Book of The Month…
Courage to Heal Book Review: by Ellen Bass and Laura Davis. Publisher – Cedar Books.
This book is an invaluable resource for both victims/survivors and those who need information on how to offer support to their loved ones.
I first read this book nearly 30 years ago and it is still as relevant today.
This book explains the effects of abuse and how to work through the pain and understand that the abuse was not your fault.
It also explains different stages of abuse and there are personal stories and poems.
This book was often a lifeline for the times when I was feeling desperate and needed a friend.
I also found some of the suggested exercises helped keep me safe when I didn’t know how to feel or behave.
You do not have to read this book cover to cover you can dip in and out as you feel you need it.
This book is excellent to use alongside counselling.
I hope you find this book as helpful as I have!
There are a wealth of books that discuss abuse, from self-help guides to educational textbooks.
In fact, there are so many books on the subject that it can be too overwhelming to know where to start.
As part of our commitment to providing quality resources, the below list of books have been hand-picked and come recommended by individuals within the Haven team.
So, whether you are looking for resources to better understand those who have experienced abuse, or want reading material to help heal your own trauma, you will find it here.
Books – Specifically for Women…
Written to guide, inform and heal women who have survived sexual or domestic abuse, the following books are essential reading.
- The Courage to Heal: A guide for women survivors of sexual abuse. Ellen Bass and Laura Davies
- Healing the Fragmented Selves: A guide for trauma survivors. Janina Fisher
Books – Specifically for Men…
Abuse to men and boys comes with its own range of complications.
Male abuse, more than any other, often involves the issues of toxic masculinity, stigmatism, and shame; making access to recovery more difficult.
The following books have been written by men and deal with these additional complexities.
- Recovering from Sexual Child Abuse: by Mike Lew
- Beyond Betrayal: Taking Charge of Your Life After Boyhood Sexual Abuse: by Richard B Gartner
- When A Man You Love Was Abused: by Murphey Cecil
- Abused Boys: by Mic Hunter
- Joining Forces – Empowering Male Survivors to Thrive: by Dr Howard Fradkin
- Leaping Upon The Mountains – Men Proclaiming Victory Over Sex: by Mike Lew and Richard Hoffman