Leaving Darkness Behind: Recovery From Childhood Sexual Abuse

by Elizabeth M. Altmaier PhD

Overview

This book helps survivors find the road to recovery and learn healthy practices that will lead to thriving, not just surviving.

Survivors of childhood sexual abuse can begin a recovery journey informed by accurate understandings, not myths, and empowered by processes that help them thrive. Written for men and women by an author who is herself a survivor, this guide tells the truth about what complex trauma means for your physical and mental health. Readers will learn how to build key recovery processes into their lives, including grieving, meaning-making, forging healthy connections with others, and finding hope. This guidance is scientifically-based, in findings from positive psychology.
 
With self-assessments, journaling prompts, and suggested action steps to help you leave your darkness behind, this book is your essential interactive guide through the recovery journey. References and an extensive index are also included.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781433838293
Publisher:	APA LifeTools
Publication date:	10/25/2021
Series:	APA LifeTools Series
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	272
File size:	962 KB

About the Author

Elizabeth M. Altmaier, PhD, is Professor Emeritus of Counseling Psychology and Community and Behavioral Health at the University of Iowa. Her research focuses on issues of trauma in the experiences of interpersonal offenses, and in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and chronic pain. Her studies also highlight positive processes, such as forgiveness, posttraumatic growth, and meaning-making. She has published on childhood sexual abuse within a faith context, and has authored academic books on meaning-making in trauma. Post-retirement, she is writing, volunteering, and advocating for mental and physical health needs for under-resourced persons. She lives in Iowa City.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments vii

Introduction: Defining Recovery 3

Chapter 1 Childhood Sexual Abuse: You Are Not Alone 11

Chapter 2 Understanding Complex Trauma 39

Chapter 3 Recovery 63

Chapter 4 Resilience 85

Chapter 5 Grief 103

Chapter 6 Meaning 119

Chapter 7 Spirituality 137

Chapter 8 Connection 155

Chapter 9 Forgiveness 175

Chapter 10 Hope 197

Chapter 11 Thriving 213

References 231

Index 247

About the Author 265

What People are Saying About This

Christine A. Courtois

Dr. Betsy Altmaier has produced an exceptional and sensitive book specifically for survivors of child sexual abuse. She offers information about her own abuse experience, coupled with sound psychological information about what it takes to leave the darkness of sexual abuse behind and to live life forward. Her information is hopeful and encourages the view of recovery as a process that requires perseverance over time. Her suggested readings and exercises are “on point” and support the recovery process in a very practical way. Highly recommended!

Beverly Engel

This informative book brings a combination of new research, insights, and strategies to help survivors of child sexual abuse. It offers the resources and strategies survivors will need at different points in their recovery. The author offers both the expertise of a seasoned therapist and researcher, and the empathy and deep understanding of someone who is a survivor herself—a combination that will no doubt engender both trust and encouragement.

Editorial Reviews

Dr. Betsy Altmaier has produced an exceptional and sensitive book specifically for survivors of child sexual abuse. She offers information about her own abuse experience, coupled with sound psychological information about what it takes to leave the darkness of sexual abuse behind and to live life forward. Her information is hopeful and encourages the view of recovery as a process that requires perseverance over time. Her suggested readings and exercises are “on point” and support the recovery process in a very practical way. Highly recommended!

CHRISTINE A. COURTOIS

This informative book brings a combination of new research, insights, and strategies to help survivors of child sexual abuse. It offers the resources and strategies survivors will need at different points in their recovery. The author offers both the expertise of a seasoned therapist and researcher, and the empathy and deep understanding of someone who is a survivor herself—a combination that will no doubt engender both trust and encouragement.

BEVERLY ENGEL