Groundbreaking intimacy research reveals what the average married couple most needs (and wants!) to know
BLOOMINGTON, Minn., Nov. 30, 2022 — To help couples intimately understand their spouse and create the marriage they have always wanted, social researcher and relationship expert Shaunti Feldhahn and licensed sex therapist and pastor Dr. Michael Sytsma have co-authored an insightful, fascinating, and practical guide based on vast clinical experience and breakthrough research. “Secrets of Sex & Marriage” releases February 7, 2023, from Bethany House Publishers.
“Secrets of Sex & Marriage” offers revealing findings from The Marriage Intimacy Project; a study of 5,300 individuals about the most intimate aspects of their relationships. This research includes one of the largest nationally-representative surveys ever conducted with married couples about sex. Feldhahn and Dr. Sytsma provide actionable knowledge and takeaways, including tips from Dr. Sytsma’s more than 35 years of clinical experience. This is information readers can trust, from both a scientific and faith perspective. As one reader put it, “This book was so helpful and down to earth. It was like a conversation with a friend – if your friend happened to be a pastor and a sex therapist.”
That approachability was what Feldhahn and Dr. Sytsma were going for. “Sexual intimacy is one of the most common issues in marriage, with almost 80% of couples mismatched in how often they want it,” said Feldhahn. “It does not have to be that way. We focused on digging out the practical guidance that will help readers better understand their spouse and create the marriage they have always wanted.”
“Secrets of Sex & Marriage” provides insight into what helps couples maintain a healthy relationship in both physical intimacy and the larger context of general marital intimacy overall. Feldhahn and Dr. Sytsma share specific types of intentional connections and communication that create a loving and affirming marriage.
Highlighting key misconceptions, myths and assumptions about sexual fulfillment, Feldhahn and Dr. Sytsma have made it easy for couples to talk openly and honestly about their intimacy hopes, expectations, and desires. “Secrets of Sex & Marriage” addresses many of the questions husbands and wives often ponder, such as:
Are we normal?
Why isn't my spouse interested in sex like I am?
I don't want to feel pressured, but don't want to disappoint my spouse either. What do I do?
How do we handle the impact of medication, menopause, porn, ED, pain...?
Most importantly: How can we get on the same page and create a thriving intimate life that is equally satisfying for both partners?
“Sexual intimacy is about so much more than pleasure,” said Dr. Sytsma. “The physical expression of love between a husband and wife should not be hindered because of wrong assumptions. I believe the insights in this book have the potential to transform many marriages.”
For more information about “Secrets of Sex & Marriage,” visit bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/secrets-of-sex-and-marriage/410150.
About the Authors
Shaunti Feldhahn is a bestselling author, social researcher, speaker, and podcaster. With a graduate degree from Harvard, Shaunti uses her analytical background to help relationships thrive. She and her husband, Jeff, have coauthored groundbreaking relationship books with nearly 3 million copies sold. For more information, visit shaunti.com.
Dr. Michael Sytsma is an ordained minister, licensed professional counselor, certified sex therapist, professor, and national speaker. With over 30 years of clinical experience in sex therapy, he founded Building Intimate Marriages, Inc. and co-founded Sexual Wholeness, Inc. For more information, visit intimatemarriage.org.
About Bethany House Publishers
Bethany House has been publishing high-quality books for more than 60 years. From humble beginnings as the publishing arm of a missions organization, it is now a division of Baker Publishing Group, the industry’s largest independent Christian book publisher. Bethany House seeks to uplift readers’ families, faith, and free time with our library of industry-leading fiction and bestselling, Christ-centered nonfiction. For more information, visit bakerpublishinggroup.com/bethanyhouse.