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Repressed Memories: A Journey to Recovery from Sexual Abuse
From Simon & Schuster, this book provides the encouragement for today's adults to help themselves overcome the impact of their tragic childhoods.
In Repressed Memories the author uses case histories to end the victims' apparent isolation and shows the way to increasing their self-esteem, enabling them to lead happier, more productive lives.
In Repressed Memories the author uses case histories to end the victims' apparent isolation and shows the way to increasing their self-esteem, enabling them to lead happier, more productive lives.
240 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1992
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 21, 2009
An important book, not only in the understanding of repressed and recovered memories, but in the understanding that the emotions and fear experienced when one finds oneself faced with flashes of memories long buried are natural. It is also important in that it lets one know that they are not alone.
That having been said, I personally wish there had been more focus on how to deal with the emotions and the fears one faces when confronted with repressed memories. It touches on that a bit, but I personally needing something more constructive and proactive. That is why as vital as I think this book is, it is important to remember that this book is a supplement to proper psychological care during these tough times. Don't let this book be the only help you afford yourself.
As for other negative reviewers claiming that no cases of recovered memories have been documented, this is simply not true and I would venture that many of the negative reviews here are from member of the so-called "false memory syndrome foundation," an organization you should research fully to understand. The Recovered Memory Project out of Brown University maintains a database of over 100 verified cases of recovered memories, and the list continues to grow. The so-called "false-memory syndrome" is as dubious as the Foundation itself.
The last caveat I must add is that if you are involved in a lawsuit over the abuse you suffered, or might be in the future, it is very important that you speak to your attorney before reading this book (or any book on childhood sexual abuse and/or repressed memories) as many attorneys representing perpetrators may attempt to use your familiarity with the book to cast doubt upon your claims.
That having been said, I personally wish there had been more focus on how to deal with the emotions and the fears one faces when confronted with repressed memories. It touches on that a bit, but I personally needing something more constructive and proactive. That is why as vital as I think this book is, it is important to remember that this book is a supplement to proper psychological care during these tough times. Don't let this book be the only help you afford yourself.
As for other negative reviewers claiming that no cases of recovered memories have been documented, this is simply not true and I would venture that many of the negative reviews here are from member of the so-called "false memory syndrome foundation," an organization you should research fully to understand. The Recovered Memory Project out of Brown University maintains a database of over 100 verified cases of recovered memories, and the list continues to grow. The so-called "false-memory syndrome" is as dubious as the Foundation itself.
The last caveat I must add is that if you are involved in a lawsuit over the abuse you suffered, or might be in the future, it is very important that you speak to your attorney before reading this book (or any book on childhood sexual abuse and/or repressed memories) as many attorneys representing perpetrators may attempt to use your familiarity with the book to cast doubt upon your claims.
February 2, 2008
Don't read without your therapist on hand.
January 21, 2021
This book is almost 30 years old, and yet it's still my go-to, #1 recommendation for understanding the different ways that our bodies store and remember trauma. It has clear and helpful descriptions of how memories can resurface not only as vivid flashbacks (which are actually one of the less common manifestations, at least of childhood trauma) but also as bodily sensations, auditory memories, irrational reactions and other triggers, and more -- and what it looks like when they do. It was incredibly helpful to me in piecing together what had happened and understanding its effects on my life.
One of abuse's biggest effects, imho, is that it disconnects cause and effect. We stop being able to really understand what we have power over in our life, and what we don't, and what causes things in our lives to go well or poorly. Because people have forcefully taught us that things can and will regularly just blow up for no reason.
Understanding abuse and its effects on our lives better makes it a lot easier to put cause and effect back together. And this book really helped give me some of the key tools for that process.
One of abuse's biggest effects, imho, is that it disconnects cause and effect. We stop being able to really understand what we have power over in our life, and what we don't, and what causes things in our lives to go well or poorly. Because people have forcefully taught us that things can and will regularly just blow up for no reason.
Understanding abuse and its effects on our lives better makes it a lot easier to put cause and effect back together. And this book really helped give me some of the key tools for that process.
June 5, 2021
Beautifully written with a lot of very helpful exercises. I kept my journal very close while completing the exercises. If you struggle with self-validation in regards to your traumas, I would really recommend this book!
March 25, 2022
I went into this understanding how complex repressed memories can be. This can be triggering and best read with the support of a professional. Initially, I read this book looking for answers but instead found acceptance and validation. It definitely helped me not feel so alone. Sending all the positive vibes to those who are on their journey to healing.
July 22, 2021
Helpful.
January 14, 2024
Presented as a "Resource for Further Reading" in both the 1992 and 1993 editions of Paperdolls: Healing from Sexual Abuse in Mormon Neighborhoods.
May 30, 2009
I couldn't believe the wealth of information in this book. It was hard to put down and stirred many emotions. Anyone reading from this could learn from this book. My eyes are opened and I'm looking deeper. There is much to learn and I can now see that there is a way to heal from past wounds.
Right now I'm a little speechless and overwhelmed so will have to come back to this review. I will be re-reading and working through the process of this wonderful tool.
If you have feelings, emotions, dreams, thoughts, and nightmares that you can't identify where they are coming from then you could have repressed memories.
I'm confident that working through the methods in this book will help anyone ready to know the truth of their childhood!
Right now I'm a little speechless and overwhelmed so will have to come back to this review. I will be re-reading and working through the process of this wonderful tool.
If you have feelings, emotions, dreams, thoughts, and nightmares that you can't identify where they are coming from then you could have repressed memories.
I'm confident that working through the methods in this book will help anyone ready to know the truth of their childhood!
June 11, 2008
This is a must-read for anyone interested in repressed memories and/or sexual abuse. The author writes compassionately and intelligently on the topic interweaving stories of clients who have dealt with such issues. Additionally she offers writing exercises and ways to supplement the repressed memory process. Truly an eye opening book and one I could not put down. I feel much better inside for having read it and have been given insights on an issue that I have struggled with for years. It really finds that voice that you thought no one else understood or could articulate. Very highly recommended.
July 12, 2013
Really helpful book on abuse and repressed memories. Emphasizes the importance of recovering memories in order to heal and gives a variety of things to do to try to recover those memories.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews