Customer Reviews

The Right to Innocence: Healing the Trauma of Childhood Sexual Abuse: A Therapeutic 7-Step Self-Help Program for Men and Women, Including How to Choose a Therapist and Find a Support Group

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

By the time I found this book, I'd already read many others dealing with the harsh & painful topic of sexual abuse in childhood. I wish this book had been the first book on recovery I'd found. It is one which I buy to loan or pass on to friends new to recovery. All books on abuse are difficult to read, but 'The Right to Innocence' makes the step into recovery more bearable than some of the other books available.

When I was 24 I went to see a therapist because my life was completely falling apart. At the recommendation of my therapist I read this book. When I finished the book and my therapy I no longer felt a victim, but empowered to trust myself and let the hurt and self-destructive behavior go. I have not read the book in over 15 years, but over the years I have given much credit of my healing to this book and have recommended it repeatedly. I remember that there were times I had to put down the book because what the author was saying would cause me to feel so much anger/pain. I would pick up the book later and ironically almost the next paragraph the author would speak about the anger and/or pain I had been facing. My experience has been that only someone who has gone through the pain of childhood sexual abuse can truly understand those painful steps of healing. And YES you can heal from this kind of abuse and this book is a good starting point.

I've read several books on child sexual abuse but many of them overwhelmed me. This book is concise and to the point and the examples are not horrific. I learned a great deal about incest and about my family situation and found out that my reactions are normal considering what I've been through. The book helped me come out of denial more and left me feeling empowered knowing that there are steps I can take to achieve recovery. I especially liked the sections dispelling common myths because they it provided me with ammunition when family members try to talk me out of my feelings.

I was very comforted to know that I am not alone. I cannot even put into words the relief I feel at knowing that I am not a total freak for the things that I have had happen to me. This book is not graphic, and the exercises really are helpful.

I'm sorry that the Pasadena therapist cannot recommend my book. Since it was written almost 15 years ago hundreds of therapists have recommended it to their clients and the book is considered a classic in the field. It has been described as compassionate, insightful, supportive, straightforward, and easy to read. While it is true that some of the items listed in the book can be symptomatic of other problems, taken in its entirety, the list describes those who have been sexually abused. I also think the therapist missed the point when I encourage people to trust their suspicions. Throughout the book I offer ways for readers to explore their suspicions and memories--not to just assume they were abused. But with all the denial that usually surrounds an abuse victim, encouragement to trust their instincts is definitely in order. Please take a look at the book before trusting one therapist's point of view. Thousands of people have been helped by the book and I stand by what I have written.

How do I even start? I honestly don't know what i would've done without this book. This book, along with professional counseling helped me recover from depression and anxiety attacks. To be brief, I had been sexually abused by 2 family members, and this book helped me to finally realize that it was never my fault, and I know that now. It's been about 10 years since I've stopped counseling, but I still have this book, and every once in a while when I start to have those feelings of guilt surfacing, I grab this book and start reading. Recovering from childhood sexual abuse, I believe, is a lifelong process, and I'm sure we need all the help we can get. I recommend this book to anyone who has been sexually abused, and also to anyone who knows of someone who has been sexually abused. Maybe they can be a great help and support to them.

I was first introduced to this book by my psychologist. It is very important to understand that you are a victim, and this book really helps you accept that. It also doesn't push you to hurry up and get through each stage of healing.....you definately have to go at your own pace.

This is the first book, and after reading many, still the best book I've read about incest and childhood sexual abuse. I am a survivor of both. The name jumped right off the cover and grabed me; the truth of the title hit me right between the eyes. The pages of the treatise itself do not disappoint, it is filled with words that resonate in the hearts and minds of those of us who have been sexually abused. We all are endowed with a RIGHT TO INNOCENCE! How it is stolen from us and the horror stories that abound in the aftermath are compiled in this "wonderful" book that explains so much for those of us who have been "keeping the secret" (for me, over 50 years!!) I read it in the beginning of my therapy. I still refer to it and have given several copies away. I highly recommend this book for those who have treated themselves so badly for years, because they have come to believe that they must have been to blame for what someone else did TO them. There will be so many things about yourself and painful problems that you have been enduring for years, that you will now understand are "part and parcel" of the incest/child abuse survivors experience. You will find youself saying, "oh yes, oh my God, that's me". That the only thing "wrong" with you is that you have been trying to deny and bury the horror and the problems and the pain for TOO LONG! I remembered every detail of my incest/abuse, and the aftermath of it's effects have lasted a lifetime. I did not seek help or talk to a single soul about it until I was 55 years old!! The problems that it caused me are mirade, probably preventable, if only I had saught help sooner. Please know you will be glad that you ordered this book. This book is a "God send".

KMEG, Sellersville, PA

I had be a victim of child molestation for many years. I was victimized by 14 different abusers including family memebers. I was so depressed most of my life. Full of Rage, is was the therapist told me. After reading this book my life began again. When I seen Beverly Engle on The Opera Show I was so happy to see her sharing her book. I followed this book & told my story to my Pastors. What a wonderful life I now have. No longer drepessed & released from anger. The Pyscholgist said he couldn't recommend this book. Well then he doens't understand what a victim is going through. I was a victim from age 6yrs to 13yrs. and carried this burden with me till I was 35yrs. old. Don't wait read it now! God bless you beverly because I'm a whole person today.

It's clear that Dr. Engel knows what she is talking about here. The exercises and visualization techniques are excellent. Her seven-step program will aid in healing.

Also recommended: Miss America By Day (Marilyn VanDerber)