Strong at the Broken Places: Overcoming the Trauma of Childhood Abuse (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Sanford, a Massachusetts psychotherapist who since 1973 has counseled adults who were victims of childhood violence, here counters the conventional wisdom that such people are forever "doomed to be damaged goods." She convincingly argues that her clients differ little from others in therapy who were not traumatized as children and presents case histories of 20 adults, all of whom experienced some form of childhood trauma--abuse or neglect--yet were able through various paths to turn their hurts into assets. Sanford stresses that her findings belie the myth that survivors of childhood abuse invariably become abusive parents themselves, repeating patterns of self-destruction. Readers will find this a hopeful, helpful guide to overcoming post-traumatic disorders. Author tour.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Sanford presents a perceptive and empathic examination of why and how victims of abuse either take the downward path to violence and destruction or become responsible citizens, good friends, and reasonable people. This nonempirical, descriptive study of 20 survivors of childhood abuse details how childhoods dominated by physical, mental, or sexual abuse can be transformed. The book belies the idea that survivors of childhood abuse are doomed to repeat the pattern of abuse. The emphasis is on overcoming, attaining understanding, and gaining positive feelings about oneself. Sanford notes that most studies to date have concentrated on survivors who came to the attention of researchers by way of the criminal justice, mental health, substance dependence, or social service agencies. A fascinating and positive book that shows how an abusive childhood can be transformed.
- Jodith Janes, Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 10 pages
• Publisher: Avon Books (Mm) (February 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 038071535X
• ISBN-13: 978-0380715350
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #932,220 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Guidance to a transformational recovery, January 26, 2000

By	Dale A. Johnson (San Diego, CA) - See all my reviews

I read this book in 1993, in my mid-40's, and it was transformational in putting into perspective the reasons why my life took the path it did, and it gave me the awareness for self-healing and a fulfilling life. It reads easily, and explains circumstances in a straightforward, no-nonsense way. "It's not your fault."

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely incredible!! 181 pgs of understanding & HOPE!, November 6, 1998

By	Dan Shusta ([e-mail]) (Wilton, Ct.) - See all my reviews

Words cannot express how greatly this book has affected me. For the first time in my life I actually feel a sense of hope! I didn't know that survivors existed! If you have experienced severe childhood trauma, THIS IS THE BOOK YOU NEED TO READ! I will not stop searching until I can get my own copy!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My top recomendation for adult abuse survivors!, December 28, 2000

By	Ted Weimann "Warrior Speed" (Vancouver, WA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Strong at the Broken Places: Overcoming the Trauma of Childhood Abuse (Paperback)

As a professional in the psychology field, each year I present at conferences on the effects of sexual abuse and how educators and counselors can be helpful to survivors. After each speaking engagement, there are people who come forward with comments about their own abuse histories and resulting struggles. When they ask for resources, I always recommend this book. It is very well written with empathy and intelligence, and a refreshing lack of psychobabble. Nothing short of a classic!

-Sharice Lee, Author of "The Survivor's Guide"-