Permission for Pleasure: Tending Your Sexual Garden
Why don’t I like sex? How do I feel desire? Is something wrong with me?
Popular culture would like us to believe that problems in our sex lives can be solved with a quick list of new positions for mind-blowing orgasms, but that’s not where women will find the answers they’re looking for. Permission for Pleasure takes a different approach.
Women are invited to embark on this pocket-sized sexual wellness retreat to uncover the roots of what they believe—or have been told—about sex and their bodies. While there are certainly how-tos on topics ranging from clitoral stimulation to vibrators and lube, this guided exploration goes deeper into the core questions and education women must consider to embrace and enjoy their sexuality for themselves.
In whatever season of life you’re in, you can begin a journey of discovery with this guidebook, which is filled with easy-to-read explanations as well as journaling prompts and practices aimed at equipping women with knowledge and confidence in their sex lives.
Your guide is Cindy Scharkey, a long-time nurse and educator who’s spent more than 30 years fielding questions about sex, bodies, and desire. She not only rounds up the current science and information women need to know about sex; she helps readers take it to the next level by learning how to examine and implement it for themselves.
Curious to know what’s inside my book? Download a chapter now.
I Wrote This Book For:
the hope of providing education and guidance for any woman wherever she might be on her sexual discovery journey.
women who never talk about sexual health out loud.
mothers to give to their daughters.
friends to talk about with one another.
young people just coming into a sexual relationship with themselves.
you!
What Our Book Lovers Have
To Say
An answer for all the times you've asked 'Am I normal?"
No matter who you are or where you are at in life, this book will make you feel seen. Never in my wildest dreams could I imagine that discussing sex, desire, and pleasure could be a comfortable conversation. Cindy does just that in her book “Permission for Pleasure.” She makes communication feel easy and natural as she guides you through a journey to better understand yourself. With prompts to ponder, exercises to practice, and conversation starters throughout, this book is a gift to us all. Everyone can benefit from a friend like Cindy to tell you the answer to all the times you have asked 'Is this normal?'
- Abby
Thank you!
I want to tell you how much I have enjoyed your book and the encouragement to receive “permission” for all the topics you address in your book. WOW…I have a whole new perspective and all thanks to YOU!
- Big fan of yours
Cast Away Shame
Having followed Cindy for years, I thought I knew what to expect from "Permission for Pleasure." I was wrong! This book is a revelation, even for those familiar with her work. Cindy tackles the pervasive issue of shame, particularly around sexuality and body image, with compassion and clarity. She guides readers on a journey toward self-acceptance and embracing pleasure in all its forms.
One of the most powerful messages for me was Cindy's assertion that "Shame is a lousy compass..." This resonated deeply as I navigate raising three young children. "Permission for Pleasure" has equipped me to approach conversations about bodies and sexuality with openness and honesty, fostering a healthy and shame-free environment for them.
This book is more than just insightful; it's practical. Cindy provides actionable steps to help readers identify and challenge their own internalized shame. Whether you're seeking to reclaim your own sexuality or raise children who are confident and comfortable in their bodies, "Permission for Pleasure" is an essential guide. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and liberation."
- Josie
“This is the perfect read for those women who are investing their time and energy in building sexual confidence and improving their sexual well-being. For women and therapists out there like myself, who just love to stay in the know and keep learning about female sexuality – this is a must for your book collection and a great new book recommendation for clients.”
- Orlagh Reid, Ireland
“This book is a vital part of the revolution of women embodying their power by understanding their body and accessing agency and pleasure on their own terms. Please read it, and after you read it again give it to a friend.”
- Hillary McBride, PhD, author of The Wisdom of Your Body
