The Emotionally Abused Woman : Overcoming Destructive Patterns and Reclaiming Yourself

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Summary: The Emotionally Abused Woman
Review: Buying this book was one of the best decisions that I ever made. It helped me to realize that I wasn't alone and that my "situation" wasn't my fault. It gave me the strength to turn my life around and not be a victim any more. I would also recommend "The Encouragements for the Emotionally Abused Woman" by the same author.

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Summary: Read this for your own self-esteem.
Review: Engel gives a concise description of what emotional abuse is, and the types of abusers and victims. She helps to uncover the patterns and reasons for abuse, ways to recover from it. Like many women in emotionally abusive relationships, it was very difficult for me to even see it occurring. Her book is a constant reminder of how to stop the cycle, both for me and for my children.

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Summary: Shocked at the truth in this book
Review: For me, this book above all other self-help books on the subject I've read really hit home. I was physically and emotionally abused for most of my childhood. Once I grew up and left home I became involved with emotionally abusive men again and again, for the last several years. I couldn't understand why I always seemed to pick the wrong guy, and why life was so painful, and demeaning. Through therapy and self-help books I was able to come to some realizations. This book was so powerful that halfway through I had to put it down for some time because the personal truths I arrived at were so painful to face. I hope any person out there who is going through or has been through an emotionally abusive relationship will give this book a try. It is well worth it.

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Summary: A must read for those in an abusive lifestyle!
Review: I bought this book to gain a greater understanding of the dynamics of my emotionally abused friend. It was like this book was written about her!
Author, Beverly Engels knows her subject well. Her therapeutic expertise shows you how to recognize and understand the abusers in your life. There are indentifing patterns that show where you are emotionally trapped & advice on how to remove yourself from these destructive patterns.
An interesting point is that the abused equally contributes to the sickness of the relationship as the abuser does! You cannot have one without the other!
This is a MUST READ for anyone in this sitution and for those loved ones who desire to have an understanding of this nightmare. There is great hope should you desire to have a healthly life!

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Summary: Critical reading if you suspect abuse
Review: I had just gone through an agonizing break-up with my fiancée when my therapist recommended this book. She had sensed a pattern of abuse in my descriptions of the relationship, starting with possessiveness, coupled with control and emotional berating, and eventually turning toward physical violence. I was in such a state of guilt and shame that I was still blaming myself for my ex-'s behavior. Within the first two chapters of this book, I read accounts of abuse and recognized common tactics of abusers that my ex- had demonstrated to a T. I also learned to spot the ways in which I enabled him to treat me that way, and what steps I needed to take to ensure I would never fall into that trap again. Most importantly, this book allowed me to put the responsibility of the abuse squarely where it belonged and convince myself I deserved better. I only wish I had had this information and inspiration at the first signs of abuse, so I could have recognized it for what it was and gotten out with my confidence wholly in tact. I wish fellow readers in similar situations the courage to do just that.


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Summary: EXCELLENT
Review: I purchased this book because I was "advised" by a friend that I was being emotionally abused. I purchased the book... that night, I couldn't put it down! It has a great deal of information. Also, I found myself, making less excuses for the actions of my significant ofther, making me realize how much better off I am without him in my life. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has a doubt about being emotionally abused.

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Summary: Finished what therapy started
Review: I purchased this book on the recommendation of the other 5 star reviewers here. It is really all its cracked up to be. I was seeing a therapist and stopped because I felt I didn't get the information I needed that was explained so thoroughly in this book. As I was reading it - I was saying "thank you" The information in Engels book filled all the holes I felt were not addressed in therapy. So to all the people that spent the time reviewing this important book for the emotionally abused I would like to express my appreciation to you, otherwise I would have overlooked this gem, and perhaps would have missed the peace in my heart that I now have.

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Summary: Must read for survivors and providers
Review: I read this book two years ago and decided to use it with the Empowerment Group I co-facilitate at a domestic violence agency in Michigan. The group loved the book! They felt that it provided them with much needed information regarding emotional abuse -- what it is, why it happens, how to deal with it. We would only get through a few ideas at a time because of the conversation it would generate. All told, it probably took us a full year to get through the book. I would definately recommend this book for survivors and providers!

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Summary: Very complete
Review: I was glad I read the 5 star customer reviews here. Once therapy helps you to realize the abuse then this wonderful book can take over the nuts and bolts of your recovery. Engel explains everything very clearly into the what- when- wheres- and why's of emotional abuse and its effects on you. Most importantly she explains the pitfalls of the emotionally abused woman and how she sets up her life (subconciously) for repeated abuse. Engels doesn't leave out the ways to help yourself recover. I plan to read this book again and in my opinion this book qualifies as the bible for adult women who have been emotionally abused as children. Thank you past reviewers!!! And yes I can really see how this book would be fabulous for group therapy. It is very easy to read.

Rating:
Summary: Very complete
Review: I was glad I read the 5 star customer reviews here. Once therapy helps you to realize the abuse then this wonderful book can take over the nuts and bolts of your recovery. Engel explains everything very clearly into the what- when- wheres- and why's of emotional abuse and its effects on you. Most importantly she explains the pitfalls of the emotionally abused woman and how she sets up her life (subconciously) for repeated abuse. Engels doesn't leave out the ways to help yourself recover. I plan to read this book again and in my opinion this book qualifies as the bible for adult women who have been emotionally abused as children. Thank you past reviewers!!! And yes I can really see how this book would be fabulous for group therapy. It is very easy to read.