The Rape Recovery Handbook: Step-by-Step Help for Survivors of Sexual Assault [Paperback]

Aphrodite Matsakis Ph.D. (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2003

A woman is raped in this country every two minutes; this guide provides an effective framework for victims to heal from the experience.

If you are a survivor of sexual assault, you may be suffering from symptoms of depression, substance abuse, an eating disorder, panic and anxiety, or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The Rape Recovery Handbook provides an effective framework in which you can heal. Healing begins by establishing a safety plan that includes how to use this book and what to expect from recovery. In this new book, which is the only step-by-step program that helps victims acknowledge and learn to manage the emotional pain caused by the trauma of sexual assault, trauma expert Aphrodite Matsakis gives you help for coping with the reality of this experience and dealing with the aftermath of conflicting and debilitating feelings.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“In her latest book, the Rape Recovery Handbook, Matsakis has again demonstrated a unique level of compassion and concern for rape victims and their capacity for healing. While guiding her reader gently through numerous exercises specially designed for maximum effect, Dr. Matsakis provides illumination into thought processes that often trap victims into believing that they are beyond hope. Gentle, empathetic advice, along with a sincere belief that rape victims can restore their self-esteem and become rap survivors living full, joyful lives, make this book indispensable to both victim and therapist alike!”
—Teresa Lauer, MA, RapeRecovery.com

From the Publisher

A woman is raped in this country every two minutes; this is the only step-by-step program that helps these survivors recover from PTSD symptoms and other emotional problems due to this traumatic event. (Rape victims experience the second highest prevalence rate for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)—only exceeded by survivors of war)

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: New Harbinger Publications; 1 edition (October 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1572243376
• ISBN-13: 978-1572243378
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #109,640 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #36 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Mental Health > Abuse & Self Defense > Rape

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is NOT easy, but it really is helpful., October 5, 2008

By 

jamesgirl (Florida, USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Rape Recovery Handbook: Step-by-Step Help for Survivors of Sexual Assault (Paperback)

I am working through this book. I have finished the first chapter that contained exercises. The exercises are not easy, but once you've written everything down you feel a bit better about things.

I am using this book in conjunction with therapy, and highly recommend that you have a therapist or someone you can talk to while you work through this book.

So I did the exercises one night, and then went to therapy the next morning. I read everything to my therapist and I felt really good. But after therapy suddenly I felt emotionally, physically, and mentally exhausted. I couldn't do anything the rest of the day.

You will feel a lot of emotions come up while you do the exercises...from anger, to sadness, to fear, etc. That is why I recommend having somebody you can talk to. These emotions can be hard to sit with on your own.

I hope this review was helpful, because it wasn't like I wanted everyone on the internet knowing what happened to me.

jamesgirl

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you've ever been sexually abused, this is a must have to heal in your journey, March 17, 2007

By 

flint bookworm "Flintbookworm" (mid-Michigan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Rape Recovery Handbook: Step-by-Step Help for Survivors of Sexual Assault (Paperback)

This book offers constructive things a person can do to heal. Helps you understand your emotions, accept them and do things to increase your positive feelings about yourself after such a traumatic experience. It was so valuable to me--much more understanding words than most therapists provide. Helps you get out negative emotions. Fabulously written by a person who understands. Must have

17 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars READ THIS BOOK, November 13, 2005

By 

Leah (Vancouver, WA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Rape Recovery Handbook: Step-by-Step Help for Survivors of Sexual Assault (Paperback)

For my research paper, I the topic was the "Effects of Rape". I was off to a rough start, but after reading this book I finished my paper immediately. As a rape victim I HIGHLY recommend this book as a guide to a healthy recovery. It's not your fault...