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Summary: Very Helpful Book for abuse survivors
Review: This was a very helpful book for me when I was first trying to understand all of the symptoms and experiences I was having. Although the False Memory Syndrome foundation would have you believe that people make up memories, anyone who was abused knows that this is not something we WANT to believe or that we would make up. If you want to know that you are not alone and that you can heal, this is a very valuable book. But a book alone can't do it all - professional and personal support are also really necessary. I also think the Courage to Heal workbook is very helpful, possibly even more than this book because it's not as overwhelming.
Rating: 
Summary: I wasn't VERY abused.......
Review: During therapy for possible bipolarity, seasonal depression, and periodic destruction of friendships and good relationships I would build "the rest of the year," my psychologist recommended this book. I put off the purchase, pooh-poohing the idea that I'd ever been abused. Well, I wasn't VERY abused. I KNEW what abuse was, and I hadn't been.After finally purchasing the book, I began to move through such a tremendous upheaval as I read that ANY abuse still is abuse. There are not words enough to adequately express the insights I gained and the personal growth I experienced while working through the book. The anecdotes and quizzes also served as starting points for finally sharing my fears and nightmares with my husband. I do NOT recommend anybody reading the book without professional guidance and support. It can be TOO traumatic. I DO recommend this book for use in conjunction with professional therapy.
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Summary: A Must Have For Every Abuse Survivor!
Review: I grew up in a large family that was very abusive to me.
I was raped/abused repeatedly by my brother(s) and I was emotionally/physically/sexually abused by family members. I grew up with clear memories of many things I was embarassed, even shameful of. I was told I was worth nothing, no one would ever love me, and warned, no, threatened not to tell about the sexual abuse. I was in college before I did "tell" and suffered nightmares of my brother coming to "get me" for telling. I was driving home from work one day, 10 years later, when I
was suddenly hit with what I was later to learn were body memories, and "tapes" playing in my head of family taunts/put downs. I was sure everyone around me in traffic could see what was happening. Of course they couldn't but that didn't calm my fear or panic. It took me half an hour to leave my vehicle when I got home. After another hour I called everyone I could think of. "Courage to Heal" along with therapy and internet support groups helped me to put a name to what was happening to me. "Courage to Heal" was at the same time scary and comforting. Many parts I read over and over to calm myself down and to help understand what was happening. It taught me what flashbacks, anxiety/panic attacks, and body memories were. Knowledge is a powerful tool against the uncontrollable. Parts of the book were very difficult to read, partly due to the shame I felt, but I learned two things that still keep me going: "I am not alone." and "No one, except another survivor, will be able to listen for as long as you need to talk". "Courage to Heal" debunks the "don't tell" lie that our abusers and society had theretofore and even now tries to tell us. FMS'rs would have us go back to those days, those lies. I thank God that, because of people like Ellen Bass and Laura Davis who gave voice to other survivors, we now have safe houses, help hotlines, therapy that works, and a crime that is thankfully becoming harder to hide. "Courage to Heal" gave me an understanding and comfort that helped me to live through the pain I had blocked during 18+ years
of abuse. I have worked my tail off to get to the point I'm at now, and I would suggest "Courage to Heal" to anyone starting out or at any stage along their healing journey. Thank you Ellen and Laura!
Rating:
Summary: PROVIDES GUIDANCE, SUPPORT, AND VALIDATION FOR SURVIVORS
Review: This book has provided me with guidance, direction, and support. It has helped me in my darkest hour, when I was looking for answers, and it gave me the validation that I could come through my pain a stronger and more confident woman. Thank you, thank you, thank you - Ellen and Laura - for having the courage to give survivors the strength to endure and hope for a beautiful future. It is wonderful reference and support book for anyone who suffered childhood sexual abuse.
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Summary: Absolute must for women on the healing journey!
Review: The journey to wholeness for those traumatized by childhood sexual abuse is a difficult one. Finding supportive people and literature can be the most important part in making your way through the process. Ellen Bass and Laura Davis have created an anthology on the subject that supplies never-ending resources and support. "The Courage to Heal" walks with the survivor, supports them in each stage of healing, provides countless sources of reading and other study. I have never found another book that can equal the work of Bass and Davis in its ability to address literally every issue that could possibly come up along the way. I have not found another book that gave me so much courage and hope! I read it for the first time five years ago, and continue to refer to it each time I need more support.
Rating:
Summary: You are not alone
Review: The wonderful thing about this book is the gentle way it leads one to understand how alike we are in how child sexual abuse affected us, even though a strong feeling of isolation is one of the effects of that abuse. There is comfort in knowing that others have survived and overcome the same difficulties, and this book is a great refuge when one is struggling to come to terms with having been abused and all the damage that caused; it serves as a support group for those who can't yet face a group or can't locate one. It is also inspirational in showing the strength of women who have overcome the effects of abuse.
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Summary: The most positive influence on my life...
Review: I finished reading The Courage to Heal about 2 weeks ago. It was given to me by a very supportive and caring friend. This was my first step towards healing,after I read the first page I haven't looked back since. My thoughts are positive now, I'm caring for myself and I no longer feel guilt. I recommend CtH to everyone who is a survivor of sexual abuse and supporters of survivors. Thank you so much for this book, I can't tell you how much it has helped me. Anyone who needs someone to chat to feel free to email me anytime.
Rating:
Summary: Touching, informative and helpful in all stages of recovery
Review: As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, I have referred back to this book again and again. There is a chapter on every topic imaginable. When I had no access to any help or support, this was my guiding light. As a survivor, you never have to feel alone again. Buy the book!
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Summary: The Courage to Heal is a must-read for incest survivors.
Review: Ellen Bass and Laura Davis understand the pain of incest survivors. This book is about how to move beyond that pain and to start taking better care of yourself. It is a must-read for survivors and all of those who care about ending childhood sexual abuse.
Rating:
Summary: HOPEFUL - HELPFUL - HONEST - WONDERFUL
Review: I read "The Courage to Heal" four years ago as I began my painful healing journey. I have read many books since. These authors offer hope - they show a true understanding of the suffering we have endured and must own if we are to heal. So many books attempt to put the healing process into a "package" with time frames, stages, etc. This is especially true with textbooks by physicians - and it doesn't work and only frustrates those of us who are not progressing "according to schedule". Ellen Bass and Laura Davis speak to the lay person as lay people themselves. I was reassured that my time frame is just fine- as it is mine - I would progress in as much time as it takes. I have learned ways to comfort myself so I don't have to "feel the pain" 24 hours a day. I recommend "The Courage to Heal" highly to anyone progressing through the healing journey. The book offers the courage to "keep on keepin on". Judy Parliman
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