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1st out of 49 books
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21 voters
The Courage to Heal: A Guide for Women Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse
by
Ellen Bass,
Laura Davis (Goodreads Author)
"The Courage to Heal" is an inspiring, comprehensive guide that offers hope and encouragement to every woman who, was sexually abused as a child -- and those who care about her. Although the effects of child sexual abuse are long-term and severe, healing "is" possible. The authors weave personal experience with professional knowledge to show the reader how she can come to...more
Paperback, Revised and Expanded Third Edition, 608 pages
Published
June 29th 1994
by Harper Perennial
(first published 1988)
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99th out of 411 books
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428 voters
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This was the first book in my healing process and I read it twice in therapy and again afterwards!
This is the bible for sexual abuse survivors, and an indispensable resource for anyone that knows a survivor. Think you don't know anyone that was sexually abused? Think again - it happens much more than most people wish to believe, and affects the survivor and their behavior much more than even most survivors wish to believe. This book is THE book for survivors that wish to continue survival, especially one of healing.
If this massive read is a bit daunting, know that you will read bits here and...more
If this massive read is a bit daunting, know that you will read bits here and...more
Mar 09, 2012
Robin
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
sexual assault survivors
Recommended to Robin by:
therapists
There is a lot of controversy about this book. Particularly when it comes to recovered memories. Putting that aside, and the somewhat outdated view on such issues as sex workers and BDSM, there is also a lot of amazing things about it.
It is a hard read if you have experience with this subject and, while, personally, I would have liked a little more focus on the teenage years, it does have a tendency to overwhelm.
However, it has the capability of being a life changing book and certainly helps sur...more
It is a hard read if you have experience with this subject and, while, personally, I would have liked a little more focus on the teenage years, it does have a tendency to overwhelm.
However, it has the capability of being a life changing book and certainly helps sur...more
Sep 17, 2007
Quinn
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
survivors of sexual abuse and their loved ones
Shelves:
therapy-trauma,
self-help
This book is an incredible resource for survivors of sexual violence. While it's intened audience is women survivors of childhood sexual abuse, I believe that any survivor of sexual violence could benefit from reading it. Its saved me on more than one occation durring particular rough patches.
I can't explain how helpful this book is. I've never read it straight through- it's more of a reference. My favorite part in the book is titled, "Don't kill yourself." Nearly every survivor ponders suicide...more
I can't explain how helpful this book is. I've never read it straight through- it's more of a reference. My favorite part in the book is titled, "Don't kill yourself." Nearly every survivor ponders suicide...more
Absolutely, completely indispensable to victims and survivors. This really has become the 'bible' and the 'life force' for so many and there's a lot of reasoning behind it.
I've re-read this book countless times (probably upwards of ten?) and I continue to do so sporadically.
This book helped save my life and the life of many others. I'm so glad that I found it when I did. I recommend it to so many during my volunteer work and they all just can't stop thanking me for introducing them to it.
I've re-read this book countless times (probably upwards of ten?) and I continue to do so sporadically.
This book helped save my life and the life of many others. I'm so glad that I found it when I did. I recommend it to so many during my volunteer work and they all just can't stop thanking me for introducing them to it.
This book is notorious for having helped to launch the recovered memory therapy (RMT) craze, which played into the spate of alleged incidents of Satanic ritual abuse of the late '80s and early '90s. Neither author has credentials or expertise relevant to psychology, therapy, or sexual abuse. The book was not based on any solid experimental evidence or psychological studies. Some of the case studies included have been discredited, such as the one taken from Michelle Remembers. Memory psychologist...more
An absolutely extraordinary and important book.
The section on satanic ritual abuse and dissociation are easily the most vital. Read in conjunction with Safe Passage to Healing: A Guide for Survivors of Ritual Abuse by Chrystina Oksaka (which has a recommendation from Laura Davis on the front cover) 'Courage demonstrated to me that any recovered memory of satanic abuse is absolutely truthful.
Davis and Bass recognized the evil of satanic abuse; the first draft was checked and edited by Dr. Roland...more
The section on satanic ritual abuse and dissociation are easily the most vital. Read in conjunction with Safe Passage to Healing: A Guide for Survivors of Ritual Abuse by Chrystina Oksaka (which has a recommendation from Laura Davis on the front cover) 'Courage demonstrated to me that any recovered memory of satanic abuse is absolutely truthful.
Davis and Bass recognized the evil of satanic abuse; the first draft was checked and edited by Dr. Roland...more
Im not quite done with this yet but wanted to offer my review so far, this is a good book, it has helped me understand alot about my behaviors like the connection between sexual abuse and sexual addiction. I was trying to figure out why I was so addicted to sex when as a child and adult I have been sexually, mentally, emotionally and physically abused many times by men yet still craving their attention. Then thru reading this I found out that if your first connect to love as a child was thru sex...more
Jul 12, 2009
Kate
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Sexual Abuse Survivors AND Family
Recommended to Kate by:
Leanne Dahlin, MSW
Shelves:
non-fiction,
self-help
A passionate book which helped me a great deal as well as my husband to know what I/we were facing in terms of the road ahead in my trauma recovery.
There are well laid-out details on the stages of recovery, what to expect for both the survivor and the family members, stories for the survivor to relate to, and also identified things I could look for which would be counterproductive to healing.
I was relieved to see clear, direct language on how to assess and get support on recovered memories. Many...more
There are well laid-out details on the stages of recovery, what to expect for both the survivor and the family members, stories for the survivor to relate to, and also identified things I could look for which would be counterproductive to healing.
I was relieved to see clear, direct language on how to assess and get support on recovered memories. Many...more
This is a good book for any survivor of abuse. My only issue with it is that it is highly psychological. I was searching for a book to use for a group of abused women and it was the best that I found. I wish that it didn't leave the church with a bad taste in their mouths. I wish that they would have collaborated with another woman was in a church tradition and I would have loved to see what God added to the psychological spin of their healing. God is the healer, so wouldn't it be interesting to...more
I keep this on the shelf in my office not because it is the best, but because it is so widely used in my field that it serves as a good reference. I had a clinician at my work come looking for a copy just last week. A lot of survivors of abuse that began their healing 10 or more years ago have had contact with it, so it is useful. I disagree with a lot of the things in it however, such as its idea that masturbation is a healthy way to take back control of your sexuality after abuse. But there is...more
1 like · like · see review
This is a book I've read a few times through my healing journey, and each time it has been profoundly helpful. At first read, it was difficult as I was conflicted about my experience. The periodic denial contrasted with periods of serious anger, and this book walked me through it all. Now, I'm beyond that for the most part, but dealing with lingering self-esteem issues (to put it lightly), I'm finding it indispensable again. This book is not out to convince anyone that anything happened to them,...more
Worse than Hogwash. If there were minus stars, I'd give all of them. Reading the comments of all but the one or two other low rankers gives the exact reason why minus stars are warranted, why this is a dangerous book. Folks are getting talked into blood curdling bullshit and soon enter a nightmare, ruining their own and others lives. I'd recommend to chuck it unread in the next bin. And put a lid on. I'm shocked to see how popular it STILL is after all these years. And that therapists, or people...more
1 like · like · see review
There are many reviews and articles that explain the myriad concerns about how "Courage to Heal" handles its material. Below is a link to a recent one, for starters. It's also worth reading the comments underneath. FYI, the version I read was the first edition from the 90s.
http://www.healthyplace.com/blogs/dis...
I want to encourage any of you who pick up this book to research its checkered past yourself, and not just depend on the opinion of one stranger, whether mine or that in a single review,...more
http://www.healthyplace.com/blogs/dis...
I want to encourage any of you who pick up this book to research its checkered past yourself, and not just depend on the opinion of one stranger, whether mine or that in a single review,...more
4 likes · like · see review
yes, agreed-this book is the bhagavad gita for survivors, and i think much of it can even be applicable to those outside the range of women-identified folks.
this book is deep- it says things simply, concisely, and is affirming that this work can take a long time and reminds people they should be patient with their process. (yes! for harm reduction at its best) i have been writing down, almost word for word, things along the way that i'd like to share with the folks i work with.
i loved the mixtur...more
this book is deep- it says things simply, concisely, and is affirming that this work can take a long time and reminds people they should be patient with their process. (yes! for harm reduction at its best) i have been writing down, almost word for word, things along the way that i'd like to share with the folks i work with.
i loved the mixtur...more
While I can see the value for individuals who are dealing with their abuse for the first time, I found this added nothing to the process for me, and did not provide answers or solutions I had no already tried. I also found the writing almost condescending and childlike, and fairly simplistic. Again, this may work for others, but I was disappointed with this book as it came recommended from a number of sources.
I read this book as I was raising money for Sojourn Battered Women and their Children's Shelters and looking for a text for college level trainings in child abuse. The women in group process could relate well to the reading and received some healing in part to the book. The book works well in conjunction with Kathryn Tull's video blog, The Next Bold Step and other domestic violence/ child abuse sites. Bass lacks deep training in psychiatry, psychology or any form of treatment for mental illness....more
El libro nos presenta ejercicios para sanar los abusos y comentan casos clínicos de personas adultas que fueron abusadas en su infancia.
La única pega que encuentro, es el enfoque desde la mujer cuando los abusos no distingue de género. Lo aclaran al inicio pero creo que no se debería diferenciar porque los niños y las niñas sufren emocionalmente por los abusos sin distinción.
La única pega que encuentro, es el enfoque desde la mujer cuando los abusos no distingue de género. Lo aclaran al inicio pero creo que no se debería diferenciar porque los niños y las niñas sufren emocionalmente por los abusos sin distinción.
It's very practical and compassionate. I'm still in the process of reading it as it encourages the reader not to do too much too fast. I only wish the title wasn't so exclusive of men because I could only imagine a lot of men would not be abel to take part of the healing this book offers because it really can be used both by men and women....more
Definitely the bible to all bibles when it comes to childhood sexual abuse! Many work pages to work on, think about and understand so much more. This is a fabulous book, I highly recommend it to anyone who has been through a similar situation but prepare to brace yourself because the work isn't an easy process, but it's so worth it!
This book helped me understand what was happening to me as I experienced unknown symptoms of sexual abuse. I also learned the steps to the healing process and did the writing exercises in the book. This helped me to cope and to make it as long as I did without having to go into the hospital. It made me feel normal when every thing around me felt abnormal.
This is my "book of choice" to use when working with someone who has suffered from childhood sexual abuse. I love it because it is simple and clear. I like the way the chapters are organized. Each chapter building on the next. This book provides the reader a safe way to address some very difficult issues.
Can be very healing for clients who are survivors of sexual abuse, however sometimes the graphic nature of the content is traumatizing to clients. So, I am very cautious when recommending this as reading to clients and always teach relaxation skills before recommending it.
This book contains a lot of good writing exercises, advice for people who are in the support roles for women survivors of child sexual abuse, and the stories of strong women who used a variety of coping mechanisms to get through the period(s) of abuse.
Great tool for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Not to be taken lightly - this book will open doors for healing - but can also bring on unexpected emotions. Use in conjunction with professional counseling recommended.
I also bought the workbook. The two books together helped me to hel in so many different types of ways. It also gave me insight on to whom to give the blame. Some aspects that had never even been part of my rasstional before.
I read this in 1992. Did the workbook also. Very healing. It's a lot of work but we are worth it.
Sadly, I probably need to read it again. That's how this healing thing goes. One layer and then the next.
Sadly, I probably need to read it again. That's how this healing thing goes. One layer and then the next.
I always thought this would be a little too woo-woo for me but it turns out to be a crazy helpful book for anyone recovering from child sexual abuse. Pretty impressive in its scope and power.
Excellent source both on a personal and professional level. Highly recommend to anyone who works with or has been a victim of childhood sexual abuse.
Recommended by Lynn for patients. Patients should be working with a therapist while working through this book. It has an associated workbook as well.
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Apr 10, 2013 06:21pm