The Courage to Heal

The Courage to Heal was another of the first books I turned to when I began reading about childhood sexual abuse.

I felt confused back then and ambivalent about believing that I had been abused that I didn’t borrow the book from a library or buy it. Instead I went to the local bookstore and read it crouched in an aisle. It’s a great survey of the world of people who were sexually abused as children, with many case studies, background research, and resources for community support. 

Thirty years ago, as I struggled through devastating childhood memories, I discovered The Courage to Heal. This book helped me to not feel so alone in my journey. For a long time, I carried this book with me like it was a Bible. The validation and support I received from the content of shared stories and supportive information felt “life-saving.” Over the years, this important body of work has helped thousands of women and continues to help and support survivors across the globe. 

First published in 1988, this self-help book remains a crucial guide for survivors of incest and childhood sexual abuse. The first important thing it does is tell survivors they are not alone; this remains critical even though social media has relieved some of the isolation victims feel. Second, it gives shape to the demon through heartbreaking first-hand accounts. Third, it offers a pathway to healing, laying out practical steps and writing exercises suitable for anyone. The book has a few critics but as someone who benefitted personally from the wisdom and caring in these pages, I say, “Ignore them.”