Ami Rokach

Human sexuality touches us all, pun intended. We all either enjoy it, struggle with it, or may have been victims of it. Sexuality is not just about sex, but about human sexual function, the physiology of sex, the hormones involved and how they affect us, and the cultural norms related to it. Sexual function and dysfunction are closely tied to one’s self-esteem, self-respect, and to relationships with intimate partners. Human Sexuality: Function, Dysfunction, Paraphilias, and Relationships, explores the interplay of intimacy and sexuality; how it can enhance relationships, and how it can negatively affect them, or be affected by them. When individuals or partners encounter sexual problems or dysfunctions it can have a long-lasting affect both biologically and psychologically. Dr. Rokach explores the causes and the reasons that these dysfunctions are maintained, and successful treatment methods. Chapters on sexual offenses and paraphilias and what treatment options are available to sexual offenders are also included. This book is the first book to place sexuality where it belongs, within the context of relationships demonstrating how sexuality relates to intimacy by both enhancing and negatively affecting it.

Psychology of Romantic Relationships delves into the myriad factors that contribute to successful relationships. Starting with Intimacy in Romantic Relationships, the book unveils new facets of the complex dynamics underpinning successful marriages. From the pivotal role of communication and trust to the delicate balance of gratitude and forgiveness, each chapter provides insightful knowledge to understand and enhance marital bonds. Furthermore, the book covers additional, essential aspects such as the importance of mutual respect, the role of shared activities in bonding, and the impact of individual growth on relationship harmony. It is a must-read for psychologists, therapists, and anyone interested in the intricacies of love.

Adverse Childhood Experiences and Their Life-Long Impact explores how these experiences influence cognitive, behavioral and social experiences in adulthood. The book conceptualizes the types of violence, abuse, neglect, and/or trauma that factor into ACEs. It also explores the psychopathological outcomes of ACEs among children, including neurodevelopmental and psychosocial mechanisms. By drawing on cross-cultural perspectives, the authors provide insight into the variations between the adversity and trauma children experience. Sections also cover preventive measures, risk factors and various forms of interventional treatment, making this book a core read for psychologists, physicians, social workers, educators and researchers in the field.

There are three universal experiences that we cannot escape: loneliness, illness, and death. The Psychological Journey To and From Loneliness addresses what was termed the plague of the 21st century--loneliness. Loneliness is stigmatized in our society, so untold number of people walk around lonely, unable to do what is so naturally called for--make their suffering known, and approach others for company and support. Thankfully, loneliness is slowly, but steadily, coming out of the "closet." This book will highlight not only the experience and what can be done about it, but also the experiences that influence it (i.e., our childhood, cultural and religious influences, and our way of life) as well as the effects that loneliness has on various population groups and how it is experienced at different times in our lives. This volume reviews theoretical approaches to the study of loneliness: the (positive) functions that loneliness may serve in our lives; the stages in life when loneliness is quite "visible" and its effects on us; the life experiences that may strengthen the feeling that one is all alone and forgotten; life experiences that we do not commonly connect to loneliness but it is clearly present in them (e.g., pregnancy and childbirth); and the approaches that are available to copy with its pain and limit its negative effects on us. The book closes with a review of how psychotherapy can assist those who need encouragement and support in their struggle with loneliness. The book is particularly suitable for academics, researchers, and clinicians who aim to help clients identify, address, and cope with loneliness.

Psychotherapy and counseling are still largely stigmatized: the public at large neither knows what they are and do, nor are they ready to engage in them for fear of social ridicule and disapproval. The author, Dr. Ami Rokach, has been a clinical psychologist who conducted psychotherapy for the past 45 years; he also teaches undergraduate students at York University in Toronto, Canada. His dealings with students and the public at large revealed that most people do not understand what therapy is, have misconceptions about it, are afraid of being controlled by the therapist, and are quite unaware of the benefits that therapy may offer them. Written from the point of view of a therapist as well as a teacher of counseling, Finding Your Match: How to Find the Right Therapist for You clarifies what therapy is, who may need and benefit from it, how to increase the chance that it will be helpful, what are the theoretical schools of thought that may influence what a therapist does, what motivates people to attend therapy, and what causes others not to engage in it. The book is written in everyday terminology and is replete with a variety of real-life examples of clients and problems that are dealt with in the therapist’s office. Reading this book will clarify, for the public and students alike, what therapy is all about, what it can do, and who are the ones that can benefit from it the most.