Leaving Darkness Behind Recovery From Childhood Sexual Abuse

This book helps survivors find the road to recovery and learn healthy practices that will lead to thriving, not just surviving.

Survivors of childhood sexual abuse can begin a recovery journey informed by accurate understandings, not myths, and empowered by processes that help them thrive. Written for men and women by an author who is herself a survivor, this guide tells the truth about what complex trauma means for your physical and mental health. Readers will learn how to build key recovery processes into their lives, including grieving, meaning-making, forging healthy connections with others, and finding hope. This guidance is scientifically-based, in findings from positive psychology.
 
With self-assessments, journaling prompts, and suggested action steps to help you leave your darkness behind, this book is your essential interactive guide through the recovery journey. References and an extensive index are also included.

Elizabeth M. Altmaier, PhD, is Professor Emeritus of Counseling Psychology and Community and Behavioral Health at the University of Iowa. Her research focuses on issues of trauma in the experiences of interpersonal offenses, and in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and chronic pain. Her studies also highlight positive processes, such as forgiveness, posttraumatic growth, and meaning-making. She has published on childhood sexual abuse within a faith context, and has authored academic books on meaning-making in trauma. Post-retirement, she is writing, volunteering, and advocating for mental and physical health needs for under-resourced persons. She lives in Iowa City.

Acknowledgments
Introduction: Defining Recovery
Chapter 1. Childhood Sexual Abuse: You are Not Alone
Chapter 2. Understanding Complex Trauma
Chapter 3. Recovery
Chapter 4. Resilience
Chapter 5. Grief
Chapter 6. Meaning
Chapter 7. Spirituality
Chapter 8. Connection
Chapter 9. Forgiveness
Chapter 10. Hope
Chapter 11. Thriving
References
Index
About the Author