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Unashamed: Notes From the Diary of a Sex Therapist
Dive into a transformative journey with Neha Bhat, the insightful mind behind @indiansextherapist on Instagram, as she fearlessly tackles the intricacies of sex, sexuality, trauma and shame in her groundbreaking book, Unashamed.
In a society that often hushes discussions on the most fundamental aspects of human existence, Neha invites readers to explore the uncharted territories of their own desires. With a unique blend of empathy, humor, reflection and unwavering expertise, she dismantles the stigma surrounding sexuality, in turn, asking readers to embrace the full spectrum of their desires without reservation.
Unashamed delves deep into the psychological landscape of shame, unraveling the roots that bind individuals and communities to outdated norms. Through engaging anecdotes, relatable case studies, and her own experiences as a sex therapist, Neha provides a roadmap for individuals seeking to understand, accept, and celebrate their unique sexual identities. Exercises, quizzes, and journalling prompts in the book gives readers practical tools to break free from the shackles of shame and embark on a liberating journey towards self-discovery.
Unashamed is a celebration of diversity, self-love, and the profound beauty of authentic human connections. Prepare to embark on a transformative journey that will leave you self-aware and empowered, paving the way for a more free and synchronized way of being in this complex world.
In a society that often hushes discussions on the most fundamental aspects of human existence, Neha invites readers to explore the uncharted territories of their own desires. With a unique blend of empathy, humor, reflection and unwavering expertise, she dismantles the stigma surrounding sexuality, in turn, asking readers to embrace the full spectrum of their desires without reservation.
Unashamed delves deep into the psychological landscape of shame, unraveling the roots that bind individuals and communities to outdated norms. Through engaging anecdotes, relatable case studies, and her own experiences as a sex therapist, Neha provides a roadmap for individuals seeking to understand, accept, and celebrate their unique sexual identities. Exercises, quizzes, and journalling prompts in the book gives readers practical tools to break free from the shackles of shame and embark on a liberating journey towards self-discovery.
Unashamed is a celebration of diversity, self-love, and the profound beauty of authentic human connections. Prepare to embark on a transformative journey that will leave you self-aware and empowered, paving the way for a more free and synchronized way of being in this complex world.
- GenresNonfictionSelf Help
256 pages, Paperback
Published July 17, 2024
24 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 26, 2024
By no means an easy book to read, but in many ways quite transformative. Bhat’s deep understanding of shame and sexual-emotional trauma and how they affect our social relationships is unnerving at times. So much to learn about our attachment styles, interpersonal conflicts (and resolutions) and perhaps for me, most enduringly, forgiveness.
June 23, 2024
Shame is a negative type of emotion that makes a person feel conscious of themselves in such a way that it blocks that person from feeling good about themselves.
This book has been designed as a therapeutic journey for understanding psychological complexities related to se*ual shame.
Book: Unashamed-Notes from the diary of s*x therapist.
Author: Neha Bhat
Genre: Non-Fiction/Psychology
Publisher @harpercollinsin
Ebook available
Neha Bhat is a clinical s*x focused trauma therapist. She aims to help people heal from se*ual shame and expand their understanding of se*ual trauma for a more joyful life.
In this book she shares case narratives from her real therapy session with her clients (with their consent). Through these cases she aims to create awarness and understanding psychological complexities related to se*ual shame.
Each case addresses different type of se*ual shame/trauma. Case eg - 'i dont feel like having s*x'; 'i want to tell my son that i am gay'; 'On se**al violence and abusive relationships'. Etc.
We all know that in India it is still taboo to talk openly on s*x. And so shame keeps people stuck in fear. This causes trauma and mental disturbance to a person.
Through this book Neha aims to break those shackles of shame and encourage poeple to open up. Her intention is to aid people towards greater se**al and emotional maturity.
At the end of every chapter there is a takeaway and exercises that serve as a self-help tool for se%ual & mental wellness.
Books like this are much needed in times where living in a culture where it is hard to talk about such topics
This book has been designed as a therapeutic journey for understanding psychological complexities related to se*ual shame.
Book: Unashamed-Notes from the diary of s*x therapist.
Author: Neha Bhat
Genre: Non-Fiction/Psychology
Publisher @harpercollinsin
Ebook available
Neha Bhat is a clinical s*x focused trauma therapist. She aims to help people heal from se*ual shame and expand their understanding of se*ual trauma for a more joyful life.
In this book she shares case narratives from her real therapy session with her clients (with their consent). Through these cases she aims to create awarness and understanding psychological complexities related to se*ual shame.
Each case addresses different type of se*ual shame/trauma. Case eg - 'i dont feel like having s*x'; 'i want to tell my son that i am gay'; 'On se**al violence and abusive relationships'. Etc.
We all know that in India it is still taboo to talk openly on s*x. And so shame keeps people stuck in fear. This causes trauma and mental disturbance to a person.
Through this book Neha aims to break those shackles of shame and encourage poeple to open up. Her intention is to aid people towards greater se**al and emotional maturity.
At the end of every chapter there is a takeaway and exercises that serve as a self-help tool for se%ual & mental wellness.
Books like this are much needed in times where living in a culture where it is hard to talk about such topics
November 4, 2024
𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞:
"Each person's capacity for pain and for change is different, and everyone has their own unique timeline according to what they perceive as important to them."
𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐈 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬?
The main reason I picked up this book was to understand how people deal with different types of trauma and learn about general approaches to therapy. I also believe that if you have a public platform, you should use it to explore and raise awareness about important topics like these.
𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:
The cover is aesthetically pleasing, with the red color aligning well with the subject matter. The title is fitting, clearly suggesting a move towards breaking stereotypes. The book also includes some illustrations.
𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:
The language is clear and accessible, with the use of bullet points, charts, and tables making the content easy and quick to grasp. The narration is straightforward and has a good pace.
𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧:
✓First and foremost, I want to thank Neha for writing this book. I truly believe it has the potential to help many people.
✓Neha has included spaces within the book for readers to journal and reflect, which I find particularly useful in a non-fiction self-help book. This encourages readers to process the content more deeply and potentially implement lessons in their lives.
✓Certain "trauma-therapy terms" have been used in this book and a glossary has been provided for those.
✓The content is well-organized into four main sections—Prepare, Listen, Deepen, and Heal—each beginning with a relevant quote.
✓Neha has addressed various aspects, like; childhood trauma, shame, LGBTQ+ and loneliness.
✓There were even parts I could relate to, such as how certain suppressed emotions, like shame, can lead to overworking.
✓Overall, this is a book that many people may find relatable, and it has the potential to help readers in different ways. Even if it doesn’t resonate with you personally, it’s still worth reading—you never know if someone in your circle might need the insights it offers.
November 4, 2024
"Shame" is an emotion so intense, one that can encompass a person with self-doubt, isolation, and worthlessness. It is a feeling that holds people back from experiencing self-love and a good sense of identity. Neha Bhat's book, Unashamed – Notes from the Diary of a Sex Therapist takes readers on a therapeutic journey through the complicated labyrinth of sexual shame to assist them in understanding, facing, and healing from it.
This book, specially written by clinical trauma therapist Neha Bhat and specializing in sexual issues, was penned with the sole aim of giving insight to readers and also offering them hope. She shares real case studies from her own sessions, bringing readers into the subtle, highly personal battles that individuals go through in their quest to reclaim joy and acceptance within their sexual identities. Each case addresses a different kind of sexual shame or trauma-from low libido to coming out to family to abusive relationships. These stories vary but resonate on the often-most silent struggles that many endure alone.
In a country like India, where open conversations about sex remain taboo, shame imprisons many, keeping them bound to fear and trauma. Unashamed seeks to dismantle those shackles, Neha Bhat believes, ushering the culture toward openness and compassion. She does not just give stories; she gives tools—takeaways and exercises at the end of each chapter—to read upon and nurture their sexual and mental wellness.
Such books are the need of the times in this day and age when it is hardly possible to talk about such intimate subjects. Bhat's work is a call for greater emotional and sexual maturity, an invitation to unload ourselves from shame and enter into a life of acceptance and inner peace.
This book, specially written by clinical trauma therapist Neha Bhat and specializing in sexual issues, was penned with the sole aim of giving insight to readers and also offering them hope. She shares real case studies from her own sessions, bringing readers into the subtle, highly personal battles that individuals go through in their quest to reclaim joy and acceptance within their sexual identities. Each case addresses a different kind of sexual shame or trauma-from low libido to coming out to family to abusive relationships. These stories vary but resonate on the often-most silent struggles that many endure alone.
In a country like India, where open conversations about sex remain taboo, shame imprisons many, keeping them bound to fear and trauma. Unashamed seeks to dismantle those shackles, Neha Bhat believes, ushering the culture toward openness and compassion. She does not just give stories; she gives tools—takeaways and exercises at the end of each chapter—to read upon and nurture their sexual and mental wellness.
Such books are the need of the times in this day and age when it is hardly possible to talk about such intimate subjects. Bhat's work is a call for greater emotional and sexual maturity, an invitation to unload ourselves from shame and enter into a life of acceptance and inner peace.
![Profile Image for Padmajha [PJ] Me and My Bookshelf.](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1716366774i%2F12703387._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
June 30, 2024
The book delves into a much-needed, taboo topic that society often ignores or hides, fearing backlash and silently suffering as a result.
There is a QR code at the beginning that gives us access to the reference material about this book. The chapter names are distinctive and give us a gist of what to expect in that chapter.
Every chapter openly discusses things that would normally be difficult to talk about with a partner or friend.
The questions and exercises at the end of each chapter are great tools for analyzing ourselves and will also help in healing. Many anecdotes are presented in this book that explore our fundamental doubts and concerns, how to handle trauma and get past it, healing from shame, emotional and mental needs, marital expectations, gender roles, etc
This book combines self-help and psychotherapy and the questions and exercises at the end of each chapter are a good tool to explore the problem or situation that can be the beginning of the healing journey.
The chapter takeaway at the end of the chapter gives us the gist and key pointers. The glossary at the end gives the meaning of certain terms used.
A lot of questions will be answered and doubts will be cleared as we move from one chapter to the next.
As mentioned at the start of the book, sit with this book and a journal, write your way through this book and you will get the most out of this book.
In all, a good, much-needed, and straightforward guide that explores the various aspects of sexuality from the Indian context.
There is a QR code at the beginning that gives us access to the reference material about this book. The chapter names are distinctive and give us a gist of what to expect in that chapter.
Every chapter openly discusses things that would normally be difficult to talk about with a partner or friend.
The questions and exercises at the end of each chapter are great tools for analyzing ourselves and will also help in healing. Many anecdotes are presented in this book that explore our fundamental doubts and concerns, how to handle trauma and get past it, healing from shame, emotional and mental needs, marital expectations, gender roles, etc
This book combines self-help and psychotherapy and the questions and exercises at the end of each chapter are a good tool to explore the problem or situation that can be the beginning of the healing journey.
The chapter takeaway at the end of the chapter gives us the gist and key pointers. The glossary at the end gives the meaning of certain terms used.
A lot of questions will be answered and doubts will be cleared as we move from one chapter to the next.
As mentioned at the start of the book, sit with this book and a journal, write your way through this book and you will get the most out of this book.
In all, a good, much-needed, and straightforward guide that explores the various aspects of sexuality from the Indian context.
November 8, 2024
"Unashamed- Notes from the Diary of a Sex Therapist" delves deep into the emotion of "Shame." Many of us struggle to shower love upon ourselves, or even find it hard to identify with our true being. That's because our "shame," has been pulling the rope of restraint. Neha Bhat, who is a well-acclaimed clinical trauma and sex therapist, brings together courageous true tales from her vast experience to break the social stigma concerning the very idea of feeling safe & content in one's skin, embracing one's own sexual orientation, and maintaining physical intimacy unbridled.
The book was strongly needed, specifically here, in India, more so, because of the taboo sealed on sex. Through varied chapters, Neha narrates unique problems faced by her clients and how mitigation strategies could be effectively implemented.
Each chapter focused on diverse issues. Starting from talking about the issue of low libido, overcoming physical and mental abuse, coming out to family about one's orientation to the inability of maintaining that spark in a relationship. The best thing about the book is that it's just not a talking theory; rather, it is loaded with innovative solutions, actionable strategies and exercises with questions and tickboxes that further facilitate better comprehension of the situation.
Books like these serve as the much-needed guiding light for people who are struggling with these issues but are afraid of being judged owing to the problems being intimate in nature. Thanks Neha, for giving us such a good book!
The book was strongly needed, specifically here, in India, more so, because of the taboo sealed on sex. Through varied chapters, Neha narrates unique problems faced by her clients and how mitigation strategies could be effectively implemented.
Each chapter focused on diverse issues. Starting from talking about the issue of low libido, overcoming physical and mental abuse, coming out to family about one's orientation to the inability of maintaining that spark in a relationship. The best thing about the book is that it's just not a talking theory; rather, it is loaded with innovative solutions, actionable strategies and exercises with questions and tickboxes that further facilitate better comprehension of the situation.
Books like these serve as the much-needed guiding light for people who are struggling with these issues but are afraid of being judged owing to the problems being intimate in nature. Thanks Neha, for giving us such a good book!
January 5, 2025
"Unashamed" is a formal sex therapist guide from Neha Bhat, known for her psychotherapy skills and creative wellness expertise. In this book, Neha provides a systematic healing therapy supported with ample case studies and scenarios she encountered in her professional journey. She strongly emphasizes the need and importance of addressing emotional and sexual connections, as well as those aspects often labeled as "adult content" or "shame talks."
She focuses on cleansing individuals of shame and cultivating psychological well-being free from trauma and guilt. Through this book, she presents thoughtful insights that align sexual health, mental health, and regional cultural differences. As a millennial, this book helped me change my perspective and explore dimensions I had never considered before.
Coming from a family where discussions about sexuality and sensuality were considered misdemeanors, I found Neha's articulation refreshing. She presents the content from the perspective of therapy and fulfillment. Although I dared to pick up this book several months ago, terms like orgasm, sexual shame, love-making, sexual trauma, and adulthood initially made me hesitant to complete it.
The entire book showcases Neha's expertise in therapy and healing, emphasizing the societal need for individuals to undergo these processes to become sex-positive. She addresses readers from every age group and acknowledgestheir diverse needs, which arise from surrounding misconceptions and shame that often lead to trauma and suffering.
She focuses on cleansing individuals of shame and cultivating psychological well-being free from trauma and guilt. Through this book, she presents thoughtful insights that align sexual health, mental health, and regional cultural differences. As a millennial, this book helped me change my perspective and explore dimensions I had never considered before.
Coming from a family where discussions about sexuality and sensuality were considered misdemeanors, I found Neha's articulation refreshing. She presents the content from the perspective of therapy and fulfillment. Although I dared to pick up this book several months ago, terms like orgasm, sexual shame, love-making, sexual trauma, and adulthood initially made me hesitant to complete it.
The entire book showcases Neha's expertise in therapy and healing, emphasizing the societal need for individuals to undergo these processes to become sex-positive. She addresses readers from every age group and acknowledgestheir diverse needs, which arise from surrounding misconceptions and shame that often lead to trauma and suffering.
November 4, 2024
"Unashamed’ by Neha Bhat is not an ordinary book at all, its message will prompt the reader to search within themselves as it openly addresses issues of sex, sexuality, trauma and guilt. She handles the position with understanding, some humor, and professional expertise to counter societal prejudice.
Throughout her life, She has grappled with the concept of shame and how it psychologically binds individuals and communities, who still blindly adhere to grotesque customs. With the help of captivating stories, target groups, and her practice as a sex therapist, she describes how people may discover themselves. There are also exercises, quizzes and journal prompts that seek to humiliate readers and help them to change the dynamic instead.
This book’s main themes are diversity, self-acceptance, and all true relationships. She says that the combination of knowledge and humanity enabled her to demystify sensitive issues and liberate people from controlling concepts. In her practice, the author discusses the stage of acceptance and how it evolves into pride in one’s sexual orientation.
The author is a radical opinion changer in her book “Unashamed”. She brings out her full strength as an artist and writer in the book and each page makes children eager to learn something new.
Throughout her life, She has grappled with the concept of shame and how it psychologically binds individuals and communities, who still blindly adhere to grotesque customs. With the help of captivating stories, target groups, and her practice as a sex therapist, she describes how people may discover themselves. There are also exercises, quizzes and journal prompts that seek to humiliate readers and help them to change the dynamic instead.
This book’s main themes are diversity, self-acceptance, and all true relationships. She says that the combination of knowledge and humanity enabled her to demystify sensitive issues and liberate people from controlling concepts. In her practice, the author discusses the stage of acceptance and how it evolves into pride in one’s sexual orientation.
The author is a radical opinion changer in her book “Unashamed”. She brings out her full strength as an artist and writer in the book and each page makes children eager to learn something new.
November 7, 2024
This book combines self-help and psychotherapy and the questions and exercises at the end of each chapter are a good tool to explore the problem or situation that can be the beginning of the healing journey. This book is a wonderful look into the world of sexuality, specially written from our cultural perspective, and the many issues that surround it. I love Neha’s writing, it’s honest, and piercing in a thought-provoking way and yet it holds space for everything that comes to the surface. This book touched on some parts of my past which are deeply buried. I have processed some important feelings that are holding me back. Each chapter is crisp, jargon-free and offers key takeaways, while also inviting the reader to introspect and ensure that the message lingers on.
As this book covers every aspect of shame and at different ages, everyone will relate to it and if not will open your perspective to various aspects of shame and trauma. This book has made me understand how important it is to sit with our feelings and not ignore them. I believe I become a better person internally and externally after reading this book. If you are sceptical about experiencing psychotherapy for your mental health concern, this book can be very insightful.
As this book covers every aspect of shame and at different ages, everyone will relate to it and if not will open your perspective to various aspects of shame and trauma. This book has made me understand how important it is to sit with our feelings and not ignore them. I believe I become a better person internally and externally after reading this book. If you are sceptical about experiencing psychotherapy for your mental health concern, this book can be very insightful.
January 24, 2025
"Time doesn't heal the wound, it often freezes it instead."
"Unashamed" is a masterpiece that brings sexual trauma to the forefront. This book also sheds light on various kinds of trauma.
The author has included snippets from the therapy sessions of individuals who participated in her practice, allowing others to benefit from their experiences.
The author highlights the root causes of these traumas and how society has overlooked them for far too long.
Through this book, she also discusses the importance of inner work and debunks myths about how therapy has been portrayed on television over the years.
That's not all—she addresses the struggles faced by the queer community and emphasizes the significance of self-intimacy.
I particularly appreciated the takeaways provided at the end of each chapter, along with practical exercises for readers.
This book is highly relatable and an absolute must-read for every Indian reader.
"Unashamed" is a masterpiece that brings sexual trauma to the forefront. This book also sheds light on various kinds of trauma.
The author has included snippets from the therapy sessions of individuals who participated in her practice, allowing others to benefit from their experiences.
The author highlights the root causes of these traumas and how society has overlooked them for far too long.
Through this book, she also discusses the importance of inner work and debunks myths about how therapy has been portrayed on television over the years.
That's not all—she addresses the struggles faced by the queer community and emphasizes the significance of self-intimacy.
I particularly appreciated the takeaways provided at the end of each chapter, along with practical exercises for readers.
This book is highly relatable and an absolute must-read for every Indian reader.
June 23, 2024
Unshamed by Neha Bhat is a step-by-step guide that will help the reader to come out of his inner shame and fear. This is written from the point of view of Indian people and their inner problems which are troubling them.
This book helped me understand the people and their problems in the best way. I believe I become a better person internally and externally after reading this book. The beautiful and attractive cover is the mirror of the book. This book is written in simple English and is full of real-life examples, suggestions, and reflection questions
This book helped me understand the people and their problems in the best way. I believe I become a better person internally and externally after reading this book. The beautiful and attractive cover is the mirror of the book. This book is written in simple English and is full of real-life examples, suggestions, and reflection questions
September 2, 2024
The book consists of four parts : Prepare, Listen, Deepen and Heal. Each chapter consists of case studies along with beautiful insights with chapter take aways and exercises that acts as journal prompt.
This book has opened many vulnerable points for me. The act of journaling was very enjoyable along with each chapter. Reading the book was like a self diagnosis through my trauma while sitting with a therapist.
This book has opened many vulnerable points for me. The act of journaling was very enjoyable along with each chapter. Reading the book was like a self diagnosis through my trauma while sitting with a therapist.
February 20, 2025
An essential guidebook for healing and growing from the trauma I have experienced. An essential guidebook to deal with my inner demons and work through patterns that engage my negativity. An essential guidebook with tools to help me not avoid conflicts in relationships. An essential book to discover my unashamed self. I have and will be recommending this book to everyone I know, everyone I like.
May 1, 2025
Fabulous. So good.Love it. For the first time understood the meaning of shame and how it is woven in the fabric of my being. It has governed almost all of my decisions before 30. So grateful for this book and all the ideas it presents and even the solutions. a lot of information is packed in very few pages. I wish she releases more books which are a bit more solution focused.
June 19, 2024
Book Synopsis
Book Title: Unashamed: Notes From the Diary of a Sex Therapist
Author: Neha Bhat
Genre: Psychotherapy
Pages: 256
Publisher: Harper Collins India
Read my complete review here: https://zens2cents.wordpress.com/2024...
Book Title: Unashamed: Notes From the Diary of a Sex Therapist
Author: Neha Bhat
Genre: Psychotherapy
Pages: 256
Publisher: Harper Collins India
Read my complete review here: https://zens2cents.wordpress.com/2024...
June 20, 2024
The title provides the content of the book. A thought-provoking book.
September 10, 2024
ONE OF MY FAVOURITE SEX THERAPIST. I, for real, cannot absolutely wait to read her work. It would be such an honour 🤌🏼
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews