Therapy, Nudity & Joy: The Therapeutic Use of Nudity Through the Ages from Ancient Ritual to Modern Psychology [Hardcover]

Aileen Goodson (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Nude group psychotherapy is recommended by the author "for fast, positive changes in body-image and self-esteem problems." Goodson, who interviewed nude patients, nudists and sex surrogates, claims that nudity works wonders for improving communication and eliminating sexual guilt and body shame. A disorganized apologia for nudism dressed up in scholarly garb, this tome is fleshed out with a survey of nakedness in ancient cultures and early Christianity, a tour of nude beaches and parks, and a report on in-the-buff behavior at Esalen and Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh's ashrams. Reviewing nudity in art and movies, Goodson claims, with scant evidence, that pornography can be a valuable tool in therapy. She writes of infant massage, Wilhelm Reich and Aqua-energetics (nude group therapy in the swimming pool). Goodsen, a sexologist, is a researcher at the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality in San Francisco.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 381 pages
• Publisher: Elysium Growth Pr; 1St Edition edition (July 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1555990282
• ISBN-13: 978-1555990282
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,220,639 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, unbiased research into the effect of nudity, October 29, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Therapy, Nudity & Joy: The Therapeutic Use of Nudity Through the Ages from Ancient Ritual to Modern Psychology (Hardcover)

Goodson delivers an excellent, unbiased review of the role that nudity plays in our lives. She refutes the widely held beliefs, and sheds some light on why people chose nudity. Unlike Dr. Joyce Brothers comments about nudity, Goodson's statements are based on research. Even the mental health community in the U.S. fears tackling the subject due to American religious taboos, but Goodson, in a well written manner, exposes our true reactions to nudity from ancient times, in developing cultures, and in the modern era. For example, what constitutes nudity, driving embarrassment, differs by culture. She also shows the role that nudity plays in therapeutic healing, and maintaining a joyous perspective. This book is a very good read, and a must for anyone curious about legitimate reactions under the clothing. But be careful, you may find yourself seeking a naturist/nudist resort after reading this book.