Beginning to Heal (Revised Edition): A First Book for Men and Women Who Were Sexually Abused As Children

A GREAT book for any victim of sex abuse, especially if you are in the process of becoming a survivor. It was hard to put the book down once I started it, as it was almost as if they were writing about me and my childhood abuse. I would highly recommend this book to any victim, survivor, or family member that is in need of some understanding as to the things we say and do as victims. I highlighted many parts in my book, now my parents are going thru reading parts, hoping to better understand me, my moods, and my actions. I was sexually molested by 1 of my 5 brothers when I was a little girl. I never told, as my brother put the fear to me, too not tell or I would get it worse. I wish I would of felt comfortable to speak out, as now it's too late to have anything done. Im now 48 years old, married for 29 years with 2 wonderful sons, I'm seeing an amazing therapist, and reading books, as I'm ready to become a survivor, so I can hopefully start helping other victims. I'm sure my brother has more victims, including his daughter, which is sad. I highly recommend for anyone being abused, PLEASE tell someone!! It's not your fault, we are innocent, so please speak up so we can try to put an end to sexual child abuse!Thank you again for a great read!Cheryl Lehman

This book takes on the very diificult subject of sexual abuse of children, both girls and boys, and the effects of this abuse in their adult lives. If this is your first read on this subject, this book is a great place to start. If you have already read about this, I do not think that this book will offer anything new.

As most people have said this is the first step. It is an introduction. It tells you the steps and from there you need to move on

If you were sexually abused as a child and are looking for acknowledgment that you're not alone, that you're not the only person to have suffered with the guilt, humiliation, anguish, etc., etc., etc that accompanies this type of abuse, this is a good book to begin the healing process. It helped me to feel better about myself. Discovering that my feelings were normal and felt by others was so helpful. The isolation of living with the knowledge of my abuse was tearing me apart inside so reading about other people's experiences was so helpful...kind of freeing. It's only a beginning but definitely has steered my in the right direction to begin my Healing Process. Thank you Ellen Bass and the survivors in this book for the courage to share their experiences and feelings!

This is a simple version of what family and the survivor needs to know about what you/they are going through and how to deal. I loved it although I wish I never needed it. There are coping skills, about court (if you wish to pursue that), spirituality (which I feel is everything---"CAST YOUR ANXIETIES UPON HIM FOR HE CARES FOR YOU." This is SO true). This is a great book for the survivor JUST STARTING TO PUT THE PIECES BACK TOGETHER...and YOU WILL GET THERE. Everyone heals on their own time line so don't rush. EVERY THERAPIST SHOULD HAVE THIS FOR SUCH PATIENTS.

I am a social worker employed as a mental health therapist, and I work with many people with intellectual limitations, such as mild MR and traumatic brain injuries, or learning disabilities. This book is very good for those who want to read something, but are daunted by the large (albeit excellent) books such as Courage to Heal. I have bought many copies of this book and end up giving them away to patients all the time; I imagine I will continue to do so. The last patient who read this told me, "Now I know I am not the only one this happened to, and I found out that so many of the things that happened to me are also sexual abuse." That was definitely a kick start. A wonderful way to begun therapeutic interventions with my patients.

EXCELLENT , GREAT SMELL, SIZE OF REGULAR SOAP

This helped me skim the material that is gone into much deeper in the same authors "The courage to heal". It helped me take a first step into embracing my childhood as a real and raw part of who I am instead of denying it like I have all these years. Made me realize I am not alone and that there is nothing wrong with facing your demons. Presented in a compassionate and therapudic manner.

I bought this book on recommendation and couldn't have been more happy that I took the plunge and ignored my desire not to order such a book from an online shop!! If you are a victim of abuse you will understand this statement on the basis that all of us have lived a life of shame under the belief that the abuse was our fault, when of course nothing could be further from the truth.Please, please, please if you are a victim of past or current abuse then take the plunge and purchase this book as it will offer you an unbelievable understanding of why you feel the way you do and what you can start to do to change your future. Simple to read and not over 'wordy' it will take you on a journey to a better life where you can start to live without shame and guilt. Although some of the content is very painful to read the book offers many "Oh My God" moments and I felt a great affinity with almost every aspect of what was written. If you are looking for a book that will bring you to a point of believing that you are not alone and you are not mad (I thought I was) then this is an ideal starting point. I am now reading The Courage to Heal which is a bit more in-depth and would recommend that you start with this book, Beginning to Heal.My very best wishes to all of you who are victims of abuse, you deserve to heal, we all do xxx

A really great book to start recovery from childhood abuse. A gentle yet informative approach in breaking the silence of abuse.Excellent for the survivior or abuse, supportive family members or close friends or therapists. A must have in ant counsellors/psychotherapists book shelf.

Easy to read and very informative. It has not upset me at all, but the words have really spoken to me. Would recommend, I reckon I’ll be reading it a few times.

a great read. thankyou really good quality book. Thankyou amazon

Valuable as a starting point and reminder for survivors