Customer Reviews

On the Threshold of Hope (Aacc Counseling Library)

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Dr. Diane Langberg has written a sensitive, informative handbook for survivors of child sexual abuse which draws on over 25 years of experience in counseling women and men who were subjected to the cruelest forms of abuse. Written from a Christian perspective, the book offers practical guidance and information about recovery as well as spiritual consolation and encouragement. There is also a chapter for those who are "walking beside" survivors with good advice for how to nurture, comfort and encourage. I am a pastoral counselor who works with adolescent and adult survivors of sexual abuse, and I highly recommend this book and Dr. Langberg's other book, Counseling Survivors of Sexual Abuse. I have attended seminars on sexual abuse that Dr. Langberg has taught, and I found her to be extremely knowledgeable as well as perceptive and sensitive about this difficult issue.

"On the Threshold of Hope" is a unique book. As a seminary professor training pastors, professional counselors, and lay encouragers, it's often difficult to find books that are biblically sound, therapeutically insightful, personally authentic, and relationally powerful. Langberg has accomplish all of this and more.

She derives her title from the tragic biblical story of the Levite (priest) who allowed his concubine to be raped throughout the night by the men of Gibeah. As Langberg tells it, "Sometime during those early morning hours, she died, lying at the door of the house with her hands on the threshold" (p. 11).

So begins the chilling, yet compelling saga of four voices ("a chorus of voices" as Langberg puts it): the author's voice, the voice of survivors, the voice of the reader, and the voice of the Redeemer. Langberg blends these four voices into a harmony, a symphony of healing. Together they tell the story of the damage done and the healing offered physically, emotionally, rationally, relationally, and spiritually.

For entering into the story, the very soul of the abuse victim, there is no better book. Period.

Reviewer: Dr. Robert W. Kellemen is the author of "Soul Physicians: A Theology of Soul Care and Spiritual Direction," "Spiritual Friends: A Methodology of Soul Care and Spiritual Direction," and the forthcoming "Sacred Companions: A History of Soul Care and Spiritual Direction."

This book offers excellent steps for healing the damage as a result of sexual abuse. The author has included very concise and practical steps on the path to healing the wounds that result from sexual abuse. The steps are difficult and painful at times, yet the author is very supportive and encouraging throughout the process. I especially liked the short chapters. As the suthor suggests this format helps the survivor from becoming overwhelmed. I would strongly encourage anyone working through this book to take the author's advice and work on this material in the context of a safe relationship. Do not try to walk this path on your own.

I would highly recommend reading this book. In the 10+ years that I have been reading about and dealing with the subject of sexual abuse - this is the first book that speaks directly to the heart and soul of a victim. Dr. Lanbergs ability to identify with how you are feeling and ability to show you scripture as to why it will all be OK - is comforting! This is the first time I have ever felt any hope that there will be an end to all this pain. If you are a friend of someone who has been abused - this book will help you see the ways in which you can help someone through their pain - please read this book! I finally feel hopeful for the first time in 28 years!

After the press told the story of little Carlie Brucia, I believe this book should have been purchased by everyone. This book gives insight and teaches us caution not just for ourselves but for our children. this is a marvelous book. I want to recommend to the reading audience a couple of other books, NNIGHTMARES ECHO, LOST BOY and THE PRIVILEGE OF YOUTH. Please read and learn what can happen to a child right under our noses and also make sure to read Threshold Of Hope..so you will know some of what is needed to protect.

This book is excellent. It is truly written FOR survivors, with compassion and understanding. I felt like I had a skilled therapist sitting with me through the whole book. I've read quite a few books on the topic, and this one is the best. It addresses the whole person in an insightful manner. Langberg takes care to present topics in a way that is not overwhelming. I highly recommend this book.

This is a powerful and extrememly helpful book on the devastating effects of child abuse/incest/molestation. It shows the reader how to get the help they need in order to heal within themselves. The healing of this book reminds me of 'Nightmares Echo' (A true self account). The clinical data is like that of 'Father-Daughter incest'. This book, however lends support for all. It is a highly recommended read, and something that I believe will help those that are in the mental health field to better understand

I have read many books on this topic, but this book spoke more directly to me than any other. It talks about how and why your body, emotions, thinking and relationships were damaged from childhood sexual abuse and how they can be recovered. Unlike a few others that hint that the damage is irrevocable, this one suggests hope.

I'm a survivor of 18 years of childhood sexual abuse. I've read several books about abuse trying to understand and make sense of it and to help find a way to live a normal life despite the past.

"On The Threshold of Hope" was the first book I've read that made me feel like there was hope of healing from the painful aftereffects of childhood abuse. I started feeling that maybe God didn't desert me during those years but that He cried with me and He hated what was happening to me just as much or more than I did.

I felt like the author had reached inside my soul and written all the words that I couldn't articulate. Even down to the experiences of others that were so close to mine. I've experienced flashbacks and nightmares for the past two years. Before that, I thought I had pretty much gotten over the past and life was going relatively well. Then at 48 years old, the flashbacks and nightmares started out of know where. The intensity and realness of these flashbacks and nightmares was terrifying.

This book explains all that I've experienced. It outlines and guides you down a path to help you get through the pain and start real healing. As the book states, healing is a process and can take time. I'm in the process of that healing now with a good therapist that understands the issues of childhood sexual abuse and supportive friends who are standing by me to grab my hand when I can't hold on.

Thank you for sharing this amazing book...it has truly helped give me hope for a life that can be full of wonderful memories and experiences.

I've purchased copies to put in our church library and shipped copies off to friends that have family that have gone through similar situations.

This is a powerful and extrememly helpful book on the devastating effects of child abuse/incest/molestation. It shows the reader how to get the help they need in order to heal within themselves. The healing of this book reminds me of "Nightmares Echo" (A true self account). The clinical data is like that of "Father-Daughter incest". This book, however lends support for all. It is a highly recommended read, and something that I believe will help those that are in the mental health field to better understand