Reviews (30)

It doesn't get better than this book.
In this excellent workbook, Laura Davis shows each survivor of child abuse {of all kinds}how to turn the traumatic and the shocking into the simple and the ordinary. A thorough and very important book championing the quiet and personal recovery of the child and the adult while advocating for the social recovery of a society stuck in its own ignorance and injury. Very simply, every man and women needs to own this book.
Workbook is my Guide to Healing
Just as The Courage to Heal was my Bible in helping me get through the crisis stage of sexual abuse revisited, helping me to decipher what it was I was feeling, and that it was perfectly normal, probably more normal than anything in my life ever had been, and letting me know what I may be going through next, and how people might react to me, ect.....This Courage to Heal Workbook is my homework in learning to become the person I should have started out as. I do a chapter a day, but you can do it a chapter a week, or at your own pace. Pre-reading The Courage to Heal is not necessary, either. It's all self-explanatory. Encourages one to give lots of deep thought to differing topics and to answer honestly and in depth. I strongly recommend this workbook to anyone struggling to heal the wounds of childhood sexual abuse. It allows you to get to know the real you inside all of the protective layers that have been unconsciencously piled on over the years....not who you want people to know, but who you really are, and who you were really meant to be.A bright shining star!

This book is hard work but good
I am not sure why people whose lives are being "ruined" or hurt by "unfounded" repressed memories are being so hard on the authors of this book.Sounds like the psychiatric professionals that their loved one or they themselves are seeing need to be held to task for the "bringing forth the memories" problem - not the authors of this book.
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Subjects:  1. Abuse - Sexual    2. Adult child sexual abuse victi    3. Adult child sexual abuse victims    4. General    5. Psychology    6. Reference    7. Rehabilitation    8. Self-Help    9. Self-help techniques    10. United States    11. Women's Studies - General    12. Child abuse    13. Coping with personal problems    14. Health & Fitness / General    15. Sexual abuse   

Reviews (1)

Illuminating
With an emphasis on words and the associations we make with them, Rogers unveils how some children continue to re-experience and re-live past trauma.First, she describes her own childhood crises in a narrative that is both revealing and intimate.She describes her state in ways that allow one to experience it as she had, instead of something simply as foreign and "over with."Then, through example, we follow her as she tries to understand what the children's gestures and words are trying to "say" without their being able to verbalize it.However, she uses the children's own meanings of things (instead of simply standard symbolic meanings) to re-explain to them what has happened and how it continues to persist in their lives, unwittingly.This is what keeps it fresh and real.Moreover, throughout the book, there is an unstated underlying stream of empathy and relatedness. A great book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Abuse - Child Abuse    2. Child Abuse    3. Family & Relationships    4. Family/Marriage    5. General    6. Language    7. Medical / Nursing    8. Pediatrics    9. Psychology    10. Psychopathology - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder    11. Psychotherapy    12. Rehabilitation    13. Sexually abused girls    14. Psychology & Psychiatry / General   

Reviews (42)

Another very fine, but disturbing book about the problems with 'the two party system'...
Fact: The US of A was actually founded with
Interesting, vital book
I first saw the accusations in the book on a half finished Yorkshire television documentary that never made it to television. The allegations were so horrific in the film; it near enough reduced me to tears. So shocked at the material in the film I had to read the book. Sadly the book documents episodes that are far more disheartening than the film did.
Corruption In High Places
Lawyer and former state senator John Decamp's book can't be easily dismissed as a wild conspiracy theory, given all the evidence presented in the book and the solid reputation of many who believe in the crimes and the cover-up. One victim of abuse comments that this corruption must stop because next time it could be your kid. Not for the faint of heart, the book covers many grisly details of satanic ritual murder and torture of children by prominent members of society and a subsequent cover-up orchestrated by law enforcement and the press. I believe the problem will grow worse if you let people who are supposedly here to protect us and keep us informed abuse their positions of privilege, trust, and authority for their own gain or security. We might have to start limiting the amassing of great wealth and power because people who get a great amount of wealth and power think that they can get away with anything. And so far, they have.
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Subjects:  1. Abuse    2. Abuse - General    3. Child abuse    4. Drug traffic    5. Money laundering    6. Murder - General    7. Nebraska    8. Political corruption    9. True Crime / Espionage    10. United States - State & Local - General    11. DeCamp, John W    12. King, Larry   

Reviews (20)

Helpful Introduction
This simple, sensitive book is a wonderful introduction to those new to therapy and/or exploring their childhood histories of abuse. It is written for people of all backgrounds and thus is accessible to most. I've probably referred well over a hundred people to this book at some point in their therapy. Reactions have included "It doesn't apply to me", but were mostly along the lines of "I couldn't put it down - I kept reading and re-reading it." The beauty and power of it lies in it's simplicity. It's almost impossible to get lost in it intellectually - you have the space to "get it" emotionally.

Outgrowing But Up-growing
I thought it was a little immature. Not for older readers. It's for young teens to sit around and read to understand their "so-called" feelings about what they have experienced in the recent past. Or a older teen that just remember about a past experienced about at the ages of 4-6. Not for prelonged abuse survivors.

A good read--but a bit short
This is a simple read to get a survivor physical, emotional, or sexual abuse started. I found it a bit lacking in depth--perhaps because it is so short--and I did not care for the illustrations. Again, recommended as a good starting point. For a more in-depth examination of this subject, I found Miss America By Day by Marilyn VanDerber to be extremely compelling. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Abuse - General    2. Child abuse    3. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    4. General    5. Psychology    6. Complementary Medicine    7. Self-Help / General   

Reviews (3)

A wonderful law enforcement field guide
Obviously the author of the one star review has had some negative experience with regards to the subject matter of this book. To call the information "outdated" is ludicrous in that so little information has been available for so long. Those that have participated in the web of deceit referred to as Munchausen's Syndrome find it difficult to accept the truth and are often on the offensive with anyone that possesses the knowledge of this disorder and its existance. Their anger and resentment is further exacerbated when this information is conveyed in any logical, fact based manner.

Over-priced and Out Dated!
This witch-hunt is over. The creator of MSBP (Roy Meadow) has been exposed and discredited for his "fanciful tales" and courts all over the UK are overturning convictions. Courts in the US are recognizing that this is not a diagnosis accepted by any medical establishment. An important work from an acknowledged expert in the field.
Detective Artingstall is well-known for her body of writings and her experience in Munchausen syndrome and Munchausen by proxy cases.In this authoritative work, she provides insights and practical assistance missingfrom most other books on the subject.Legal forms, lists of pertinentquestions to ask as cases are examined, and summaries of chapter highlightsare among the useful elements of the book.The book is also liberallydotted with case studies, including legal outcomes.Although thecopy-editing is not as thorough as I would have liked, the content of thebook is outstanding.Detective Artingstall's book will be an often-citedresource for practitioners of multiple disciplines--social work, lawenforcement, nursing, medicine, child protection, and more.Whilefactitious disorder and Munchausen syndrome have been long-acknowledged inthe professional literature, the type of abuse called Munchausen by proxyhas been recognized and studied only within the last 2 decades.Works suchas this one--based on a mastery of the literature, a wealth of personalexperience, and an abiding desire to uncover the truth (no matter howdisturbing)--will be invaluable in irrefutably establishing Munchausen byproxy as a public health and criminal-justice issue that requires ourcareful attention. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Case studies    2. Child Abuse    3. Criminology    4. Forensic Psychiatry    5. Homicide investigation    6. Medical    7. Mental Illness    8. Munchausen syndrome    9. Munchausen syndrome by proxy    10. Pathology    11. Psychiatry - General    12. Psychology    13. Psychopathology - General    14. Crime & criminology    15. Forensic medicine    16. Law / Forensic Science   

Reviews (43)

Horrific Story - Terribly Written - Very Disappointing
This book was a HUGE disappointment for me because I have used the Amazon Recommendations wizard for a long time and this book was the #1 recommendation based on my preferences. How could this book be likened to ANYTHING on my list? The similarities come to a dead stop other than being on the topic of 'child abuse'.
A Real Pageturner
Once I started reading this book, I couldn't put it down. I am still stunned that this woman is alive today and that someone hasn't shot her dead.Her poor children will never be right.All I can say is that I would like to be in a room with Terry for about 1 hour.How was she even allowed to have children.She should have been spayed long ago.

Not a good read
The reason I gave this book such a low review is because it was so poorly written. I felt like I was reading something intended for a second grader. I was very diappointed by the author and the way the book was written. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. California    2. Case studies    3. Child abuse    4. Filicide    5. Knorr, Theresa Jimmie    6. Murder - General    7. Sibling abuse    8. Sociology    9. True Crime / Espionage    10. True Stories   

Reviews (1)

Exciting, life-changing reading experience
Alice Miller's "The Body Never Lies" is a provocation for those who are intent on denying that there is a relationship between how children are being treated and how they, later as adults, live their lives. They will fight against this book with those sad beliefs, which they learned in their childhoods and never questioned or left behind. But for those, for whom these connections are a fact and who are willing to explore their own past, their own lives and childhood suffering, this book provides great relief, even liberation. Read more

Subjects:  1. Abuse - General    2. Child Care/Parenting    3. Child Development And Rearing    4. Family & Relationships    5. General    6. Mental Illness    7. Movements - Psychoanalysis    8. Parenting - Child Rearing    9. Psychology    10. Child & developmental psychology    11. Child abuse    12. Psychology & Psychiatry / General   

Reviews (12)

A Must-Have for Every Partner of a Survivor
This book has everything you need to know, and it's told in a style that feels like you're sitting in your living room with a good buddy who just happens to have gone through the same thing. This is an OUTSTANDING RESOURCE! Every partner of a survivor needs this book. I think it's far superior to Allies in Healing.
Good book about this topic.
This is a pretty good book, well written and easy to understand.Basically it's support guide for men who are in a relationship with a partner who is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse.
What About Me by Grant Cameron
I have worked with Survivors of sexual abuse and their families, in a professional capacity, for over 12 years and I have found this book to be a valuable resource for partners.Oftentimes, men have commented to me that they "could have written the book themselves" and they often feel empowered after they read it because they get the sense they are not alone with their experiences and feelings.The book also helps the partner to gain a better understanding of what his partner is going through and to heal rifts in their relationships.I strongly reccommend this book to other professionals who work in this field and to survivors of sexual abuse and their partners. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Abuse - General    2. Abuse - Sexual    3. Body, Mind & Spirit / Mental & Spiritual Healing    4. Family/Marriage    5. Self-Help    6. Self-Help / Recovery    7. Child abuse    8. Coping with personal problems   

Reviews (1)

A comprehensive resource for therapists
John Briere is a leader in the field of child abuse treatment and is therefore exceptionally knowledgeable on this topic.That exceptional knowledge shines through in this book.Clearly written and well organized, I highly recomend it to any therapist or human services worker who wants to increase her skills in assisting abuse survivors. -Sharice Lee-Author "The Survivor's Guide." ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult child abuse victims    2. Interpersonal Relations    3. Mental Illness    4. Mental health    5. Psychology    6. Psychopathology - Compulsive Behavior    7. Psychotherapy    8. Rehabilitation    9. Sociology    10. Child abuse    11. Child welfare    12. Psychology & Psychiatry / Interpersonal Relations   

Reviews (3)

Excellentinsight into the damaging abuse process
This is a landmark book, many papers written based upon this book are now famous. For those well read in child abuse psychopathology, this book explains how and to what extent the damage is done to children of abuse.
Caveat Emptor
Although deeply literate, thought provoking, and full of interesting and penetrating observations, formulations, and interpretations, I recommend this book only to those who already well-read in the area of childhood trauma. a map of the badlands
I've read this book several times, and find it very useful to understand and to undo the effects of trauma. Shengold speaks to me personally as the one-time member of an abusive family, and professionally as a psychoanalyst who works with people who have been abused. This book is painful to read attimes, and is probably better read in small sections at a time, so that itcan be felt and digested. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Abuse - General    2. Adult child abuse victims    3. Child abuse    4. Developmental - Child    5. Mental Illness    6. Mental health    7. Psychoanalysis    8. Psychology    9. Sociology    10. Clinical psychology    11. Psychology & Psychiatry / Child Development   

Editorial Review

The violent forms of child abuse that make headlines are not the only ones that leave lifelong scars. A child who grows up in an unstable environment where empathy, clear boundaries and trust are lacking, can end up living a ravaged adulthood. Children can be crippled by mixed messages, family secrets and reversed parent-child roles. Many victims of these practices are not even sure their childhood was abusive. This balanced, practical guide delineates traits of abusive families. Narrative vignettes in each section illustrate and personalize critical issues. Most valuable is the step-by-step self-help program that includes exercises and journal work for recovery. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

book review
The book was informative and helpful. It gave me some real insight into helping my patients. I have also recommended the book to some of my patients.

Good Resource to Understand How You End up with Your Issues
I remember reading this book over and over again at one point of life, but in retrospect, this book traumatized me in a realization of the issues I was dealing with at the time. I would call this type of book "pathology book" in stead of calling it "recovery book." It helps to understand why certain issues arise, but in life, what you do about it is more important than understanding it. This book left me so sad without a lead to a hope of living. The solution suggested in this book was not effective to me. It would have been better if a book had pathology part and EFFECTIVE treatment part.
A much needed prescription for victims
Thank you, Mr. Farmer, for recognizing that the hurt doesn't stop once the abuse does; for me, coping with it as an adult was more difficult than as a child because I now realize with an adult's intelligence and insight, exactly what was being done to me and how horrible it was. So much abuse is undetected until the child grows up and realizes that no, this isn't normal (I didn't realize all families weren't like this) and it WAS wrong. Too many well-meaning people minimize the adult survivor's pain or dismiss it as meaningless: "that was years ago and it's over" "get over it and move on" or the worst, "Just don't dwell on it anymore." If you haven't been abused, you don't get it and never will. thank you, Mr. Farmer, for not only understanding, but for showing us a way out. The focus on child abuse is on children, not the survivors, and we need help too. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult child abuse victims    2. Child abuse    3. General    4. Men's Health    5. Mental Illness    6. Mental health    7. Psychotherapy    8. Recovery    9. Self-Help    10. Health & Fitness / Men's Health   

Reviews (13)

The Right to Innocence: Healing the Trauma of Childhood Sexual Abuse: A therapeutic 7-Step-Help Program for Men and Women, Inclu
This is the first book, and after reading many, still the best book I've read about incest and childhood sexual abuse.I am a survivor of both.The name jumped right off the cover and grabed me; the truth of the title hit me right between the eyes.The pages of the treatise itself do not disappoint, it is filled with words that resonate in the hearts and minds of those of us who have been sexually abused.We all are endowed with a RIGHT TO INNOCENCE!How it is stolen from us and the horror stories that abound in the aftermath are compiled in this "wonderful" book that explains so much for those of us who have been "keeping the secret" (for me, over 50 years!!) I read it in the beginning of my therapy. I still refer to it and have given several copies away.I highly recommend this book for those who have treated themselves so badly for years, because they have come to believe that they must have been to blame for what someone else did TO them.There will be so many things about yourself and painful problems that you have been enduring for years, that you will now understand are "part and parcel" of the incest/child abuse survivors experience.You will find youself saying, "oh yes, of my God, that's me".That the only thing "wrong" with you is that you have been trying to deny and bury the horror and the problems and the pain for TOO LONG! I remembered every detail of my incest/abuse, and the aftermath of it's effects have lasted a lifetime.I did not seek help or talk to a single soul about it until I was 55 years old!! The problems that it caused me are mirade, probably preventable, if only I had saught help sooner.Please know you will be glad that you ordered this book.
Wonderful! Great Healing Book!
I had be a victim of child molestation for many years. I was victimized by 14 different abusers including family memebers. I was so depressed most of my life. Full of Rage, is was the therapist told me. After reading this book my life began again. When I seen Beverly Engle on The Opera Show I was so happy to see her sharing her book. I followed this book & told my story to my Pastors. What a wonderful life I now have. No longer drepessed & released from anger. The Pyscholgist said he couldn't recommend this book. Well then he doens't understand what a victim is going through. I was a victim from age 6yrs to 13yrs. and carried this burden with me till I was 35yrs. old. Don't wait read it now! God bless you beverly because I'm a whole person today.

Great overview...good starter book that offers hope for recovery
It's clear that Dr. Engel knows what she is talking about here. The exercises and visualization techniques are excellent. Her seven-step program will aid in healing.
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Subjects:  1. Abuse - General    2. Adult child abuse victims    3. Child molesting    4. General    5. Mental health    6. Psychological aspects    7. Psychology    8. Self-Help    9. Self-help techniques    10. Child abuse    11. Self-Help / General    12. Sexual abuse   

Reviews (37)

Beautiful Child
This book is interesting, even though it was sort of dull. It's got one main plot and a few other smaller plots. But Torey Hayden is a very talented writer.

Looking at others through different eyes
For those who have already read One Child, it may be more appropriate to rate Beautiful Child as a 4 star book, given that in many ways the two books are very similar.However once again it is a compelling read and very difficult to put down - like One Child, I was through this book in a couple of days.And again, this is the story of the development of a class of children with major behavioural difficulties over a period of one school year (4 boys and 1 girl, with others joining part-time) and the story is particularly focused on one of those children (a 7 year old girl named Venus).Because Venus herself hadn't committed any "crimes", I didn't take as strong a message as I took from One Child, which really brought it home to me that those we call the worst sinners are generally more sinned against than sinners.However the same lessons regarding the unfairness of the hands dealt to so many people, how extremely lucky most of us are without in any way deserving or earning it, and how we should think twice before jumping to conclusions about some of our least "attractive" fellow human beings, came through strongly.

Beautiful Child
Beautiful Child is a true story about Torey Hayden and her experiences with her severely handicapped class of 6 children ranging in age from 6-9.This story deals particularly with her experiences with an elective mute little girl named Venus Fox.Venus never talks, never cries, and never shows any emotion.She however does have dramatic violent outbursts when another student gets too close to her, or touches her either by accident or to provoke her.Venus is deprived of clothes, food, and is being forced to sleep naked in the bath tub in the middle of winter.Her older sister Wanda brings her to school, when she remembers.Eventually Torey starts putting together little pieces of information that both Venus and Wanda begin to share with her.When Venus is admitted to the hospital, it all comes together.This was a good book, but not the best one I have read by Hayden. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Case studies    3. Developmental - Child    4. Education    5. Education / Teaching    6. Special Education - General    7. Special Education - Learning Disabled    8. Special education    9. Special education teachers    10. Teachers    11. United States    12. Biography: general    13. Child abuse    14. Education / Special Education / General   

Subjects:  1. Abuse - Sexual    2. Adult child sexual abuse victims    3. Psychology    4. Psychotherapy    5. Psychotherapy - Child & Adolescent    6. Psychotherapy - General    7. Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic    8. Treatment    9. therapy    10. Child & developmental psychology    11. Child abuse    12. Psychology & Psychiatry / Clinical Psychology   

Subjects:  1. Arrest    2. Domestic Relations Law    3. Family Violence    4. Forensic Science    5. General    6. Police    7. Politics - Current Events    8. Social Science    9. Sociology    10. Sociology - General    11. United States    12. Wife abuse    13. Child abuse    14. Family & relationships    15. Family welfare    16. Police & security services    17. USA   

Subjects:  1. Abuse - General    2. Child sexual abuse    3. Criminology    4. Cross-cultural studies    5. Interpersonal Relations    6. Sociology    7. United States    8. Child abuse    9. Family & Relationships / Abuse    10. North America    11. Psychology & Psychiatry / Interpersonal Relations    12. Psychology-Interpersonal Relations    13. Sexual abuse    14. Social Science-Criminology   

Subjects:  1. Child Abuse    2. Child Psychology    3. Medical / Nursing    4. Pediatrics    5. Play therapy    6. Psychology    7. Psychotherapy    8. Psychotherapy - Child & Adolescent    9. Treatment    10. therapy    11. Paediatric medicine    12. Psychology & Psychiatry / Child Psychology   

Reviews (13)

a heap of rubbish with a diamond at its core
This book is an insult to one's intelligence.The subject matter is incredibly important and the data conveyed by the book is impeccable and relevant.But the mode of delivery is atrocious.It is a book full of cliches.One would think that the sexual abuse of males would drive us to the outer limits of intelligence and imagination.This book utterly fails in that drive.Surely better books exist that deal with this dread topic?

Powerful, powerful, powerful...
...for any man who has ever been abused, or anyone who loves such a man, this book is a must.It progressively defines abuse, the abused's recognition of it, how as an adult it defines him and his relationships with others, and how he deals with his recovery.The real-life testimonies included in the book put all of the matter-of-fact information into personal perspective.
Abused Boys : The Neglected Victims of Sexual Abuse
This book is a welcome addition to our sparse literature about the sexual abuse of boys.It is well organized, easy to read, and the author is both knowledgeable and sympathetic.Heemphasizes that there is no such thing as a "willing" victim and refuses to indulge in victim-blaming, as so often happens to male survivorsRead more

Subjects:  1. Abuse - General    2. Developmental - Child    3. Psychology    4. Child abuse    5. Psychology & Psychiatry / Child Development   

Reviews (8)

Roots of Evil
Montell Williams interviewed the victims and I had to get the book.This book is well written and describes the horrors that these children went through and into their adult lives.The questions that were unanswered as children, the justice system, some answers, and the shock that another individual had to endure worse by the same hands of the perp.The author shows our human ability to grow past our upbringing to become "normal," successful individuals, yet also relates that remnants shall remain throughout our lives.This book leaves the reader pondering additional questions that cannot be answered.

twisted roots of evil
It was the most heart wrenching book I have read in a very long time. I work with abused children in one form or another and it just tears my heart out ...I am thrilled that the family has tried to find peace and is trying to move on.

A Must Read Book...
After I picked this book up and started reading it I couldnt put it down. The author is so vivid in her writing that it keeps you pinned to your seat. While reading the book its as though you can feel the fear that these children lived with on a day to day basis. This book sums up just how cruel some child abuse cases can really be. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography / Women    2. Biography/Autobiography    3. Self-Help / Abuse    4. Adult Child Sexual Abuse Victims    5. Biography    6. Child abuse    7. Incest    8. Kesegich, Susan    9. Recovery   

Reviews (6)

Clarification to comments by "Ken"
The section of the book that the reviewer is referring to is a quote from a member of my men's group, and not about myself.However, it is important that readers understand that for many different reasons, people are unable to face the realities of their abuse and as a result may inadvertently put loved ones at risk.This is unfortunately an all-to-common consequence of all forms of child maltreatment.It is not constructive to judge their actions in the past, but to help them change for the present and future.What was important for this particular man, was that he did ultimately face his problems and heal not only his own wounds, but his relationship with his son.He struggled for many years and his hard work ultimately paid off.Today, he has a wonderful relationship with his son and his new grandchildren.

Don't waste your time
Dan Jay Sonkin Ph.D should not be trying to guide adult males of childhood abuse.I purchased this book thinking "finally a book written for men that would be a perfect guide to self help".I made it to page 38 when I realized that this Ph.D should not be trying to write anything but his resignation in his trade.Dr. Sonkin betrayed his son by permitting a man who abused him as a child, to become close to his son.On page 38Dr. Sonkin own admission was that he never told his wife, or anyone else for that matter that he was abused sexually by his uncle.In Dr. Sonkin's stupidity he permitted a sexual predator (his Uncle) to become close to his son, and of course his son was also sexually abused by the same uncle. I am surprised that Dr. Sonkins wife didn't divorce him; and I am amazed that he can look his son in the eyes.Dr. Sonkin didn't have the courage to stand up to his Uncle like a grown adult male, he didn't have the courage to tell his wife what his uncle did to him as a child, and instead he was a coward that cost his son his innocence.Hang it up Doc, how dare you try to guide other men, when you can't even guide yourself.

Touchie Feelie Sham
Typical California feel good self-help schlok. Blaming the victim for not getting in touch with his feelings earlier (and of course not paying someone like Sonkin to "help"). Generally muddled pablum. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Abuse - General    2. Abuse of    3. Adult child abuse victims    4. Boys    5. Men's Studies - General    6. Psychological aspects    7. Psychologically abused men    8. Psychology    9. Recovery    10. Self-Help    11. Child abuse    12. Coping with personal problems    13. Popular psychology