The Right To Innocence: Healing the Trauma of Childhood Sexual Abuse

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.

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'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.

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.