Repressed Memories: A Journey to Recovery from Sexual Abuse

Upon reading this book I was finally able to realize the flashbacks and images that have been haunting me for years.Every turn of the page was another window into my thoughts and emotions offering insight and relief. I was able to piece my feelings together like a puzzle and use that to change my life. This book helped me realize many of the problems I am having and offered me solutions of how to deal with them. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who is struggling with issues from their past. I can guaruntee that if it helped me it can help many others!

This book is a classic for a reason: it includes the basic psychological outlines of the workings of repressed memories, along with case histories demonstrating various symptoms and after-effects of sexual abuse. It also clearly explains various techniques for aiding memory retrieval, and gives an overview of healing processes. Erickson writes from much experience and compassion as well as knowledge of abuse; she was truly a pioneer in this field.Along with "Courage to Heal," this book is a must-read for those new to recognition of repressed memories and the journey toward healing. It is both honest and hopeful. I also recently read the most lucid dramatic account of going through the process of recognition of repressed memories: "Yesterday's Warrior" by Heather Harrison. "I Never Told Anyone" is also a great collection of true short stories by women survivors.I've read alot of survivor books, but for anyone just starting out, Erickson's "Repressed Memories" is probably THE book.

My first read on the topic of Sexual Abuse in May of 2001. This book filled in all the gaps for me. I was able to put my own denial away and undergo my healing journey. Renee is concise and to the point. With her checklists I was able to trace a lot of the patterns in my life back to different abuse incidents in my childhood, from there I was able to put them in perspective and find a more positive route to my life. By far this has been one of the best and most helpful books on the topic that I have read.

Renee Fredrickson seems to have gone out on a limb writing this book with such honesty and candor. If she were here with me, I'd tell her I can't thank her enough. At no time did the book suggest that average, unsuspecting people have repressed memories as a result of simple, normal things they do. Instead, Fredrickson describes what might suggest the presence of repressed memory syndrome, and describes some steps one can take to figure out whether one has it. The outstanding message I got throughout the book was 'Trust yourself and take an honest look at your own feelings and memories. With the help of a skilled therapist, you can determine whether there is anything bad you've repressed, and if there is, you can deal with it.' I applaud such an author who can put aside the media's (often ridiculous) accusations and see possible abuse survivors' mental health as the priority.

This book is excellent and I highly recommend it to anyone SUFFERING from repressed memories or think they may have been victimized. The empowering exercises are excellent If there were a rating higher than 5 I would give it.