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Summary: It should be called a "misguide" - bad medicine.
Review: After the first chapter, it became disappointingly apparent that Davis and Bass are not trained psychotherapists, nor are they actually certified in any mental health profession at all! This book is dangerous in that it reinforces old stereotypical concepts and outmoded victim support therapies. Some have been succesfully challenged in court. THIS IS A DANGEROUS BOOK FOR SOMEONE WHO NEEDS SERIOUS PROFESSIONAL HELP IN SURVIVING CHILD ABUSE - BEWARE! The authors are NOT qualified professionals in the field and their inexperience shows. Unfortunately, there are no laws preventing anyone with an idea and a little ink from becoming an "expert". Sadly, the complex and fragile manner with which victims of child abuse need to be cared didn't dissuade the authors in the least.
Rating: 
Summary: A wonderfully supportive and helpful book!
Review: This book has gone a long way in helping me to begin the long journey to coming to terms with the sexual abuse I suffered as a pre-teen. For most of my adult life, I've been reluctant to attribute any of my problems (such as depression, self hatred, unhealthy sexual relationships with men, a general disgust about myself, etc.) to being molested by my stepfather. Within the past couple of years, however, I've begun to examine my feelings about it more and more. I bought this book rather hesitantly, but ended up reading the first few chapters in tears as I read so many of my own feelings and experiences echoed by the other abuse survivors. I had thought that I was all alone and that there was something intrinsically wrong with me for feeling the way I did about myself, and it was an overwhelming relief to find others who feel the same after having similar childhood experiences. The reviews offered here referring to the "memory" issue misrepresent the focus and intent of the book. These readers seem to want to keep abuse survivors quiet to save the "sanctity" of the family. So many of us have done this for years; sacrificing of our emotional well being. They belittle the profound hurt and damage caused not only by the abuse, but by the silence as well. At the very least, this book has helped me to feel human and has given me hope that I may one day feel whole. I highly recommend this book as an invaluable resource.
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Summary: Disagree with Reviewers
Review: I am so sorry I have to disagree with the reviewers that put this book down. I AM A SURVIVOR of abuse because of this book and a couple of others I will mention in a moment. Courage To heal gave me hope in a hopeless time in my life. I was spiraling downward from what had happened to me as a child. With this book I am able to pick up the pieces of my ppast, cast out the demons and learn how to live...
Rating:
Summary: This book kept me sane and saved my life
Review: Laura Davis and Ellen Bass have written a nearly comprehensive book that is very helpful for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. I am 24 years old, and recovering from severe depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and attempts at suicide. I thought I was going crazy because of all the nightmares, flashbacks, and insomnia that I have been having for most of my life. Fortunately, about five years ago, I got to read The Courage to Heal and started to journal my experiences. Firstly, there is no such thing as "false memory syndrome". Child abuse is an epidemic in our country, and it happens to BOTH men and women. However, women are much more likely to be assaulted during their lifetime, and are more likely to develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, depression, anxiety disorders, etc. as a result. Although we are making great strides in equality, we still live in a culture/society that devalues women.
This book is about equality, and it's great because it can be used by men as well as women. At times, I have had difficulty reading this book because the subject matter is so raw and painful, but it has dozens of different sections that people can access as needed. The Courage to Heal is great because it does not have a "heterosexist" slant like some other books about healing from abuse. The book addresses spirituality, but it is not about god or religion. This book is about healing from trauma.
Sadly, not all of us come from loving families. Not all people deserve to have children, although many abusive and selfish people have kids anyway. Despite what we would desperately like to believe, not all parents protect their kids--and many end up abusing them. Not all parents automatically deserve to have contact with their children (even their adult children). My parents constantly told me that "blood is thicker than water" and tried to sabotage my independence so I would remain dependent on them. Fortunately, it didn't work. I realized that I could take care of myself. This book helped me realize that I don't have to have contact with my abusive family. I did not have any contact with them for three years.
This book also focuses on trying to repair relationships with "families of origin", if it is helpful for the survivor. It has been instrumental in helping me rebuild a relationship with my mother and father. This book does NOT have, despite some ridiculous and unsubstantiated claims, techniques to "recover false memories". This is a book designed to help women (and men).
There is even a section to deal with all the BS from "false memory" advocates (a.k.a. child molesters who are trying to save their necks). I also recommend the workbook that can accompany this text. If you are willing to take charge of your own life, stop being a victim, and begin to heal, this book is for you. You can't change the past, but you CAN heal yourself.
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Summary: important book!
Review: I read what is most likely an earlier version of this book back in the early 1990's. Not being a survivor myself, I read this book in order to get an idea of how to help support a friend who was an adult Survivor of child sexual abuse. I am a very slow reader, but I managed to read the entire book in just a couple of weeks - a record for me when it comes to books of this length.This book has given me a greater understanding of what Survivors often go through and helped guide me as I supported that friend (and many others since then). Because of its length, this book may not be the easiest to read for someone who is new to reading about healing from sexual abuse. It is however the most comprehensive self-help book that I have found on the subject. Another Amazon.com reader commented that in her opinion, this book is too "gentle, warm, and compassionate." While it is gentle, warm, and compassionate, it is my opinion that those things are good. As I watched some of my friends start to heal over the years, I have found that there are times when it seems appropriate to be a little more direct - HOWEVER - I wouldn't recommend that until you know more about the person and what helps them. Counseling is best, but this book is an excellent place to start learning. Healing is not something you can force to happen. For those who are supporting others in their Healing, I also recommend "Allies in Healing"
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Summary: JS from MN
Review: I found this book to be extremely helpful in dealing with the sexual and emotional abuse of my step-father. I have felt wrong and alone my whole life without realizing why. I felt as though some of the chapters in this book were written about me which was a relief to my soul after feeling like an outcast for so long. I am very thankful that I found this book. I am saddened that this book has not helped some but we all are dealing with our own issues and not all situations are the same. I would recommend this book to anyone who is struggling. Best of luck.
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Summary: One of the best
Review: Theresa, surviving the past, January 16, 2004,
One of the best
this is one of the best books to read regarding healing from past child abuse/sexual abuse issues. I am very thankful for the knowledge of the authors. I also recommended: Nightmares Echo-Katlyn Stewart,Beauty For Ashes-Joyce Meyers
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Summary: Junk, Junk, Junk
Review: Nothing worse than junk pop-science from the touchie-feelie crowd.
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Summary: 3 books that changed my life
Review: Reanna Richter, A reviewer, January 16, 2004, I have read Courage To Heal, The Courage To Heal Workbook (Laura Davis)and Nightmares Echo (Katlyn Stewart). I can tell you that because of these books I am now on the path to healing. I understand so much as to why I have done some of the things I did in my past. I learned I am not alone in the feelings I had. I thank the authors of these books that have made it possible to heal.
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Summary: This book is a must for anyone that has been abused!
Review: Any form of abuse causes us to feel at fault and our whole lives are centered arond being a victom. I have learned some much needed advise on this issue. I have a richer sex life, a much better self-esteem, my parenting skills are better, and my marriage is the best it has been in 12 years. This book is absolutly awesome. You can figure out why you do odd things and feel certain ways. I have learned the reasons why I hate to be alone, challenge my husband, and continue to be a victom. If you have been a child of any form of abuse this book is a must buy!!!
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