Intimacy After Trauma
On sale
19th March 2026
Price: £17.99
Have you ever felt hesitant to let someone in because you’re scared of what they might find? Or have you been hiding parts of yourself because you’re convinced that the real you is “too much”?
In a world where conversations around trauma and intimacy are sparse, particularly within gay relationships, this essential book from experienced therapist, Michael Duryea, offers the perfect antidote. Laying the groundwork to transform shame into self-acceptance, this book places the shared experiences of gay men at its centre, exploring how cultural pressures, traumas and hidden fears can inform our approaches to closeness.
With therapeutic insights and practical exercises that encourage healing through mindfulness, forgiveness, communication and more, you’ll learn not only how to build trust and deepen intimacy with others, but you’ll also uncover your own strength and reshape the beliefs that kept you small. Whilst the path to healing is never straight-forward, with these reflections you’ll have all the tools you need to build a future where your connection with yourself and others can thrive.
In a world where conversations around trauma and intimacy are sparse, particularly within gay relationships, this essential book from experienced therapist, Michael Duryea, offers the perfect antidote. Laying the groundwork to transform shame into self-acceptance, this book places the shared experiences of gay men at its centre, exploring how cultural pressures, traumas and hidden fears can inform our approaches to closeness.
With therapeutic insights and practical exercises that encourage healing through mindfulness, forgiveness, communication and more, you’ll learn not only how to build trust and deepen intimacy with others, but you’ll also uncover your own strength and reshape the beliefs that kept you small. Whilst the path to healing is never straight-forward, with these reflections you’ll have all the tools you need to build a future where your connection with yourself and others can thrive.
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Reviews
Intimacy After Trauma is a manifesto on structural optimism in queer relationships. It shows that pitfalls may be dodged like briar patches with self-awareness, informed external voices, and recognition of the 'emotional climate' one has built with one's partner. It is a mille-feuille of queer insight and, with its combination of psychoanalysis and heart, it is a most edifying read!
Michael is a gifted clinician who brings his lived experience into a healing and helpful book. In a moment where automation is everywhere, this timely book brings a sense of helpfulness and humanity to gay men.
I read this book right after a breakup, and it honestly helped me make sense of a lot of things I'd been sitting with. It didn't take the pain away, but it gave me a clearer picture of what actually happened and how to move forward without carrying all the weight.