First
"Goldpaugh reminds us that the war on drugs has always been a war on pleasure." — Julie Holland, MD, editor of The Pot Book
About the author
Dee Dee Goldpaugh is a psychotherapist, educator, clinical consultant, and a leading voice in the development of psychedelic integration psychotherapy — particularly with survivors of sexual trauma. A facilitator of ketamine-assisted retreats for individuals and couples, she has taught and published widely on psychedelics, sexuality, trauma, gender, and spirituality. A frequent presenter at international conferences and trainings, she lives in Woodstock, New York.
