Courage to Heal: A Guide for Women Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse

THE COURAGE TO HEAL A GUIDE FOR WOMEN SURVIVORS OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE "This book advances the empowerment of survivors another major step - from breaking silence to sharing recovery." 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 - Ellen Bass, a nationally known counselor, and Laura Davis, a survivor of child sexual abuse - weave personal experience with professional knowledge to show the reader how she can come to terms with her past while moving powerfully into the future. The authors provide clear explanations, practical suggestions, a map of the healing journey, and many moving first-person examples of the recovery process drawn from their interviews with hundreds of survivors. Definitive in scope, The Courage to Heal speaks directly to the survivor in a warm and personal way: -- Taking Stock - addresses the question "Am I a survivor?" and outlines the effects of child sexual abuse and the ways women cope over time. -- The Healing Process - explores each stage from the decision to heal and remembering through breaking silence, knowing it wasn't your fault, nurturing the inner child, and grief and anger, to resolution and moving on. -- Changing Patterns - offers in depth guidance for shifting self-defeating patterns in specific areas of one's present life, including self-esteem, feelings, intimacy, sexuality, and dealing with families. -- Supporters of Survivors - provides insight and strategies for partners of survivors, family members, and counselors. -- Courageous Woman - profiles survivors who share the challenges and triumphs of their own healing journeys. -- Resources for Healing - informs readers about therapy, support groups, self-help programs, organizations and services, and further reading.