Recovering the Lost Self: Shame-Healing for Victims of Clergy Sexual Abuse (From the Interfaith Sexual Trauma Institute) [Paperback]

Elisabeth A. Horst (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0814624421 | ISBN-13: 978-0814624425 | Publication Date: March 1998

This booklet, written by Elisabeth A. Horst of the Interfaith Sexual Trauma Institute, is about how victims of sexual abuse perpetrated by the clergy can heal from the shame that goes with the abuse.

Product Details

• Paperback: 55 pages
• Publisher: Liturgical Press (March 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0814624421
• ISBN-13: 978-0814624425
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #987,339 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Opens Our Eyes, October 2, 2010

By 

Kathryn R. Byrne, MPM (Loganville, Snellville, GA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Recovering the Lost Self: Shame-Healing for Victims of Clergy Sexual Abuse (From the Interfaith Sexual Trauma Institute) (Paperback)

"Recovering the Lost Self: Shame-Healing for Victims of Clergy Sexual Abuse" is an eye-opener. It discusses the deep and lasting effects of the abuse of both children and adults when they are abused by clergy. Much has (thankfully) been written about the clergy child abuse scandal within the church. Not as much has been written about the abuse of adults. Often an adult sexual relationship with clergy is deemed "consensual." Yet this discounts the power difference between a member of the clergy and those to whom they minister. Often a member of the clergy is approached when one is in need. When dealing with marriage struggles, the loss of a loved one, relationship struggles, job loss, or any number of other life difficulties, people will likely consult either a counselor or a member of the clergy for assistance. State licensing boards recognize the damage that can occur when a counselor, psychologist, therapist or psychiatrist engages in sexual or romantic relationship with his/her clients. Doing so is grounds for losing one's license. In some states, a clergy person is also considered to be a "counselor," and legal action applies against him/her as well. The damage is not only similar, but involves an added dimension: deep spiritual confusion. Dr. Horst makes clear that such a relationship is not an "affair," but is "abuse." She engagingly relates the healing approach of one recovering from such abuse to the Scriptural story of the woman with the hemorrhage. The book is both an eye-opener and a blessing. it is recommended not only for those who have suffered such abuse, but for those who assist them toward healing.
Reviewed by: Kathryn R. Byrne, M.P.M., author of "Understanding the Abuse of Adults by Catholic Clergy and Religious," published by Open Heart Life Coaching, LLC.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Recovering the Lost Self: Shame-Healing for Victims of Clergy Sexual Abuse (From the Interfaith Sexual Trauma Institute), July 18, 2009

By 

Kay Roberson - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Recovering the Lost Self: Shame-Healing for Victims of Clergy Sexual Abuse (From the Interfaith Sexual Trauma Institute) (Paperback)

It wasn't at all what I was looking for. Otherwise I guess it was fine.