Defiant Hope: Spirituality for Survivors of Family Abuse [Paperback]

James Leehan (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1993

Based on fifteen years of experience treating survivors of family violence, James Leehan provides this excellent resource to aid all individuals trying to overcome the effects of abusive behavior--behavior that is often supported by religion and generates spiritual conflicts for survivors. He helps survivors identify their feelings and behaviors and examines Jewish and Christian religious resources that can promote healing and spiritual growth. Leehan also reviews the spiritual dimension of the pain that survivors of family violence confront daily and the special skills they developed to survive in a hostile environment.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Leehan addresses the psychological and spiritual issues of abuse with regard to how Jewish and Christian traditions have often supported abuse; he believes they can support healing, hope, and growth. A licensed professional counselor and social worker, he charts the path toward forgiveness while encouraging us to know our anger, wrestle a blessing from abuse that is addressed, and abandon inappropriate coping mechanisms. This wise and sensitive book will appeal to a wide variety of victims of abuse, especially those dealing with having been abused as a child. It is not necessary to be Jewish or Christian to find valuable insights here. Highly recommended.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

James Leehan is an Episcopal priest with advanced degrees in divinity, counseling, social work, and social ethics. He works primarily with traumatized adults and has written and lectured on domestic violence.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press; 1st edition (September 1, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0664254632
• ISBN-13: 978-0664254636
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #718,711 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Jim (aka. The Rev. Dr. James) Leehan is an Episcopal priest with 40+ years of ordained ministry and advanced degrees in divinity, counseling, social work, and social ethics. Besides serving as a campus minister, in a variety of parishes and in mission work on the Navajo Indian Reservation, he has practiced and taught as a Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist. In his therapy practice he worked primarily with traumatized adults and has written and lectured widely in the area of domestic violence.

His work with survivors of family violence began in 1978 when he and a university colleague discovered they each knew students who were survivors who had never discussed the matter with anyone - remember, this was pre Oprah Winfrey. They invited them to participate in a counseling/support group and a 30+ year ministry began. Although he has "retired" to Santa Fe, NM Jim continues to be active in the field of domestic violence through the Santa Fe Coordinated Community Response Counsel for Domestic and Sexual Violence. His primary interest is in educating faith leaders in proper response to victims and survivors of violence and addressing the spiritual issues raised by family violence. He volunteers with other programs in the city and he and his wife, Melissa, conduct marriage workshops for clergy and their spouses.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars BUY THIS BOOK, May 22, 2003

By 

"ibnlogantucky" (Before this book, I lived in darkness. Today I live in freedom) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Defiant Hope: Spirituality for Survivors of Family Abuse (Paperback)

The fact that you have taken the time and interest to pull this
book up on your monitor indicates you had a reason. BUY THIS BOOK. You will not be disappointed. In fact if you are like me,
you will buy additional copies for the significant people in
your life. This is much more than a self help, reference manual,
spiritual building publication. It is a map. It will address
the issues that have baffled you in the past. My copy is so dog
eared, highlighted, underlined, notes all over the margin. My mental health therapist (who is also a minister) handed me a copy
on loan until I was able to get my own. It is tremendous. It is
so well written, easy to read and provides a key for opening locked doors. It is not judgemental. It is not someone's theory. I have read my copy at least forty times. And I have
yet to find a flaw. If you are really ready to jump start living
in the solution rather than the problem. This is the ticket.
If you are already in recovery this book enhances the ability
to stay focused. From the first moment I looked inside. My
healing began. Buy this book. Buy this book. Buy this book.

5.0 out of 5 stars A must have book for survivors, October 27, 2011

By 

Cameron Van Splinter (Indianapolis, IN USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Defiant Hope: Spirituality for Survivors of Family Abuse (Paperback)

I agree completely with the other review. The ONLY thing better than the book was having the opportunity to talk about the book with Dr Leehan in person! I too buy up multiple copies to hand out. Again, a MUST have for survivors!