Sexual Abuse Support Group
Sexual abuse is a relative cultural term used to describe sexual relations and behavior between two or more parties which are considered criminally and/or morally offensive. Different types of sexual abuse involve: Non-consensual, forced physical sexual behavior such as rape, incest or sexual assault, or psychological forms of abuse, such as verbal sexual behavior or...
I'm wondering if anyone has any book reccomendations? If there is a book you'd reccommend, can you please tell me why you'd recommend it?
I'll tell you my story, because maybe my story will help you tell me which book to get. I was sexually abused for years as a child. I do remember some of it, but not very much. There is a lot I'm not remembering. Sometimes, I do remember him making me do certain things, like locking me in a basement closet with him and making me perform oral sex. Other times, though, the memories are not clear at all - I remember everything, except what was happening to me....for example, I remember this yellow couch, and I think I was naked on it, 'cause I remember the texture of the couch, and there are some other gross things I think I remember about that, but it's pretty fuzzy.
I have highly specific fears of certain sexual things, even now. My boyfriend is patient, kind, and knows why I am like this. I never feel pressured by him.
I was also raped as an adult.
I'm 33. I'd like to start moving forward. Healing. I have no money at all to go and see a counsellor. I don't even have extra money for a book! So if I am going to spend some of my grocery money on a book, I figure I will do my research and try and find a really great book.
Thank you very much for any ideas.
I'll tell you my story, because maybe my story will help you tell me which book to get. I was sexually abused for years as a child. I do remember some of it, but not very much. There is a lot I'm not remembering. Sometimes, I do remember him making me do certain things, like locking me in a basement closet with him and making me perform oral sex. Other times, though, the memories are not clear at all - I remember everything, except what was happening to me....for example, I remember this yellow couch, and I think I was naked on it, 'cause I remember the texture of the couch, and there are some other gross things I think I remember about that, but it's pretty fuzzy.
I have highly specific fears of certain sexual things, even now. My boyfriend is patient, kind, and knows why I am like this. I never feel pressured by him.
I was also raped as an adult.
I'm 33. I'd like to start moving forward. Healing. I have no money at all to go and see a counsellor. I don't even have extra money for a book! So if I am going to spend some of my grocery money on a book, I figure I will do my research and try and find a really great book.
Thank you very much for any ideas.
There is a workbook that goes along with the book which you might wish to purchase. The workbook is titled, "The Courage to Heal: A Guide For Women and Men Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse", by Laura Davis. The workbook can also be ordered from Amazon.
I agree with Charli0217's choice as my number one recommendation. The Courage to Heal was written by women for women. Ellen Bass was one of the most gifted healers I encountered on my own healing journey and although she no longer offers survivor workshops for healing the book reflects much of her wisdom.
I would also recommend the following, some of which can be found in the library and the rest at discount book stores :
Father Daughter Incest by Judith Herman
Secret Survivors by Sue Blume
Focusing by Eugene Gendlin
Celebrate Yourself by Dorothy Corkville Briggs
Feeling Good by David Burns
Allies in Healing by Laura Davis
Herman and Blume speak to the survivor.
Gendlin's book aids recover via the body
Briggs and Burns help with self-esteem
Davis helps partners cope and understand
I would also recommend finding a 12-step survivor group--they are free and an invaluable source of support.
And I believe you are "GonnaMakeIt.
xx
SuzA
Yes, I would very much appreciate any ideas about where to get couselling at a reduced rate. Thank you for offering to help. I'm not sure where you live....I'm in Canada. I guess where you live effects what kind of help is available.