Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence – From Domestic Abuse to Political Terror
by Judith Herman, 1997
A classic still viewed by many as the best book ever written on psychological trauma and its treatment. Loaded with insights on ‘Complex PTSD’ and the ‘stages of recovery’.
Outgrowing the Pain: A Book for and About Adults Abused As Children
by Eliana Gil, 1983
A good ‘starter’ book – short and simple but very helpful for reflecting on the effects of such experiences in one’s life.
Adults Molested as Children: A Survivor’s Manual for Women and Men
by Euan Bear with Peter Dimock, 1988
A short (66 pages) and straightforward book for adults who are beginning to remember and deal with childhood sexual abuse. Written by people who’ve been through it themselves, explains key issues and suggests several ways to get started on the road to recovery.
Legacy of the Heart: The Spiritual Advantages of a Painful Childhood
by Wayne Muller, 1992
Presents a spiritual understanding of the effects of child abuse and how to heal. Has exercises for working with emotional wounds, grounded in a variety of religious and spiritual traditions (primarily Christian and Buddhist).
Silently Seduced: When Parents Make Their Children Partners – Understanding Covert Incest
by Kenneth Adams, 1991
A short book on how parents disconnected from each other can covertly sexualize their children, and the effects of this into adulthood.
The Courage to Heal
by Ellen Bass and Laura Davis, 1998
A classic and still a ‘bible’ for many women working to heal from childhood sexual abuse, and men have found it very helpful too.
Gay Men and Childhood Sexual Trauma: Integrating the Shattered Self
by James Cassese, 2000
A clinical textbook and collection of essays that has been found helpful by some gay men with histories of unwanted or abusive sexual experiences in childhood.
Mother-Son Incest: The Unthinkable Broken Taboo
by Hani Miletski, 2007
The only available book on mother-son incest.
