SHM Encore: Fifty Shades of Grey: Erotic or Abusive?

Stay Happily Married

Is your love life an erotic novel or abusive nightmare?

The 50 Shades of Grey trilogy has steadily remained at the top of the New York Times bestseller list for several months. The risqué nature of the book that once started out as Twilight fan-fiction is catching the attention of men and women across the globe. Aptly nicknamed “Mommy Porn”, the over the top erotic and abusive nature of the trilogy evokes visions of a modern version of The Story of O. Questions about the nature of the intense relationship between the two main characters and the book’s strong appeal to women are being discussed widely.

In marriage, how do you determine whether the dynamic between you and your spouse is healthy or abusive when behaviors encourage dominant and submissive relationships?

Colette Segalla is a doctoral candidate in clinical psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute. Colette is a psychotherapist with Lepage Associates in Durham, NC where she works with individuals and couples on issues ranging from anxiety and depression to problems in sexual intimacy. She enjoys working with couples to improve communication, connection, and emotional and physical intimacy.

To find out more about Colette Segalla and her practice, Lepage Associates in Durham, NC, you can visit them online or call 919-572-0000 for an appointment.