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

Aphrodite T. Matsakis PhD (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: 0.5 x 5.8 x 8.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #98,739 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 35 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

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

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

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Very good basic handbook...but not "step-by-step" help February 27, 2010

By WichacpiHoskila VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback

This book is a simplified summary of current understandings of PTSD and rape. It explains rape trauma in succinct terms, and describes the phases of recovery, normalizing the survivor's experiences with issues like panic, flashbacks, and depression. It is NOT, nor represents itself to be, a workbook or guide through self-help. As a "handbook," it is a clearly-worded reference for a survivor wishing to locate information that explores and explains trauma symptomology; a "handbook," however, is NOT a guide or workbook, and I disagree with its connotation of offering "step-by-step help." The Rape Recovery Handbook should be read by survivors as part of recovery, as long as she (and the book is intended for the female survivor) understands that it is not an in-depth therapeutic manual. Thus, this book would be most helpful when used as preparatory reading for subsequent work using a workbook or therapeutic guide through recovery.

17 of 23 people found the following review helpful

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

By Leah

Format: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...

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

1.0 out of 5 stars Not helpful February 3, 2011

By Jennifer

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I think this is for someone who is further along in the healing process. I found this book to be more hurtful than helpful.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent to use with clients October 28, 2008

By Amy Roth

Format:Paperback

I ordered this book for working with clients that are survivors of sexual abuse and rape. It has worked well with each one and have recommended it to several colleagues. Wonderful resource of how to work through the issue of assault and the emotions that go along with it. Rather enjoyed having the solution focus perspective when working with clients that are trying to overcome abuse, assaults, and rapes.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars THE most helpful book about rape January 14, 2012

By Bonnie J. Serra

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I bought this book after my adult daughter was raped. I bought it to give to her before returning to school, where the crime was committed. But I looked at it first. I could have read the whole book in one afternoon but from what I read it is an important tool in the process of coming to terms with the humiliating crime of rape.
We still live in a male-oriented world after all the strides we've tried to take as women. That being said, rape is not taken as seriously as it should be by the whole legal and medical systems. There is much work to be done for future generations of women. As a woman, mother and parent I am outraged by the lack of seriousness taken by the "authorities" but without this becoming a diatribe let me just say that this book will begin to help heal the broken spirit of the victims of rape. Whether you are the victim or a loved one who is trying to help, this book will begin a dialoge at the very least.

Bonnie S.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars If You have the courage May 22, 2012

By Mel

Format:Paperback

This book helped me enormously. I worked through it in detail while also receiving quality counselling. If you have the courage and want to heal- this is a great book. I would recommend working through it very slowly and rewarding yourself every step of the way.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars helpful exercises January 22, 2011

By aeb

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I found the author's suggestions helpful in recovering from my rape. Of course nothing can substitute for counseling, but the author did a good job of not being patronizing.