Sexual Assault Self Help Books / Resources

[Nicolette]

I thought it would be a good idea to start a thread where people can share resources which have helped them.

The book which I found monumental for me was written by Dr Susan Jeffers: Feel the Fear and do it Anyway. To me it encompassed dealing with the victim mentality which is not sexual abuse specific but very apt.


Here is an extract from her website about the book:

In this internationally acclaimed best-selling classic, Susan Jeffers inspires us with many dynamic techniques and profound concepts that have helped millions throughout the world grab hold of their fears and move forward with their lives. Inside 'Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway®' you'll learn what we are afraid of...and why and the five surprising truths about fear. You'll also learn how to let go of the victim mentality, the secret of making 'no lose' decisions, how to expand your 'comfort' zone, how to create more meaning in your life...and much more. With understanding and humor, Susan shows you how to become powerful in the face of your fears--and enjoy the elation of living a more creative, joyous, and loving life.

 

[jadebear]

Thanks for starting this thread Nicolette. I have a large self-help library of my own but I haven't read a book in so long....

One that I found very helpful is When The Past Is Present: Healing The Emotional Wounds That Sabotage Our Relationships.

 

[WonderingWhy]

Great idea for a thread!:)

 

[Nicolette]

When The Past Is Present: Healing The Emotional Wounds That Sabotage Our Relationships.

Like the name of the book Jadebear. I have not read for ages either as I started finding that my library was starting to get "too heavy". I like self help books that get straight to the point and you don't have to decipher what they are trying to say or go into too much deep explanation. I just want to know what I can do with a brief explanation of how it is meant to help.

 

[Lucycat]

Some books that I have read and found helpful are;
Buddha's Brain: The Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, Love and Wisdom by Rick Hanson ( which I have as an audio book)


Waking the Tiger : Healing Trauma : The Innate Capacity to Transform Overwhelming Experiences by Peter Levine

The Body Remembers: The Psychophysiology of Trauma and Trauma Treatment by Babette Rothschild

The Survivor's Guide to Sex: How to Have an Empowered Sex Life After Child Sexual Abuse by Staci Haines. ( That I'm working through at the moment)

EMDR: The Breakthrough "Eye Movement" Therapy for Overcoming Anxiety, Stress, and Trauma by Francine Shapiro.


I have found all of the above helpful in different ways. I am about to reread 'waking the tiger' as it focuses on the Freeze reaction, with which I have recently struggled.

 

[Misery]

Link Removed

Here is an excerpt from a book = "Resurrection After Rape" by Matt Atkinson.
Reading that helped me understand the "freeze" instinct.

 

[tch75]

Thanks for starting this thread!

Two books that at least got me started, and explained some fundamentals for me was:

The Sexual Healing Journey, Wendy Maltz
EMDR In The Treatment Of Adults Abused As Children, Laurel Parnell

 

[Lucycat]

I have this morning finished reading
The Stranger in the Mirror. Dissociation- the Hidden Epidemic. by Marlene Steinberg and Maxine Schnall

I found it a very helpful book although it was hard work to read. On the other hand once I started reading I could not put it down.
It explains dissociation so clearly and gives validation to many of the symptoms that have made me feel I am going crazy. Now I have a better understanding of why this all happens

My T. said he only lends out this book when he feels the client is ready and I now understand why. It triggers lots of memories, and caused one flashback. After that one I took more care of myself and only read it in short bursts with real comfort breaks in between.

I have asked Rory to read it. I am not sure that he will, but I do think it would help him to understand me better if he did.

 

[alixipain]

Victims No Longer Men Recovering from Incest and Other Sexual Child Abuse. Mike Lew. Foreword by Ellen Bass Coauthor of The Courage to heal

It helped me understand myself, my rage, and deeply supressed anger. Some what my "Bible".

 

[KAT]

This is the best thread,I love to read. Wonderful idea Nicolette. So far I've read: The Courage to Heal by Ellen Bass & Laura Davis, The Body Remembers by Babette Rothschild. The last helped me understand that some of my odd reactions to stress was not under my control.

 

[KAT]

I just finished reading the stranger in the Mirror.dissociation- the Hidden Epidemic by Marlene Steinberg. WOW !! I have asked my councilor to read it. She said she would. It was very intense reading but really hit home with me. I had to remember to go easy on my self and give lots of self love.:) Next I would like to read about the freezing instinct.