The Ultimate Challenge: A Revolutionary, Sane and Sensible Response to Ritualistic and Cult-Related Abuse [Paperback]

Gayle M. Woodsum (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0966597400 | ISBN-13: 978-0966597400 | Publication Date: November 25, 1998

Still relevant and groundbreaking more than 10 years after its first publication, THE ULTIMATE CHALLENGE offers a new look at what may be behind mental health issues that have plagued individuals and their service providers for years. Examining challenges from self-mutilation to suicide to obsession with rituals to connections with bizarre violence, THE ULTIMATE CHALLENGE de-sensationalizes many of the complex problems facing the world today. By exploring many levels of childhood abuse as a spectrum including incest and sophisticated, criminally-connected group perpetrated abuses, the book provides insights not available in any previously published resource.

Editorial Reviews

Review

THE ULTIMATE CHALLENGE is a phenomenal resource for victims and survivors, and for those who are helping/supporting them (either personally or professionally). Gayle writes from a wealth of experience - her own and that of the thousands of victims and survivors she has worked with over nearly two decades. Unlike so many other books which sensationalize abuse, THE ULTIMATE CHALLENGE is grounded in factual, helpful information. Gayle describes how abuse functions as a tool of power and how it is perpetuated by individuals and institutions that ignore, deny and silence. This unique perspective is coupled with the author's undying commitment to the freedom of victims and survivors and her belief in their strength, courage and creativity. Survivors' statements are interwoven brilliantly throughout the text. -- Sandy Allen, Reprinted from OFF OUR BACKS

The Ultimate Challenge is about ritualistic and cult-related abuse. The author lays out who the offenders are, what they do, and how they get away with it. Because someone close to me has suffered the deliberate tortures and criminal programming that is inflicted by physical brutality, the information inside the covers makes my blood boil.

...Knowledge of ritualistic and cult-related criminal practices and behavior, and the willingness to spread that information to the community of professional helpers as well as the population at large is one of the most effective tools we have of beginning to dismantle this heinous criminal enterprise. I dare you to read The Ultimate Challenge and recommend it to a friend. --by Norma Baker Blair, The Chorus, published by V.O.I.C.E.S. In Action, July 1999.

From the Back Cover

The Ultimate Challenge... Provides a thorough presentation of what ritualistic and cult-related abuses are, why they exist, and how offenders get away with what they do. In a unique and straightforward manner, it intentionally de-mystifies and de-sensationalizes the most sophisticated of child abuses while forcing the reader to question popularly accepted myths that trap victims and survivors. The original analysis presented offers a framework within which service providers can dare to break from the limitations of institutionalized thinking and offer clients complete release from the realities and consequences of horrific abuse. Additionally, it provides victims and survivors with a philosophy they can apply to their individual situations and needs, creating a path to liberation from abuse with or without support from the outside world.

Advance Praise From Survivors and Helping Professionals...

"The Ultimate Challenge brings abuse into the arena in which it belongs-a social and political issue of power over others. Ms. Woodsum is able to take the complex and seemingly overwhelming issues of ritualistic and cult-related abuse, make them understandable, and help victims of abuse to create lives truly of their own choosing." Brenda Singer, RPT

"Survivors and victims of ritualistic and cult-related abuse, as well as service providers, have waited a long time for a comprehensive resource like The Ultimate Challenge. Given the author's unique socio-political perspective on sexual abuse and her extensive knowledge and experience working with victims and survivors, this book is unlike any other published work on the subject." Ruth Clemmons, teacher

"This book is a phenomenal work by an extraordinary woman. Gayle Woodsum has transformed the life-threatening experiences of thousands of victims and survivors, her own included, into a brilliant piece of analysis of the patterns, intention and ultimate victory over ritualistic and cult-related abuse offenders." Linda Drummond, therapist

"I have waited for this book for a long time, hoping for something tangible that would help me to tell the story of my abuse, explain the lasting effects, and the years and years of struggle. No one else speaks to the lives of victims and survivors with such compassion, understanding, and hope as does Ms. Woodsum. This book is cause for celebration." Helen Green, survivor

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 327 pages
• Publisher: Action Resources Intl (November 25, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0966597400
• ISBN-13: 978-0966597400
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,538,982 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent!, September 5, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Ultimate Challenge: A Revolutionary, Sane and Sensible Response to Ritualistic and Cult-Related Abuse (Paperback)

This is a very important, breakthrough book. Ms. Woodsum, a survivor and therapist, defines and distinguishes incest and ritualized abuse, and makes clear the underlying purpose of abusers (including individual abusers, cult abusers, and, in passing, mind control programmers) . The book focuses largely on victms and survivors of cult abusers. Doing, I think, a great service to society, Woodsum also shows how society as a whole inadvertently supports abusers and revictimizes victims.

Most important to me was Woodsum's careful and insightful discussion of triggers and programming. Her insight into this area will enable many people to understand why the danger is very real, even though it is not visible to others.

However, unfortunately, Ms. Woodsum, in her attempts to desensationalize the subject of ritualized abuse, debunks multiple personality disorder. She is mistaken on several key elements of MPD. For one thing, MPD is not a mental illness, as she refers to it; it is a survival mechanism. Nor is MPD something that was made up by sensationalists. Most multiples would do anything to avoid others knowing about it. In this area, I would recommend that readers look at Doris Bryant's "The Family Inside," and Dr. James Friesen's "The Truth About False Memory Syndrome," and "Uncovering the Mystery of Multiple Personality Disorder." Also, in support of the greater part of Ms. Woodsum's work confirming the existence of ritualized abuse, but illustrating one case of MPD (Paul Bonacci), see "The Franklin Conspiracy," by John DeCamp.

Finally, although I believe it is true to some extent that absolutely avoiding all triggers (desensitization) may be beneficial for survivors of abuse who do NOT have MPD (or for those alter personalities, or "parts," who are on the surface, eg. the dominant personality), I do not believe this is true for those who DO have MPD, or for their inside alters. For those people whose parts and memories can only be accessed by allowing that part -- which retains all the characteristics associated with a memory (including personality traits) -- to speak and tell, it could be a death sentence to that part (and the person as a whole) if the trigger to that part or memory is completely avoided. I do agree that it is important for a victim or survivor to remove him- or herself from triggers which will put that person back in the hands of abusers. But, once in a protected situation, triggers are an important clue.

There seems to be some confusion in current literature over what the term "trigger" means, and I believe that Ms. Woodsum gets tripped up here. Sometimes the term is used to mean that a programmed behavior is being enacted. Other times it is used to mean that a memory (or a part which contains a memory) is brought out. Cleary, the former is undesirable; just as clearly, the latter is desirable and beneficial.

In sum, despite what I consider to be a very deep, damaging flaw in Woodsum's thesis, this is a remarkable book.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Extraordinary Resource!!, March 15, 2005

By 

Kassydi - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Ultimate Challenge: A Revolutionary, Sane and Sensible Response to Ritualistic and Cult-Related Abuse (Paperback)

The Ultimate Challenge: A revolutionary, sane and sensible response to ritualistic and cult-related abuse by Gayle M. Woodsum is an extraordinary book filled with a plethora of information. For all the ritualistic and cult-related abuse victims and survivors who have ever hoped to see their realities reflected in print, and for anyone trying to help victims and survivors who has looked for unconventional guidance, your wishes have been met. This publication is a brilliantly written and designed text, which includes a socio-political, feminist perspective regarding the identification and concept of abuse; practical, helpful information and guidance; and survivor commentary. Woodsum writes from a wealth of experience - her own and that of thousands of victims and survivors with whom she has worked over a period of nearly two decades. Unlike so many other books on this sensitive topic, The Ultimate Challenge does not sensationalize or dramatize abuse. Rather it grounds readers in the factual reality of this horrific practice. It neither exploits victims and survivors nor triggers readers by filling pages with graphic details. Instead it provides a framework for understanding abuse as a powerful tool of control and oppression. The comments of victims and survivors, which are so naturally woven within the text, emphasize the knowledge, courage, creativity and perspectives of individuals as they reflect upon the realities of their lives - the pain, the struggles, the hopes and the freedom.

The Ultimate Challenge is extremely well organized and sequentially addresses a vast array of issues affecting victims, survivors and those people trying to help and support them. It is concise and to the point but by no means simplistic. The reader moves fluidly through chapters and subheadings gaining increased understanding with each page. The book begins with a view of incest and ritualistic and cult-related abuse as part of a continuum with excellent explanations of denial and silencing; the purpose of abuse; how offenders get away with these atrocities; how levels or degrees of sophistication affect victims and survivors; and how the types of abuse along the spectrum are similar and different. Woodsum identifies components of ritualistic and cult-related abuse and dispels generally accepted myths that are pervasive in the media and in the minds of individuals. She provides invaluable information regarding the detection and recognition of abuse along with a list of indicators. However, in this section, as throughout the book, Woodsum repeatedly states that each victim's history is different, and it would be not only a disservice to victims and survivors, but in fact harmful, to treat them all the same or make assumptions based upon generalities. So no list of indicators is complete or applicable to every victim/survivor. Nevertheless, the list is extraordinarily helpful when trying to assess one's own history or the possible abuse history of a friend or client.

The chapters regarding brainwashing and programming are extremely informative and provide profound insight as to how triggers and programming messages function to control victims. The guidance offered for dismantling programming, once again, does not adhere to a "prescribed" method, but instead offers suggestions and assistance based upon the information one has about an individual's history. Physical, emotional and mental aspects of breaking programming are included.

The complex issue of memory constitutes its own chapter. Woodsum addresses a myriad of related aspects ranging from having or not having memories to what constitutes memory (dreams, smells, sounds, etc.) to how to cope with memories. In addition, she takes a look at a variety of therapeutic techniques and conventional medical diagnoses and offers her unique perspective on these topics. Throughout the book, but especially recognizable here, is Woodsum's profound respect for and recognition of the voice and self-knowledge of victims and survivors. She expresses with clarity and conviction her political perspective regarding how institutions and the individuals within them can further oppress victims and survivors and reinforce programming through their words, behaviors and the environments in which they operate. Woodsum does not hesitate to confront the most entrenched practices or accepted theories in her efforts to do what is best for victims and survivors.

The Ultimate Challenge contains excellent information regarding assessing for safety and current victimization and the complex issues surrounding children, partners, friends and family when attempting to break free of ritualistic and cult-related abuse. The chapter entitled "Personal Freedom Work" is full of valuable, practical suggestions and guidance, and the ultimate goal of relocation is addressed in detail. Throughout The Ultimate Challenge helpful, appropriate guidance is provided for people trying to help victims and survivors. In addition, Woodsum has included a chapter specific to the needs and concerns of professional helpers, which I believe therapists will find to be an invaluable resource.

Throughout the text, Woodsum offers factual information, feminist analysis, examples which support her perspective, and guidance. She does not advocate any one prescribed method of healing and breaking free, but consistently recognizes the unique needs of victims and survivors, their incredible strengths, and the quintessential notion that they must be validated, empowered and respected. As a survivor reading The Ultimate Challenge, I felt empowered, honored and respected while simultaneously feeling an indescribable sense of hope for the future. Given my/this history, to see one's life reflected on the printed page is more profound than words can ever describe. Woodsum echoes my sentiments and belief that, as survivors, we are not "damaged goods" but instead creative, strong, courageous individuals capable of actualizing our dreams in spite of an abusive past. Thank you, Gayle Woodsum, for this powerful message which I hope will reverberate throughout the minds, homes and workplaces of victims, survivors, social workers, therapists, law enforcement officers, medical professionals, court officials, teachers, daycare providers and anyone else who has ever hoped for a world free of abuse and violence. To each and every one of you, I highly recommend The Ultimate Challenge.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must have!, June 24, 2006

By 

Edie Spear (Newport, Or) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Ultimate Challenge: A Revolutionary, Sane and Sensible Response to Ritualistic and Cult-Related Abuse (Paperback)

I got this book about four years ago and it was the first book I read about ritual abuse. When I got the book I didn't know anything about ritual abuse apart from my own past and I didn't really know what I was looking for in a book. Once I started reading it I couldn't put the book down. It is wonderfull and has helped me so much. I only wish I could find more books like this one.