Sex Is Perfectly Natural, But Not Naturally Perfect

M. Annabelle Richardson is head of Twilley Richardson & Associates,
Counselling and Consulting Services, in Perth, Ontario.

Now, I have a book that I can use as well as recommend to couples in my
therapeutic practice. It contains sufficient, understandable
“technical” and “how-to” information. It enables me to give
clients some steps that they can take to resolve simple problems; helps
me make distinctions between less-severe and more-severe difficulties;
and assists me in advising clients on the specific assessments that can
be done, often by the local general practitioner, where issues and
concerns present more complex problems.

Johanson writes in a warm, friendly style that on occasion becomes a
little too “folksy.” However, the forthright, honest approach goes a
long way toward dispelling the embarrassment that some readers might
feel. There is excellent information about specific difficulties, with
their current treatments well explained. The author expresses thoughtful
opinions in a considerate, confident voice. She deals with AIDS without
overly harping on the need to be careful. She appropriately places sex
within the context of the whole relationship, and includes a brief,
excellent section on ways to improve communication. She discusses
getting therapy, and provides terrific guidelines for ensuring that the
counselling source is credentialled and experienced. She goes further,
encouraging those who seek counselling to protect themselves from
abusive therapists. And there are sound suggestions as to what
individuals and couples can do while they are on that interminably long
“waiting list.”

I value the author’s listing of reading resources, arranged in basic
categories. The little case histories throughout the text help
illuminate important points, especially in relation to the feelings that
individuals experience during certain troublesome occasions. I would
have liked a list of video resources that the author has found helpful,
especially where the distinction between erotica and pornography can be
illustrated. I also found it unusual that she did not include the
resource book written by Canada’s pioneering sex-therapy couple, which
until now was the only solid reading material that I could offer my
clients.

I greatly appreciate this readable, informative text by a lady who
obviously knows her area of expertise and enjoys the people who seek out
her guidance.