Recommended Books and Films

Here, you'll see what's on our bookshelves and our night-tables. We strongly believe in educating yourself on sex addiction and here are helpful lists on what to read.

Addiction/Sex Addiction/Pornography Books

Mindful Recovery by Thomas Bien, Ph.D., & Beverly Bien, M.Ed.
The Centerfold Syndrome: How Men Can Overcome Objectification & Achieve Intimacy with Women by Gary R. Brooks, Ph.D.
Lust, Anger & Love: Understanding Sexual Addiction & The Road to Healthy Intimacy by Maureen Canning, M.A., LMFT
Pornography: Driving the Demand In International Sex Trafficking by Captive Daughters Media
Hooked on the Net by Andrew Careaga (Christian-based)
A Gentle Path Through the Twelve Steps: The Classic Guide for All People in the Process of Recovery by Patrick Carnes, Ph.D.
Contrary to Love: Helping the Sexual Addict by Patrick Carnes, Ph.D.
Don’t Call It Love by Patrick Carnes, Ph.D.
Facing the Shadow: Starting Sexual and Relationship Recovery by Patrick Carnes, Ph.D. 
In the Shadow of the Net: Breaking Free of Compulsive Online Behavior by Patrick Carnes, Ph.D. et al
Out of the Shadows: Understanding Sexual Addiction by Patrick Carnes, Ph.D.
Sexual Anorexia: Overcoming Sexual Self-Hatred by Patrick Carnes, Ph.D. 
Desire: Where Sex Meets Addiction by Susan Cheever
Disclosing Secrets: When, To Whom & How Much to Reveal by M. Deborah Corley, Ph.D. & Jennifer Schneider, M.D.
A Woman’s Guide Through the Twelve Steps by Stephanie Covington
I Surrender All: Rebuilding a Marriage Broken by Pornography by Clay & Renee Crosse
The Spiritual Dimensions of Healing Addictions by Donna Cunningham, MSW & Andrew Ramey
Pornland: How Porn Has Hijacked our Sexuality by Dr. Gail Dines
The Brain That Changes Itself by Norman Doidge, M.D. (see Acquiring Tastes and Loves chapter)
The Tao of Sobriety by David Gregson & Jay S. Efran, Ph.D.
One Breath at a Time: Buddhism & The Twelve Steps by Kevin Griffin
The Skinner Box Effect: Sexual Addiction & Online Pornography by T.M. Grundner, Ed.D
An Affair of the Mind by Laurie Hall
Trauma and Addiction by Tian Dayton
Healing the Addictive Personality by Dr. Lee Jampolsky 
Getting Off: Pornography and the End of Masculinity by Dr. Robert Jensen
The Drug of the New Millennium: The Brain Science Behind Internet Pornography Use by Mark B. Kastleman
Erotic Intelligence: Igniting Hot, Healthy Sex While in Recovery from Sexual Addiction by Alexandra Katehakis
Divine Therapy Addiction: Centering Prayer & The Twelve Steps by Father Thomas Keating
The Spirituality of Imperfection by Ernest Kurtz and Katherine Ketchem
Appetites by Caroline Knapp
The Social Costs of Pornography: A Statement of Findings and Recommendationsby Mary Ann Layden and Mary Eberstadt
Porn Nation: Conquering America's #1 Addiction by Michael Leahy
The Porn Trap: The Essential Guide to Overcoming Problems Caused by Pornography by Wendy Maltz, LCSW, DST and Larry Maltz, LCSW
A Male Grief: Notes on Pornography and Addiction—An Essay by David Mura
The Addictive Personality: Understanding the Addictive Process and Compulsive Behavior by Craig Nakken 
Pornified: How Pornography is Damaging Our Lives by Pamela Paul
The Truth About Addiction & Recovery by Stanton Peele, Ph.D.
Addicted to Unhappiness by Martha H. Pieper, Ph.D. & William J. Pieper, M.D.
Love and Pornography: Dealing with Porn and Saving Your Relationship by Victoria and Gary Prater
The Alcoholism & Addiction Cure by Chris Prentiss
Secret Keeping: Overcoming Hidden Habits and Addictions by John Howard Prin
Confronting Your Spouse's Pornography Problem by Rory C. Reid, LSCW & Dan Gray, LCSW
Cupid's Poisoned Arrow: From Habit to Harmony in Sexual Relationships by Marnia Robinson
Escape from Intimacy: Untangling the "Love" Addictions: Sex, Romance, Relationships by Anne Wilson Schaef
Cybersex Exposed: Simple Fantasy or Obsession? by Jennifer Schneider. M.D. and Robert Weiss, LCSW, CAS
The War of the Gods in Addiction: C.G. Jung, Alcoholics Anonymous & Archetypal Evil by David E. Schoen
Recovery: The Sacred Art —The Twelve Steps As Spiritual Practice by Rabbi Rami Shapiro
Against the Machine: How the Web is Reshaping Culture & Commerce, And Why It Matters by Lee Siegel (see Epilogue: Homo Interneticus)
Treating Pornography Addiction: The Essential Tools for Recovery by Dr. Kevin B. Skinner
Breaking Free from Sex Addiction: Helping Him Overcome Pornography by L. Stone & C. Darland
Wired for Intimacy: How Pornography Hijacks the Male Brain by William M. Struthers
The Real Thirteenth Step by Tina B. Tessina, Ph.D.
Rational Recovery: The New Cure for Substance Addiction by Jack Trimpey
Untangling the Web: Sex, Porn & Fantasy Obsession in the Internet Age by Robert Weiss, LCSW, CAS & Jennifer Schneider, M.D.

Official 12-Step Recovery Books

S.L.A.A. Big Book by The Augustine Fellowship, Sex & Love Addicts Anonymous
As We Understood by Al-Anon
Courage to Change by Al-Anon
One Day at a Time in Al-Anon by Al-Anon
Opening Our Hearts; Transforming Our Losses by Al-Anon
Reflections of Hope by S-Anon
S-Anon Twelve Steps by S-Anon
Working the S-Anon Program by S-Anon
The White Book by Sexaholics Anonymous

Books for Partners of Sex Addicts

The Journey from Abandonment to Healing by Susan Anderson
Beyond Codependency by Melody Beattie
Codependent No More by Melody Beattie
The Codependent’s Guide to the Twelve Steps by Melody Beattie
The Language of Letting Go by Melody Beattie
Playing It by Heart by Melody Beattie
Deceived: Facing Sexual Betrayal, Lies & Secrets by Deborah Black, Ph.D.
Lust, Anger, Love: Understanding Sexual Addiction and the Road to Healthy Intimacy by Maureen Canning
The Betrayal Bond: Breaking Free of Exploitive Relationships by Patrick Carnes, Ph.D.
A Gentle Path Through the Twelve Steps by Patrick Carnes, Ph.D.
Mending a Shattered Heart: A Guide for Partners of Sex Addicts  edited by Stephanie Carnes, Ph.D.
A Woman’s Guide Through the Twelve Steps by Stephanie Covington
Breaking Free from Sexual Addiction by L. Stone & C. Darland
Women, Sex and Addiction: A Search for Love and Power by Charlotte Davis Kasl
Facing Codependence by Pia Mellody
Relationships: from Addiction to Authenticity by Claudine Pletcher and Sally Bartolameolli
Exploring the Wonders of Recovery: A Companion Guide to S-Anon Twelve Stepsby S-Anon 
Working the S-Anon Program by S-Anon
S-Anon Twelve Steps by S-Anon
Your Sexually Addicted Spouse by Barbara Steffans, Ph.D, LPCC and Marsha Means, M.A.
Hope After Betrayal: Healing When Sexual Addiction Invades Your Marriage by Meg Wilson

Addiction/Codependency/Narcissim within Jungian and General Psychology Books

Anything by Alice Miller, Marion Woodman and/or Robert Johnson, Anything at all. These three authors should be required reading in college. Sadly, this is not so.

The Highly Sensitive Person by Elaine Arons, Ph.D.
Goddesses in Every Woman: A New Psychology of Women by Jean Shinoda Bolen, M.D.
Gods In Every Man: A New Psychology of Men by Jean Shinoda Bolen, M.D.
Soul Without Shame: A Guide to Liberating Yourself from the Judge Within by Byron Brown
Knowing Woman: Feminine Psychology by Irene Claremont de Castillejo
The Sacred Prostitute: Eternal Aspect of the Feminine by Nancy Qualls Corbett
Absent Fathers, Lost Sons—The Search for Masculine Identity by Guy Corneau
The Narcissistic Family: Diagnosis and Treatment by Donalson-Pressman and Pressman
The Fantasy Bond by Robert Firestone, Ph.D.
The Dark Side of the Light Chasers by Debbie Ford
Mothers, Sons & Lovers - How a Man's Relationship to His Mother Affects the Rest of His Life by Michael Gurian
The Emotionally Unavailable Man: A Blueprint for Healing by Patti Henry, M. Ed., LPC
Stalking The Soul by Marie-France Hirigoyen
He by Robert A. Johnson
She by Robert A. Johnson
We by Robert A. Johnson
The Spirituality of Imperfection by Ernest Kurtz and Katherine Ketchem
The Flying Boy by John Lee
On the Way to the Wedding: Transforming the Love Relationship by Linda Schierse Leonard
The Wounded Woman: Healing the Father Daughter Relationship by Linda Schierse Leonard
Men and Sex: New Psychological Perspectives by Ronald Levant & Gary R. Brooks, Ph.D.
The Way of Woman by Helen Luke
For Your Own Good by Alice Miller
King, Warrior, Magician, Lover: Rediscovering the Archetypes of the Mature Masculine by Robert Moore, Douglas Gillette
Dreams of a Woman by Sheila Moon
Legacy of the Heart: The Spiritual Advantages of a Painful Childhood by Wayne Muller
The Addictive Personality by Craig Nakken
Getting Through The Day: Strategies for Adults Hurt as Children by Nancy J. Napier
Recreating Your Self by Nancy J. Napier
Amor & Psyche: The Psychic Development of the Feminine by Erich Neumann
Celtic Queen Maeve and Addiction: an Archetypical Perspective by Sylvia Brinton Perera
Man Enough—Fathers, Sons & The Search for Masculinity by Frank Pittman, M.D.
Non-Violent Communication: A Language of Compassion by Marshall B. Rosenberg, Ph.D.
War of the Gods in Addiction by David E. Schoen
Embracing Our Selves by Hal Stone, Ph.D. & Sidra Stone, Ph.D.
Embracing Your Inner Critic by Hal Stone, Ph.D., & Sidra Stone, Ph.D.
Radical Forgiveness by Colin Tipping
The Problem of the Puer Aeternus by Marie Louise von Franz
The Flight from Intimacy by Janae & Barry Weinhold
Boundaries and Relationships by Charles Whitfield
Addiction to Perfection: The Still Unravished Bride by Marion Woodman
Obesity, Anorexia Nervosa & The Repressed Feminine by Marion Woodman
The Owl Was a Baker’s Daughter: Obesity, Anorexia Nervosa & the Repressed Feminine by Marion Woodman 
Narcissistic Lovers by Cynthia Zayn and Kevin Dibble

Trauma Books (highly recommended)

Trauma and Recovery by Judith Herman, M.D.
Healing Trauma by Peter A. Levine, Ph.D.
Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma by Peter A. Levine, Ph.D.
The Body Remembers by Babbette Rothschild
The Body Bears the Burden by Robert C. Scaer
The Trauma Spectrum: Hidden Wounds and Human Resiliency by Robert C. Scaer

Books on Relationships

Anything by David Schnarch, Ph.D. and anything by John Wellwood

Open Hearts: Renewing Relationships with Recovery, Romance & Reality by Patrick Carnes, Ph.D., Debra Laaser & Mark Laaser, Ph.D.
The Ethics of Interpersonal Relationships by Robert W. Firestone, Ph.D. and Joyce Cattlett
The Fantasy Bond: Structure of Psychological Defenses by Robert W. Firestone, Ph.D. & Joyce Catlett
Fear of Intimacy by Robert W. Firestone, Ph.D. & Joyce Catlett
Getting the Love You Want by Harville Hendrix, Ph.D.
Go Away, Come Closer: A Book About Intimacy by Terry Hershey
The Eden Project: In Search of the Magical Other: A Jungian Perspective on Relationship by James Hollis
Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love by Dr. Sue Johnson
If The Buddha Dated by Charlotte Kasl, Ph.D.
If the Buddha Married by Charlotte Kasl, Ph.D.
She Comes First by Ian Kerner, Ph.D.
He Comes Next by Ian Kerner, Ph.D.
Embracing the Beloved: Relationship as a Path of Awakening by Stephen & Ondrea Levine
The Truth About Love by Dr. Patricia Love
Passionate Hearts: The Poetry of Sexual Love by Wendy Maltz, LCSW, DST, Molly Peacock & Barry McCarthy
The Sexual Healing Journey: A Guide for Survivors of Sexual Abuse by Wendy Maltz, LCSW, DST
Transformation Through Intimacy: Towards a Mature Monogamy by Robert A Masters, Ph.D.
The Way of the Lover by Robert A. Masters, Ph.D.
Daring To Trust: Opening Ourselves To Real Love and Intimacy by David Richo
How to Be An Adult in Relationships: The Five Keys to Mindful Loving by David Richo
When Love Meets Fear: Becoming Defense-Less and Resource-Full by David Richo
Enchanted Love by Marianne Williamson

Movies/Documentaries

The Price of Pleasure:Pornography, Sexuality & Relationships (www.mediaed.org)
The Price of Pleasure (www.thepriceofpleasure.com)
Generation M: Misogyny in Media & Culture (www.mediaed.org)
Dreamworlds 3: Desire, Sex & Power in Music Video (www.mediaed.org)
Somebody's Daughter: A Journey to Freedom from Pornography (www.musicforthe soul.org/somebodys.html)
The Fantasy Bond (from Intimate Relationship Series) (www.glendon.org)
Closeness Without Bonds (www.glendon.org)
Human Trafficking (with Mira Sorvino, Donald Sutherland and Robert Carlysle)
Addict to Addict (www.sexaddict.com)
Partner to Partner (www.sexaddict.com)
Sexual Anorexia (www.sexaddict.com)
Married & Alone: Healing for Spouses of Sexual Anorexics (www.sexaddict.com)
Now That I Know, What Should I Do? (for partners of sex addicts) (www.sexaddict.com)
I Am a Sex Addict (2005)
Choke