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Recommended reading
The following are books which our members have found helpful. Many more are available. For further titles go to Butterflies (Magazine for survivors of incest, sexual abuse, and ritual abuse who have reclaimed their lives) which has a comprehensive reading list for a range of abuse-related topics.
 Books can be borrowed though local public libraries. If your library does not have the book you want in their collection, you can usually ask for an inter-library loan.
New, used and out of print books are available for online purchase through Amazon.com.
Used and out of print books are available for online purchase at Alibris.
New books can also be purchased in Australia through Dymocks, Angus and Robertson, the Feminist Bookshop and other dealers either online or in their store branches.
 Adult survivors of child abuse
Adult survivors of incest and childhood sexual assault
Child development
For children
For men
Christian books
Clinical
For non-offending parents of child survivors
For partners/ support people of survivors
Grief
Life stories
Depression
Multiple personalities
Neurophysiology
Relationship issues
Repressed memories/traumatic amnesia
Ritual/satanic abuse
Self-help
Sexual healing
Spiritual
Trauma/PTSD
True stories
Understanding perpetrators
Adult survivors of child abuse
Gil, Eliana (1988) Outgrowing the pain: a book about adults abused as children. Dell ISBN: 0440500060
Mullinar, L & Hunt, C (1997) Breaking the silence; survivors of child abuse speak out. Rydalmere: Hodder & Stoughton
Ratner, E (1990) The other side of the family: A book for recovery from abuse, incest and neglect. HCI (out of print) ISBN: 1558741100
A guide for survivors of abuse that emphasises acknowledging the pain of the past, understanding what has happened, coming to terms with personal emotion, and working through abuse to find recovery.
Sanford, LT (1990) Strong at the broken places: overcoming the trauma of childhood abuse. Random House. ISBN: 0394565630
Sanford presents a perceptive and empathic examination of why and how victims of abuse either take the downward path to violence and destruction or become responsible citizens, good friends, and reasonable people. This nonempirical, descriptive study of 20 survivors of childhood abuse details how childhoods dominated by physical, mental, or sexual abuse can be transformed. The book belies the idea that survivors of childhood abuse are doomed to repeat the pattern of abuse.
Adult survivors of incest and childhood sexual assault
Adams, C & Fay, J (1990) Free of shadows: recovering from sexual violence. New Harbinger Publications Inc. (out of print) ISBN: 0934986703
'This book was a god-send when I was recovering from my experience with rape and I have recommended it to countless others in the crisis intervention work that I do with other survivors. It is one of the best books available for explaining the aftermath of rape to survivors and to their friends and family. This book is NOT SCARY TO READ. Far less likely to trigger fear and panic responses in survivors (especially recent survivors) than many on the market. Each chapter also includes "for the friends and family" sections, which give invaluable advice about how loved ones can support the survivor and take care of themselves as well. This book was the first "person" to tell me that what I was experiencing was a normal reaction to what had happened to me and that I wasn't going crazy. It's a very important book for anyone who is recovering from rape or anyone who cares about someone who is.'
Andrews, J. (1996) Beyond closed doors: growing beyond an abused childhood. Morehouse Pub. Co. (out of print) ISBN: 1863550445
Beyond Closed Doors tells the story of a violently sexually and emotionally abused man. However, unlike many autobiographies, that was not its aim. The book is a collection of letters written by Little John to Big John during his therapy and healing process. They tell of the hurting child inside the adult man, and the fears that the man still carries because the hurting child was not protected. As a window into the therapy process, this book is without parallel. For any child abuse victim, these letters express the pain of the child within, and the adult's struggle to let the child be heard.
Bagley, C & King, K (1990) Child sexual abuse: the search for healing. Routledge. ISBN: 0415006066
The authors provide a comprehensive overview of the causes, treatment and prevention of child sexual abuse, approaching the problem from the perspective of the victims, their families and the offenders. The authors review studies in the USA and Canada as well as using their own research to present a comprehensive study of the prevalence and background of the sexual exploitation of children in our society.
Bronson, C. (1992) Growing Through The Pain: The Incest Survivor’s Companion. Parkside Pub. Corp. (out of print). ISBN: 0133669157
Crosson Tower, C. (reprint 1989) Secret scars: A guide for survivors of child sexual abuse. Penguin (out of print) ISBN: 014012229X
According to professor/therapist Tower, one-third to one-half of the adult population were sexually molested as children. It's these individuals she addresses, blending their actual words (from interviews) with strong expository material. Though she covers such topics as emotional baggage, self-defeating cycles, the psyche of the perpetrator, and consequences for victims' own children, she emphasises psychological counselling as the cure to trusting others again, clearly defining how each therapeutic mode (e.g., dance, Gestalt) works.
Daugherty, L B (1985) Why Me? Help for Victims of Child Sexual Abuse, even if they are adults now . Mother Courage Press. (out of print). ISBN: 0941300013
Derosier Barnes, P. (1989) Women Inside: From Incest Victim to Survivor - A Resource Guide Designed to Lead Women from Incest Victim to Survivor. Mother Courage Press. (out of print). ISBN: 0941300137
Engel, B (1991) Right to Innocence: Healing the Trauma of Childhood Sexual Abuse. Ivy Books. ISBN: 0804105855
As a trained therapist and sufferer of sexual abuse herself, Beverly Engel knows that there is probably no trauma a child can suffer that makes her or him feel more alone than sexual abuse. This helpful book offers hope for recovery with exercises, visualizations, and techniques that support you through a seven-step program, that will aid you in: facing the truth, releasing your anger, confronting those responsible with facts and feelings, forgiving yourself, and more healing advice and information.
Finney, LD (1990) Reach for the Rainbow: Advanced Healing for Survivors of Sexual Abuse. Changes Pub. (out of print) ISBN: 096258830X
A question-and-answer format outlines self-healing techniques for survivors of sex abuse and addresses such sensitive issues as cult abuse, multiple personality disorder, flashbacks, suicidal thoughts, and legal repercussions.
Gil, E (1989) Outgrowing the Pain : A Book for and About Adults Abused as Children. Dell Pub. Co. Reissue ed. ISBN: 0440500060
'I'll keep this short and sweet. If you are looking at this page, then this book is for you. A quick and easy read, it proves that you are NOT crazy, unwanted, or alone. Move on with your life and succeed where only failure waited before.'
Grubman-Black, S (2002) Broken Boys, Mending Men : Recovery From Childhood Sexual Abuse. Blackburn Press. ISBN: 1930665628
Broken Boys/Mending Men awakens us to the realities of a grave situation: boys are the victims of sexual abuse. It is estimated that one in six males suffers some form of sexual abuse as a child or teenager. In most cases the victim knows and trusts the perpetrator - most often an adult or teenage male. Broken Boys/Mending Men provides a frank discussion of the issue, describing the consequences of male sexual abuse and the ways that victims can find help in healing the pain.
Maltz, W & Holman, B (1991) Incest & Sexuality: A Guide for Understanding & Healing. Lexington Books. (out of print) ISBN: 0669140856
''Incest and Sexuality' sympathetically and incisevely explores the effects of incest on survivors and offers both they and their intimate partners a great deal of information on ways to get past the abuse. The work deals with a wide range of incestuous circumstances, and either a survivor or one itimately involved with a survivor should find the book well worth the read.'
Hunter, M (1991) Abused Boys: The Neglected Victims of Sexual Abuse. Ballantine Books. ISBN: 0449906299
This myth-breaking study explains the ways in which boys are molested and the reasons why men remain silent about it later in life. Thirteen firsthand "survival stories" offer inspiration to readers.
Jarvis-Kirkendall, (1989) C. & Kirkendall, J. Without Consent: How to Overcome Childhood Sexual Abuse. Swan Press. (out of print) ISBN: 0961553006
Kritsberg, W. (1993) The Invisible Wound: A new approach to Healing Childhood Sexual Abuse. Bantam Dell Pub Group. (out of print) ISBN: 0553089846
Kritsberg, who leads personal growth and recovery workshops, has crafted a remarkable, almost do-it-yourself approach to working through the psychic damage caused by early sexual trauma. The emphasis here is on how victims repress their memories and feelings, which can later manifest themselves as psychical problems. Kritsberg's definition of childhood sexual abuse, more inclusive than most, fittingly encompasses emotional sexual abuse. He shows adult survivors ways to break through defenses, jog memories and replace pain with positive feelings. He suggests body work--to get to physical memories--and journal writing such as speaking with one's body to sharpen understanding. There are also separate healing affirmations for men and women. The author provides examples to show that both men and women are abused as well as abusers. This is a supportive and coherent guide.
Maltz, W. (2001) The Sexual Healing Journey: a guide for survivors of sexual abuse. Rev. ed. Perennial Currents ISBN: 0060959649
Maltz offers this how-to, personal therapy book written in the form of an informative if somewhat repetitive case study. She gives concrete details on what constitutes abuse and shatters the myths surrounding double standards (e.g., actor Don Johnson being seduced by a female babysitter when he was 12 constitutes abuse, yet this "older woman on younger boy" style of abuse is sometimes written off). In addition to identifying the many types of abuse, Maltz demonstrates how abuse may get buried in a victim's unconscious mind and subsequently cause sexual dysfunction. She carefully deconstructs the common negative sexuality that often acts as a defense mechanism, and attempts to replace it with a healthy, positive approach to sex.
Parks P. (1997) Rescuing the Inner Child: Therapy for Adults Sexually Abused as Children. Souvenir press. ISBN: 028565084X
Parkinson, P. (1997). Child Sexual Abuse and the Churches. Sydney, Australia: Hodder and Stoughton. ISBN: 0340630159
Thomas, (1989) T. Men Surviving Incest: a male survivor shares the process of recovery. Self Esteem Shop II. ISBN: 0961320583
Ward, E. (1985) Father Daughter Rape Child Development. Grove Press (out of print) ISBN: 0802152074
'A very interesting, well-written, and thorough analysis of sexual abuse, written from a feminist perspective. Elizabeth Ward calls sexual abuse/incest, "Father-Daughter Rape", to convey the serious and severe nature of sexual abuse committed against female children by men, who are in a position of power over them, and have long-term access to repeat the offense. This book is about abuse by fathers, stepfathers, brothers, grandfathers, uncles, etc. The word rape is used to define all sexual offenses. Elizabeth encourages taking action and speaking out to end rape. Particularly beautiful was the section on mothers and daughters bonding together in the fight to end rape. She did an exquisite job expressing the feelings of the survivors.'
Child development
Miller, A (1995) The drama of Being a Child: the search for the true self. Time Warner Books UK ISBN: 1860491014
'When I read this book (which was originally published in German in 1979) for the first time in the early eighties, it completely swept me off my feet. Here was an analysis that explained why I was in search of my 'true self', why I felt my achievements were 'empty', why I felt empathy for others and antipathy for myself. The idea proposed by Alice Miller, in a nutshell, was that there are children who are able to feel and ease the emotional insecurity of their mothers (the 'gift' of the title), thus gain her love but in the process deny their own desires. These children grow up to become helpers in various roles, including therapists - like Alice Miller herself. They develop sensors for the subconscious signals of the needs of others. The problem is, they subconsciously deny themselves the pursuit of their own needs, and consequently cannot become who they 'are'. Which makes them prone to the illnesses which, according to the Freudian theory, go with suppressed desires.'
Miller, A. (1990) For Your Own Good: Hidden cruelty in child rearing and The Roots of Violence. London; Virago Press For Children. 3rd ed. Farrar, Straus & Giroux ISBN: 0374522693
Miller explores the backgrounds of extreme cases of self-destructive and violent individuals to further her theories on longterm consequences of abusive childrearing. Her conclusions about what creates a drug addict, a murderer, even a Hitler, stray far from psychoanalytic dogma about human nature. Miller paints a jolting picture of the violent world each generation helps shape when traditional upbringing, with its hidden cruelty, is perpetuated. She also offers a way out by striving to resensitize the child in the adult, to unlock an emotional life frozen in repression.
For children
Hessel, J. (1987) What's Wrong With Bottoms?· Arrow (out of print) ISBN: 009173536X
Howard, E (1989) Gillyflower. Harper Collins. (out of print) ISBN: 000673376X
Gilly likes to make up stories about beautiful princess Juliana, to whom bad things never happen. Her mother works on a night shift, and her father is often unemployed. Often, when younger sister Honey is asleep, her father asks Gilly to "keep him company." And that's when he sexually abuses Gilly, while telling her it's her fault because "you're getting so sexy, Gilly" and "you know you like it." Gilly keeps her terrible secret, but always believes that everyone knows about her, just by looking at her. She also thinks that all fathers do this to their daughters. By growing closer to a new friend's family, Gilly senses that what happens to her is wrong. The fear that her father has started to abuse Honey pushes Gilly to tell her mother. And, finally, Princess Juliana goes away forever. The tragedy of this story is its ring of authenticity, and the acute sadness that grips the reader's heart from the first page to the last. But that is also the book's strengththis is no sugar-coated parable. It's compellingly written, with no easy answers; one hopes that the child who reads this book will have an understanding adult to turn to for further discussion.
Otto, M. (1987). Tom Doesn't Visit Us Anymore. Women's Press (out of print) ISBN: 0889611173
Charlotte is confused, angry and scared after she has been sexually abused by a friend of the family.
Rowley, J.T. Knock, Knock, Who's There?
Satuallo, J., Russell, R. & Bradway, P. (1987) It Happens to Boys Too...Elizabeth Freeman Center. ISBN: 0961861800
'As a child therapist who works with victims of sexual abuse on a daily basis, I have been thrilled to find a book targeted to this population. I find it most helpful for boys who have actually survived sexual abuse, and are roughly 6 to 13 years of age.
It addresses all the general, important information which survivors need to hear. But it also addresses issues that are specific to boys, such as whether or not being abused by a man makes them a homosexual. (Of course not!)
The last portion of the book contains rather intimate quotes from men who were abused as boys, and how that has affected them. Depending on the boy I'm counseling, I decide individually whether or not to share any or all of these accounts. For younger boys, I usually don't share them at all.
If you have a boy in your life who has been sexually abused, or if you yourself were abused as a boy, or if you work with boys who have been abused, this book is extremely helpful in bringing touchy issues out into the open for discussion.'
Sweet, P. (1985) Something Happened to Me. Mother Courage Press (out of print) ISBN: 0941300005
Watcher, O. (2002) No More Secrets for Me: Read Together Stories to Help Your Children Avoid Sexual Abuse. Rev. ed. Little, Brown ISBN: 0316990426
Fully endorsed by the Masters and Johnson Institute, No More Secrets for Me is an invaluable resource to help parents talk with their children about the sensitive subject of sexual abuse. This updated edition, with a new foreword and chapter introductions, contains four realistic stories in which a child makes the right decision about how to deal with a potentially damaging encounter with an adult.
Thoughtfully prepared and easy-to-follow, this book will help young people recognize the warning signs of abuse. The book will also reassure parents that their children will be better prepared to avoid this all-too-real danger in a time when our country needs it most.
Watcher, O. Close To Home - Saying No Isn’t Enough
For men
Lew, M. (2004) Victims No Longer: The classic guide for Men Recovering from Sexual Child Abuse. 2nd ed. Perrennial Currents. ISBN: 006053026X
The first book written specifically for men, VICTIMS NO LONGER examines the changing cultural attitudes toward male survivors of incest and other sexual trauma. Now, in this Second Edition, this invaluable resource continues to offer compassionate and practical advice, supported by personal anecdotes and statements of male survivors.
Lew, M & Hoffman, R (2000) Leaping upon mountains: Men Proclaiming Victory over Sexual Child Abuse. North Atlantic Books ISBN: 155643345X
Leaping Upon The Mountains takes survivors to the next step in recovery, picking up where Victims No Longer left off. One of the best way survivors can learn is by hearing the stories of others, and their strategies for recovery. Leaping Upon The Mountains offers an incredible wealth of information and lessons for survivors to take into their daily lives.
Christian books
Collins, Gary R, Ph.D. 1988. Christian Counselling: a Comprehensive Guide. Rev. ed. Dallas: Word Publishing.
Draper, Perry L (1996) Haunted Memories: Healing the Pain of Child Abuse. Fleming H Revell Co. (out of print) ISBN: 0800755731
Here is a comprehensive look at helping victims of childhood sexual abuse rise above their traumatic pasts. Also good for pastors and counselors who want to gain understanding and knowledge on this topic.
Gallagher, Sister Vera and Dodds, William F (1985): Speaking Out Fighting Back: Personal experiences of women who survived childhood sexual experiences in the home. Madrona Publishers ISBN: 0880890223
Sanders, Randolph K, Ed. (1997). Christian Counselling Ethics: A Handbook for Therapists, Pastors, and Counsellors. Downers Grove. Illinois: InterVarsity.
Clinical
Faller K.C. (1989) Child Sexual abuse: An interdisciplinary Manual for Diagnosis, Case Management and Treatment. Columbia University Press (out of print) ISBN: 0231064705
Faller, a professor of social work specializing in child abuse, writes mainly for clinical practitioners in the mental health professions. While she also uses case histories and literature reviews, she provides a much more structured, in-depth, and scholarly approach to the analysis of specific issues. Among the areas she examines are differing diagnostic approaches, the relationship between victim and assailant, assessment of abuse allegations, and intervention techniques
Friesen, James G., PH.D (1997) Uncovering the Mystery of MPD. Resource Publications ISBN: 1579100627
This book is most excellent and I would recommend it for anyone who had been diagnosed with MPD/DID as well as any therapist who works with dissociative clients. This book is full of information and I found it so very helpful. It is written from a Christian point of view which I really loved and found comforting as well. I really appreciate Dr. Friesen and his effort to spread the word about how prevalent DID is as well as how to heal from it. He also has written a book called "More Than Survivors" that uplifts multiples and shows them as more than survivors and thrivers. VERY uplifting and encouraging and we think a must read, too
Friesen, James G. PhD (1991) Uncovering the mystery of MPD: . Its Shocking Origins-Its Surprising Cure. Here's Life Pubs ISBN: 0840743858
I am still thankful for being led to this book in a time when I could not make sense of anything going on in my life. It gave me the tools to recognize what I had been experiencing, that I was *not* crazy, that I could understand what was happening, and heal. It presents surprising little-known information in a straightforward way, challenging us to consider, open our eyes, and accept the reality of extreme abuse and its consequences which is so often hidden and denied in our society
Friesen, James G, PH.D. (1997) More than Survivors:- Conversations with Multiple-Personality Clients. Resource Pubs ISBN: 1579100635
Oh I loved how the author expressed his appreciation of multiples and how we used dissociation to survive! Too often, especially in the Christian realm, MPD is referred to as a BAD thing and we often times have to hide who we became becuz of the abuse. But, the author of this book really encourages multiples and honors our hard work to survive and the creative talents we used to survive. It's an AWESOME book!! It was a book that made us feel really good about ourselves which is a good thing.
Langberg, D. M. (2003). Counseling Survivors of Sexual Abuse. Xulon Press ISBN: 1591605199
This professional reference equips Christian counselors and the church to help adult victims of childhood sexual abuse through the healing process.
Sanford, P. (1988). Healing Victims of Sexual Abuse. Victory House Pub ISBN: 0932081215
Paula Sanford had made extensive work on practical
spiritual Healing Victims of Sexual Abuse. This is
what most victims need in guidance of spiritual healing
which they suffered in silent and drowning without help.
I find the approach to be excellent in adopting the
Word of God in the healing process. The touch of healing
in submission to Christ and God's Word and in prayers
are just a beginning to make a victim of Sexual Abuse
whole again.I would recommend this book to any victims
of SA who need answers for their sufferings or
counselors in ministering victims on the journey
to recovery and wholeness again.
Spiers, T. (2002). Trauma, A Practitioner’s Guide to Counselling. Brunner-Routledge ISBN: 0415186943
Offers a comprehensive guide to all aspects of trauma counseling. Covers assessment, resourcing the trauma client, aftercare, private practice, trauma and the therapist, and a brief history of trauma.
For non-Offending Parents of Child-Survivors
Adams, C. (1992) Helping Your Child Recover From Sexual Abuse. University of Washington Press ISBN: 0295968060
Brett, D. (1988) Annie Stories: A Special Kind of Story Telling. Workman Publishing ISBN: 0894805282
Australian psychologist and poet Brett presents parents with a technique to help children work through problems or crises. When Brett's shy three-year-old, Amantha, revealed fears of attending nursery school, Brett constructed a lively, positive tale about her alter ego Annie's first day at school. Amantha's identification with Annie's fictional experiences bolstered the child's confidence and helped allay her anxieties. Brett later taught this method and found it beneficial and comforting to parents as well as children: "From a position of not knowing what to do or how to talk to their distressed child, they are able to do something which is simple, natural, comforting, and therapeutic." The stories Brett provides here incorporate specific behavioral techniques, such as systematic desensitization and covert modeling, and treat common childhood phobias and worriesnightmares, divorce, death, attending school, a new baby in the family, hospitalization. She explains how parents can personalize and modify the tales to fit particular circumstances, eventually creating new Annie stories. In addition to many explanatory footnotes, Brett's introductory material provides a broad overview, relating Annie stories to influential studies and Bruno Bettelheim's analysis of fairy tales. Many parents, especially those insecure about their own storytelling skills, will find Brett's method effective and valuable. Others may simply rejoice at her effort to revive an oral tradition amid today's onslaught of television and videogames.
Briggs, F. Child Sexual Abuse: Confronting the Problem
Dympna House Facing the Unthinkable - A Survival Guide for Mothers Whose Children Have Been Sexually Abused.
Elliot, M. Keeping Safe: A Practical Guide to Talking With Children
Golder, C.A. If It Happens To Your Child, It Happens To You! A Parent’s Self-Help Guide to Healing & Recovery
Hagans, K.B. & Case, J. When Your Child Has Been Molested: A Parents’ Guide to Healing
Hyde, M.O. Sexual Abuse: Let’s Talk About It
Landry, D (1992) Family Fallout: A Handbook for Families of Adult Sexual Abuse Survivors. Safer Society Press ISBN: 1884444059
This book is a good first step when confronting parents or family members about childhood sexual abuse. I was able to give it to my parents after telling them about myself. It was helpful to have something that would help them understand and support what I had just told them. When parents live in denial you need a simple guide to help get through to them. I found this book to be such a tool. It's short and easy to read. The chapters are only a couple of pages. That format is good because it doesn't overwhelm the reader. I would recommend it as a tool for confronting family about this devastating problem.
Matsakis, A . When The Bough Breaks - A Helping Guide For Parents of Sexually Abused Children
Saphira, M. The Sexual Abuse of Children
For Partners/Support People of Survivors
Gil, E. Outgrowing the Pain Together - A Book for Spouses and Partners of Adults Abused As Children
Hoff, L.A. (1995) People in Crisis: Understanding and Helping. California; Jossey-Bass
Lew, M. Victims No Longer: Men Recovering From Incest & Other Child Sexual Abuse
McEnvoy, A. & Brookings, J.B. If She is Raped : A Book for Husbands Lovers & Friends
Sydney Rape Crisis Centre Surviving Rape - A Handbook about Rape for Survivors Family & Workers
Grief
McKissock, M., & McKissock, D. (1985) Coping with Grief. (3rd ed.) Sydney; ABC Books
Worden, J. W. (1991) Grief Counselling and Grief Therapy. (2nd. Ed.) London: Springer publishing Company.
Life Stories
Clell M. (2002) Cuckoo- One Woman’s True Stories of Living with Multiple Personality Disorder
Drennan C. (2003) Leaving Stones Unturned. Life Seeds
Fraser S. (1989) My Father’s House: a Memoir of Incest and Healing. Virago. London
O’Neill D. (2000) When Angels Cry. Addicted to Ink Pty ltd. Qld.
Painter S. (2002) The Bean Patch. Flamingo
Sebold A. (1999) Lucky Picador
Smith C. (2001) Proud of Me; Speaking out Against Sexual Violence and HIV. Penguin
Spring, J. Cry Hard & Swim - The Story of an Incest Survivor
Van Raay, C. God's Callgirl (Memoir of journey of a women who was sexually abused by her father, then became a nun, then a prostitute)
Depression
Prendergast, Maria. Understanding depression. Penguin, 2006
“an insightful compendium on the nature, diagnosis, treatment and outcome of depression that is easy to read… it improves significantly our understanding of the illness and provides pointers towards the management of depression that might help prevent tragedies…” - Professor George Fink, Director, MHRIV.
In her new book, Understanding Depression, acclaimed health writer Maria Prendergast takes us on a compelling journey through the world of depression. She examines in detail the definition, diagnosis, types and effects of depression, as well as exploring the many treatment and recovery options, including a chapter on food and chemical intolerance. Through a series of moving and intimate interviews with people from all walks of life who have survived the illness, Maria humanises the experience of depression. Significantly, this collection also gives voice to the personal stories of those who have lived with, or cared for, a person with depression. Maria Prendergast also tackles the bigger picture; examining the information (and misinformation) available in the public arena; including perspectives from mental health professionals; and revealing the painfully inadequate state of our mental health services. Understanding Depression is an extremely accessible book that will undoubtedly further our understanding of this pervasive illness and, it is to be hoped, inspire a more enlightened approach to those who suffer from it. Maria Prendergast is a freelance writer and broadcaster. She has written many books, including Understanding Asthma, Understanding Migraine, Stroke and Heart Attack Rehabilitation and Banks Behaving Badly. She was a feature writer for Australian Consolidated Press for many years and currently contributes to newspapers in Australia and the United Kingdom. She is on a number of boards and committees, including the board of DepressioNet, and has a strong interest in social and environmental issues.
Multiple personalities
Gil, Eliana (1990) United We Stand: A Book for People With Multiple Personalities. Self Esteem Shop II ISBN: 0961320591
I was given this book shortly after I was diagnosed with MPD. This book is written in easy enough language that even my "inside kids"/alters were able to understand it. I really found it helpful to give a basic outline of how multiplicity develops and how it works.
Neurophysiology
Bremner, J. Douglas. (2002) Does Stress Damage the Brain: Understanding Trauma-Related Disorders from a Mind-Body Perspective. London, W.W. Norton & Company
Cozolino L. (2002) The Neuroscience of Psychotherapy; Building and Rebuilding the Human Brain W.W. Norton & Co. New York
Hitt, E. P. (2000) Childhood Abuse Changes the Developing Brain.
Relationship issues
Evans, Patricia (1996) The verbally abusive relationship: How to Recognize it and How to Respond. 2nd ed. Adams Media Corporation ISBN: 1558505822
As I looked at the list of 16 or so possible characteristics of an abusive mate and realized mine had all but one , I was amazed, and then I read that meeting less than half were needed to identify an abuser. Every comment in this book is right on. It was if she was describing my marriage conversations. Everyone should read this so they can spot this behavior and follow her steps to stop it before its too late...She shows you how to not let the abuser blame another for his problems. In fact as I read her book, I realized I had picked up some of his techniques and was verbally abusive in some of my conversations. It was an eye opener to me to be more sensitive to how I talk to others and sense when I was negating another...This book is proactive and shows you how to stop the abuse and be in control of self. Makes sure you are responsible for your actions and the abuser is responsible for his. She wants to break the cycle of the abused feeling responsible for ALL that goes wrong in a relationship, and only be responsible for self as adult.
Forward, Susan (2002) Toxic Parents : Overcoming Their Hurtful Legacy and Reclaiming Your Life. Bantam Books ISBN: 0553381407
My counsellor gave me this book and said "I think you need to read this". Boy, did I ever!! I could be reading about me on every page of the book - every emotion, self-doubt, self-loathing, self-disgust and thinking it was all my fault, in fact, everything I had ever felt was there, and suddenly everything made sense. I had been having great difficulty in accepting that I had been a victim of abuse. All I kept saying was that I shouldn't be whining about my life when others have suffered worse than me, then I read Toxic Parents, and realised I had to admit that I was a victim too, or I would never get better. When I first read the section about Confrontation, I thought I'd rather die than rock the boat and confront my father - but a few months (and re-reads) later, I feel that I now have the strength to confront my father and deal with the consequences. My partner and a few select close friends (who know the REAL me) have seen me grow up and take charge of my life, and they all agree that I am about 100% emotionally healthier now, and it's all down to Susan Forwards' book. Before reading toxic parents I was marching towards self-destruction, now I am learning to live life to the fullest, I have left behind my emotional baggage, and am free to discover a life worth living.
Goulter, Barbara & Minninger, Joan (1993) The Father-Daughter Dance: Insight, Inspiration, and Understanding for Every Woman and Her Father. Putnam Pub Group ISBN: 0399138269
Repressed Memories/Traumatic Amnesia
Davies G. M., Dalgleish. T. (2001) Recovered Memories: Seeking the Middle Ground. Wiley. England
Fredrickson, R. (1992) Repressed Memories; a Journey to Recovery from Sexual Abuse. New York; Fireside/Parkside
Ritual/Satanic Abuse
Feldman, G.C. (1993) Lessons in Evil, Lessons from the Light; a True Story of Satanic Abuse and Spiritual Healing. New York; Crown Publishers
NSW Sexual Assault Committee. (1994) Ritual Abuse: Information for Health and Welfare Professionals. Information booklet No. 1. NSW: Sexual Assault Committee
Oksana, C. (1994) Safe Passage of Healing: A Guide to Survivors of Ritual Abuse. New York: harper Perennial.
Peck, M.S. (1983) People of the Lie: The Hope For Healing Human Evil. London:Arrow
Ross, C.A. (1995) Satanic Ritual Abuse: Principles of Treatment. Toronto: university of Toronto Press
Ryder, D. (1992) Breaking the Circle of Satanic Ritual Abuse: Recognising and Recovering from the Hidden Trauma. Minneapolis: Compcare Publishers
Sakheim, D.K., & Devine, S. E. (1992) Out of Darkness; Exploring Satanism and Ritual Abuse. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass
Self-Help
Berry R. B. (1996) Coming Home to Your Body
Bradshaw, J. (1998) Healing the Shame that Binds You. Deerfield Beach: Health Communications
Bradshaw, J. (1990) Homecoming; Reclaiming and Championing Your Inner Child. New York: Bantam Books
Cloud Dr. H., Townsend Dr. J. (2002) Boundaries at Home. Strand
Dowrick, S. Intimacy & Solitude-Changing your Life
Dyer, W.W (1995) Your Sacred self; Making the Decision to be Free. New York: Harper Collins.
Edelman, S. Change Your Thinking - Positive & Practical Ways to Overcome Stress, Negative Emotions and Self-defeating Behaviour using CBT
Forward, Dr S. Toxic Parents - Overcoming Their Hurtful Legacy & Reclaiming Your Life
Hastings, D. (1989) A Survivor’s Guide for Living. London Paperback Press
Hay, L.L. You can Heal your Life.(1984) Concord: Specialist Publications
Lerner H.G. (1993) The Dance of Deception. Harper Collins. New York
Mason P.T., Kreger R. (1998) Stop Walking on Eggshells: Taking Back your life when Someone You Care About has Borderline Personality Disorder. New Harbinger Publications, Oakland, CA
Mearer A. (1978) The Wealth Within: Self-Help Through a System of Relaxing Meditation. Hill of Content, Melbourne.
Matsakis, A. (1996) I Can't Get Over It: A Handbook for Trauma Survivors, 2nd Edition, New Harbinger Publications.
'This is the best book I've found on PTSD so far being a trauma victim. Assists one in understanding PTSD and has exercises in the book to do if you are able. Basic theme of the book is to assist the trauma survivor in their own recovery. I highly recommend this book'.
Mastrich, Dr. J. and Birnes, B.: Strong Enough for Two. How to overcome codependence and other enabling behavior and take control of your life.
McDonald, B. (2001). Surviving Child Abuse Manual. Newcastle, Australia: Lloyd Scott
Tanner S. & Ball J. (1991) Beating the Blues: A Self-help Approach to Overcoming Depression. Southwood Press.
Thurman, Dr. C., (1999). The Lies we Tell Ourselves. Nashville, Tennessee, Thomas Nelson
Sexual healing
Heiman, Julia & Lopoccolo, Joseph (1987) Becoming Orgasmic : A Sexual and Personal Growth Program for Women Rev & Exp ed. Fireside ISBN: 0671761773
This book helped me immensely. I bought the book about 7 years ago. Before I read and followed this book, I thought I would be "faking it" my whole life. I doubt I would have figured out how to acheive "it" if I hadn't read this. I highly recommend it to any woman who just doesn't get it when it comes to orgasm and you feel like you're the only one! This book can truly help you.
Goodwin, Auriele Jones & Agronin, Marc (1997) A Woman's Guide to Overcoming Sexual Fear & Pain. New Harbinger Publications ISBN: 157224089X
I say this book is necessary because treating a woman's sexual condition by focusing on her body is like treating anorexia by focusing on the mouth. Of course it works technically but there is something deeper preventing it. This is a great book that touches on topics that not even many doctors know about. Vaginismus has an over 95% cure rate but many women who approach a doctor about it find themselves explaining what it is instead of getting answers for themselves. Goodwin's book presents the reader with many thought-provoking exercises, such as tracing one's knowledge of sexuality and from where they got that information; explanations of various sexual conditions; and treatment options. There is also a list of resources for readers.
Maltz, Wendy (2001) The Sexual Healing Journey : A Guide for Survivors of Sexual Abuse. Rev. ed. Perennial Currents ISBN: 0060959649
It's hard to find actual exercises for you and your partner like in this book. They work even if you figured out a few on your own, it's nice to know why they work so well. It's also good to hear the male side, I wasn't really sure how many men had been abused before, now I know. It's too bad more of us don't talk about it in the open we talk about everything else!
Spiritual
Zukav, G. (1990) The Seat of the Soul: An Inspiring Vision of Humanity’s Spiritual Destiny. Free Press ISBN: 067169507X
With lucidity and elegance, Zukav explains that we are evolving from a species that pursues power based upon the perceptions of the five senses -- external power -- into a species that pursues authentic power -- power that is based upon the perceptions and values of the spirit. He shows how the pursuit of external power has produced our survival-of-the-fittest understanding of evolution, generated conflict between lovers, communities, and superpowers, and brought us to the edge of destruction.
Using his scientist's eye and philosopher's heart, Zukav shows how infusing the activities of life with reverence, compassion, and trust makes them come alive with meaning and purpose. He illustrates how the emerging values of the spirit are changing marriages into spiritual partnerships, psychology into spiritual psychology, and transforming our everyday lives. The Seat of the Soul describes the remarkable journey to the spirit that each of us is on.
Moore T. (1994) Care of The Soul - A Guide for Cultivating Depth and Sacredness in Everyday Life. Perennial Pubs. ISBN: 0060922249
Care of the Soul is considered to be one of the best primers for soul work ever written. Thomas Moore, an internationally renowned theologian and former Catholic monk, offers a philosophy for living that involves accepting our humanity rather than struggling to transcend it. By nurturing the soul in everyday life, Moore shows how to cultivate dignity, peace, and depth of character. For example, in addressing the importance of daily rituals he writes, "Ritual maintains the world's holiness. As in a dream a small object may assume significance, so in a life that is animated by ritual there are no insignificant things." This is the eloquence that helped reintroduce the sacred into everyday language and contemporary values.
Carlson R. & Shield B. (1996) Handbook for the Soul. Back Bay Books ISBN: 0316128228
In the midst of a chaotic and often empty-seeming world, more and more people are searching for ways to rekindle the power of the soul, since the soul has always been understood to connect us to an immaterial realm characterized by peace. The contributors to this little handbook, some of the most popular contemporary spiritual writers, address the role of the soul in everyday life, lessons of the soul, soul communion, and the return to the soul. On the one hand, this book contains little that is genuinely new in the contemporary search for the soul. On the other hand, where else can you find the accumulated spiritual wisdom of gurus like Matthew Fox, Lynn Andrews, and Robert Fulghum between the covers of one book?
Trauma/ PTSD
Briere, John N. (1992). Child Abuse Trauma: Theory and Treatment of the Lasting Effects. (Interpersonal Violence: The Practice Series) London, Sage Publications. ISBN: 080393713X
Clinicians have tended to specialize in one form of child maltreatment, rather than examine the interrelationship between the various types of abuse and neglect. In response to this fragmentation, this volume considers the unique and overlapping long-term effects of all major forms of child abuse and neglect.
The author integrates information on seven types of child abuse and neglect - ranging from sexual and physical abuse to mistreatment by alcoholic or drug-addicted parents - and outlines the complex ways in which abuse impacts on later psychosocial functioning. Briere reframes traditional notions of psychopathology and describes treatment approaches to abuse-related Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, interpersonal dysfunction, self-destructive behaviour, impaired self-reference and borderline personality disorder.
Child Abuse Trauma will be an invaluable resource for abuse specialists and for general therapists who want to understand the connection between many forms of psychological distress and the lasting impacts of child maltreatment.
Frankl, V.E. (1985) Man’s Search for Meaning. (3rd. ed.) Washington Square Press ISBN: 0671646702
Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl is among the most influential works of psychiatric literature since Freud. The book begins with a lengthy, austere, and deeply moving personal essay about Frankl's imprisonment in Auschwitz and other concentration camps for five years, and his struggle during this time to find reasons to live. The second part of the book, called "Logotherapy in a Nutshell," describes the psychotherapeutic method that Frankl pioneered as a result of his experiences in the concentration camps. Freud believed that sexual instincts and urges were the driving force of humanity's life; Frankl, by contrast, believes that man's deepest desire is to search for meaning and purpose. Frankl's logotherapy, therefore, is much more compatible with Western religions than Freudian psychotherapy. This is a fascinating, sophisticated, and very human book. At times, Frankl's personal and professional discourses merge into a style of tremendous power. "Our generation is realistic, for we have come to know man as he really is," Frankl writes. "After all, man is that being who invented the gas chambers of Auschwitz; however, he is also that being who entered those gas chambers upright, with the Lord's Prayer or the Shema Yisrael on his lips."
Grant, R. Ph.D (2000). A Comprehensive and Integrative Approach to the Diagnosis and Treatment of Trauma. Oakland, California.
Grant, R. Ph.D. (2002). Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: Insight and Healing, Cortex Educational Seminar Notes. Oakland.
Grant, R. Ph.D. (2002). The Way of the Wound – A Spirituality of Trauma and Transformation. Burlingame.
Herman, J. (1993). Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence – from Domestic Abuse to Political Terror. New York: Basic Books. (out of print) ISBN: 0465087663
When Judith Herman's Trauma and Recovery was first published five years ago, it was hailed as a groundbreaking work. In the intervening years, Herman's now classic volume has changed the way we think about and treat traumatic events and trauma victims. In a new introduction, Herman chronicles the incredible response the book has elicited and explains how the issues surrounding the topic of trauma and recovery have shifted within the clinical community and the culture at large. Trauma and Recovery brings a new level of understanding to a set of problems usually considered individually. Herman draws on her own cutting-edge research on domestic violence, as well as on a vast literature of combat veterans and victims of political terror, to show the parallels between private terrors such as rape and public traumas such as terrorism. The book puts individual experience in a broader political frame, arguing that psychological trauma can be understood only in a social context. Meticulously documented and frequently using the victims own words as well as those from classic literary works and prison diaries, Trauma and Recovery is a powerful work that will continue to profoundly impact our thinking.
Kalsched D. (1997) The Inner World of Trauma: Archetypal Defences of the Personal Spirit. Routledge ISBN: 0415123291
Psychoanalysis had its origins in a study of trauma and the `rediscovery' of childhood physical and sexual abuse has again revived psychiatric interest in dissociative disorders resulting from trauma. In this throught-provoking book Donald E. Kalsched draws on his own clinical work to show the value of Jung's insights into the inner world of the psyche in treating such patients, especially those suffering from multiple personality disorder and post-traumatic stress. At the same time he proposes some revisions to Jung's theories in response to the findings of researchers and clinicians approaching the problem from different theoretical perspectives such as object relations and self psychology.
Matsakis, A. (1996) I Can’t Get Over It: a Handbook for Trauma Survivors. (2nd ed) Oakland: New Harbinger Publications ISBN: 157224058X
Middleton-Moz, J. (1989) Children of Trauma -Rediscovering Your Discarded Self. HCI ISBN: 1558740147
This is the one book you need if you are searching for solutions to problems you have arising from childhood trauma (for example, unexplainable fear, uncontrollable anger and rage, debilitating depression, substance abuse, and so on). Middleton-Moz is insightful and genuinely helpful both in describing the results of childhood trauma in adults and in suggesting strategies for dealing with the underlying issues and healing from the trauma. If you are searching for something along any of these lines, do yourself a favor and buy this book.
National Center for PTSD (2003). Seeking Help for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (National Center for PTSD Fact Sheet)
National Center for PTSD (2003). What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder? (National Center for PTSD Fact Sheet)
Schiraldi, G. R. (2000). The Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Sourcebook: A Guide to Healing, Recovery and Growth. McGraw-Hill ISBN: 0737302658
For the millions who suffer from the effects of a traumatic experience, this book offers help and hope and provides the diverse elements needed for lasting recovery. Trauma can take many forms, from the most disturbing of circumstances such as witnessing a murder or violent crime to the subtle trauma of living with the effects of abuse or alcoholism. Deep emotional wounds often seem like they will never heal, but Schiraldi has helped and witnessed survivors recover, grow, and find happiness.
Rothschild B. (2000) The Body Remembers: The Psychophsyiology of Trauma and Trauma Treatment. N.Y.: W.W. Norton & Co. ISBN: 0393703274
Illuminates the value of understanding the psychophysiology of trauma for both clinicians and their traumatized clients. Traumatized people hold a memory of that trauma in their brains and bodies. This is the first book to link this phenomenon of somatic memory and the impact of trauma on the body. Reducing the chasm between scientific theory and clinical practice and bridging the gap between talk and body therapy, Rothschild presents techniques for addressing the memory in the body.
Rothschild B. (2003) The Body Remembers Casebook; Unifying Methods and Models in the Treatment of Trauma and PTSD. N.Y.: W.W. Norton & Co. ISBN: 0393704009
This is the first book of its kind to advocate utilizing and combining an assortment of trauma treatment models. Based on ideas put forward in the bestselling THE BODY REMEMBERS, Babette Rothschild emphasizes the importance of tailoring every trauma therapy to the particular needs of each individual client. A breath of fresh air in the competitive "mine is best" atmosphere currently so divisive in the field of trauma therapy, each varied and complex case (presented in a variety of writing styles: case reports, session-by-session narratives, single session transcripts) is approached with a combination of methods ranging from traditional psychodynamic approaches and applications of attachment theory to innovative trauma methods including EMDR and Levine's SIBAM model. Read on its own on or in conjunction with THE BODY REMEMBERS, clinicians from all disciplines will discover new strategies and gain insight into how to combine various treatment models for increased success with traumatized clients.
Van der Kolk, B. A., McFarlane, A.C. and Weisarth, L., (Ed) (1996). Traumatic Stress – the Effects of Overwhelming Experience on Mind, Body, and Society. New York, Guilford Press. ISBN: 1572300884
Presents the current state of research and clinical knowledge on traumatic stress and its treatment. Six sections examine the history of individual and societal responses to trauma, acute traumatic reactions, adaptations to trauma, mechanisms and processes of memory, developmental and cultural issues, and treatment issues. Highlights controversies in the field such as the role of memory, the relationships between biological and psychological processes, and legal issues. Of interest to mental health and legal professionals.
True stories
Bass, Helen (1991) I Never Told Anyone : Writings by Women Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse. Perennial Currents ISBN: 0060965738
For me as a trauma survivor of childhood sexual abuse.. it helped me to realize the power of my words to give the pain inside an outlet. And it also made me realize how much my writing,in much of the ways of the people in the book, it can give insight to help on this long and hard journey of healing. I do only recommend this book if you are in therapy or if you have a strong support team. It may contain many triggers for some one in healing so be aware of that for yourself or if you get it for a friend. A book to have a box of tissues by your side as it uncovers their pain and or yours.
Matthews, Cathy Ann (1990) Breaking Through: No Longer a Victim of Child Abuse. Albatross Books ISBN: 0867601078
Petersen, Betsy (1991) Dancing With Daddy : A Childhood Lost and a Life Regained. Bantam Books ISBN: 0553073745
Betsy Petersen is a writer who manages to heal herself and others through a painful invasion of her own privacy. Her lyrical prose style takes the edge off some of the more graphic portions. You find yourself weeping for the child she was, and cheering for the woman she becomes .
Understanding Perpetrators
Briggs, F. (1995) From Victim to Offender: How Child Sexual Abuse Victims become Offenders. Sydney: Allen and Unwin. ISBN: 1863737596
'If you are looking for TRUE insight into the minds of sexual offenders, then this is the book for you. The book is a collection of stories from actual offenders in Australia. It is not for those with weak stomachs or hearts. It is for those who truly want to understand how the mind of an offender works. These guys were all in jail where they underwent a specialized treatment program...after the other inmates and staff were educated so the sex offenders could be housed with regular criminals. They are not novelists and nothing is sugar-coated. Some stories are apologies to victims, while others continue to minimize their offenses. Either way, the reader gets an unabridged version of the thoughts of sex offenders, without a lot of psychological, investigative, analytical commentary...just the dark truth. '
Saradjian, J. (1996) Women who Sexually Abuse Children: from Research to Clinical Practice. Wiley Series in Child Care and Protection). John Wiley & Sons (out of print) ISBN: 0471960721
This book is based on in-depth research with more than fifty women who have sexually abused children and the therapy that has been carried out with several such women. It describes many aspects of their lives: childhood, own abuse histories, adult relationships with partners, peers and children, social stresses, support networks, and coping strategies. The women's attitudes, beliefs and opinions are reflected throughout and the research is illustrated with relevant case material. Based on this research, an integrated theoretical model is proposed as to the motivations involved when women sexually abuse children. The book also describes the results of research into women involved in ritual abuse.
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