There is a serious lack of resources for women struggling with pornography and other sexual issues. This has hindered many women from finding the help they need to recover. However, the stigma surrounding these issues is lifting.
Awareness for female porn and sex addicts is increasing, and conversations which were once dominated by masculine pronouns, are beginning to include the feminine voice. Stigma is slowly being lifted by those courageous enough to share their stories and walk with other women on their road to recovery.
Here are seven great resources for women:
No Stones is written by Marnie C. Ferree, a woman who not only has the wisdom of her own journey, but who has clinical expertise in female sexual addiction. This in-depth book contains three major sections: Firstly, it defines sexual addiction and the here-and-now realities for women struggling. Next, it delves deeply into root issues and inner child work. The final section deals with the practicalities of recovery and healing. It includes helpful excerpts from her family and provides a chapter for husbands and partners. This book is transformative for any woman struggling with sex, fantasy, porn, lust and relationships. It cuts to the very core of sexual addiction and exposes under-girding intimacy disorders with boldness and gentleness. No Stones is the primary resource The Grace Spot recommends to sexually wounded women.
Also authored by Marnie C. Ferree, the L.I.F.E Guide is a 21-assignment recovery workbook created for women struggling with sexual addiction in its many forms. It covers fantasy, love, relationships, pornography, masturbation, sex and a variety of other forms of acting out. It is a profoundly healing resource for women of all ages, written for use in a group setting, but also useful for one on one mentoring. Each ‘assignment’ (a series of poignant reflection questions and activities) builds on the last, gradually increasing the depth of reflection. It is tailored to suit women’s specific emotional, physical and spiritual needs in a clear but gentle way. This resource focuses on acknowledging root issues, past wounds and taking steps to heal within an accountability partnership or group.
Jessica Harris is a recovered pornography addict who has dedicated her life to bravely sharing her story to help women and girls know they are not alone in their struggles. She launched her website, Beggar’s Daughter in 2009, and continues to share meaningful and practical blogs and resources specifically written for women struggling with porn, sex and lust. She speaks at events around the world, and in 2016, published her book ‘Beggar’s Daughter’ which recounts her journey through pornography addiction into recovery.
Cassandra Hulse is part of the Reach 10 team, an organisation which aims to bring young adults together to create a new culture of compassion, connection and courage to replace the shame, silence and fear that keeps people stuck in the problems of pornography. She runs her own blog, Battle Together, focussing on topics relevant to women who struggle with pornography, as she once did. She writes healing words and encourages both men and women to battle together.
- Dirty Girls Ministries (Online Community and Book)
Dirty Girls Ministries was founded by Crystal Renaud in 2009. The mission of DGM is to break through the stigma that surrounds female porn and sexual addiction by creating safe spaces for women to find help, hope and healing, and to train others up to do the same. DGM offers online community, resources for accountability as well as coaching and consulting for churches and individuals who want to begin addressing pornography with the women they influence. Crystal is also the author ‘Dirty Girls Come Clean’, a recovery guide specifically for women. This book is easy to read and jam-packed with life changing and healing wisdom. It includes testimonies from female porn users and reflection questions to guide readers into healing.
- Women’s United Recovery Coalition (Online Community and Book)
Women’s United Recovery Coalition (WURC) is spearheaded by Lacy and Brie, who aim to create a community of women, the loved ones who support them, and the professionals dedicated to fostering recovery from female pornography addiction. Their mission is to raise awareness of female pornography exposure and addiction, and ensure all children are taught to protect themselves from potentially harmful behaviours. They run online recovery communities for women and significant others. Lacy is the author of ‘Overcoming Love Addiction: Your Recovery Roadmap’. Lacy weaves her own personal recovery journal, with practical, no-nonsense recovery options which provide a clear way out for women struggling with any fantasy or sexual addiction.
XXXChurch offer resources and community for men and women struggling with pornography. They are one of the largest pornography recovery ministries in the world. Much of their content is in helpful and practical blogs, but they also provide online courses, recovery groups, video content, coaching and resources tailored for either women or men. They also provide specific support for young people, students, spouses and parents. They are the creators of X3Watch, an invaluable accountability tool that any woman should have installed on her devices.
Looking to the future
Every year, more resources are created for women struggling with pornography and sexual addiction. The days where women search for ‘Pornography addiction + help’ online, to only find men’s resources, are coming to an end. The feminine voice is growing louder and being heard. If you are eager to be part of this movement, email your story to alice@thegracespot.com. These will be posted on the ‘Share Your Story’ section of the website under your name, chosen pseudonym or anonymously. Hearing other women’s stories is healing. It challenges the male-dominated recovery culture. Together, we can change the world and create more online content for those who need it.