Michelle, a survivor of child sexual abuse, attended The Haven Retreat and is more than a statistic.

I Get to Define Me, Not a Number in a Statistic

I am a survivor. I am a wife. I am a mom. I am a daughter. I am a sister. I am a friend. I am hope. I am love. I am an encouragement to other women. These words get to define me, not a number in a statistic!

One of the best takeaways from the Saprea Retreat was the affirmations. I find that when I do these I feel empowered, strong, undefeated, and I feel better about who I am! When you speak truth to yourself your whole mindset changes. You change into bringing out the best of who you already are! You are speaking these truths into your mind, heart, and soul. Affirmations bring you back to the present and help keep you focused!

I am forever grateful to have been able to attend the Saprea Retreat and get started on being me!

-Michelle, Survivor

Interested in Attending Saprea Retreat?

Amber, a survivor of child sexual abuse, attended The Haven Retreat and her story has helped others.

My Healing Has Helped Others

When you’re going through something difficult it’s easy to lose focus. The big picture isn’t clear yet and that can be very discouraging.

When I look back at all the things I’ve endured and survived and the people who have made a mark on my life, I can see that they have put me where I am now. I have the experience and compassion to do what I feel I am here to do in helping others.

By having the experiences, I have had, I can relate to a vast number of people and can offer them the tools to fix the broken pieces in their lives. Much like the kintsugi bowls that are broken and glued back together with gold so that the imperfections are embraced and beautiful. When someone holds open that door for you please remember to hold it open for the next person.

Thank you to Saprea for hosting me at the Saprea Retreat and for giving me a door and tools. It came at a time in my life that was much needed and renewed my strength and faith and love in myself.

-Amber, Survivor

Interested in Attending Saprea Retreat?

8 healing books for survivors of childhood sexual abuse

Healing Books for Sexual Abuse Survivors

Many survivors of childhood sexual abuse ask us for book recommendations that go hand in hand with our 5 Strategies to Reclaim Hope and what we teach at The Haven Retreat. Below you’ll find a list of healing books that our clinicians have found most beneficial for survivors.

01
THE BODY KEEPS THE SCORE: BRAIN, MIND, AND BODY IN THE HEALING OF TRAUMA
By: Bessel van der Kolk
This book goes in depth about trauma in many forms, using examples from van der Kolk’s own experiences with trauma survivors. He makes the argument for not only mentally healing from trauma but also bringing a physical component into it as well. Purchase Here>
02
WRITING AS A WAY OF HEALING: HOW TELLING OUR STORIES TRANSFORMS OUR LIVES
By: Louise DeSalvo
In this research-based, but surprisingly accessible book, DeSalvo shows how someone can use writing as a healthy and effective way to work through their trauma. This is for anyone, not just writers. Purchase Here>
03
OVERCOMING TRAUMA THROUGH YOGA: RECLAIMING YOUR BODY
By: David Emerson & Elizabeth Hopper
This book is an excellent resource for survivors, clinicians, and yoga instructors. It will show you the benefits behind trauma-sensitive yoga and how you can find a class to suit your needs as a survivor. Purchase Here>
04
GETTING PAST YOUR PAST: TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR LIFE WITH SELF-HELP TECHNIQUES FROM EMDR THERAPY
By: Francine Shapiro
If you have any interest in EMDR and the benefits it may have for you, then this book is for you. Shapiro writes in an accessible and reader-friendly way about complex topics that allows almost anyone to understand. Purchase Here>
05
TRAUMA AND MEMORY: BRAIN AND BODY IN A SEARCH FOR THE LIVING PAST
By: Peter Levine
Too often survivors wonder if their memories are accurate and if they can be trusted. Levine draws on 45 years of expertise to address this concern and give you information about how memory is constructed and how influential memories can be on your present moment. Purchase Here>
06
MINDSET: THE NEW PSYCHOLOGY OF SUCCESS
By: Carol Dweck
Success is not dependent merely on abilities and talent, but on the mindset you use when thinking about them. Dweck says that with the right mindset you can motivate anyone, attain your own goals, and find success – both personally and professionally. Purchase Here>
07
FORGIVE FOR GOOD: A PROVEN PRESCRIPTION FOR HEALTH AND HAPPINESS
By: Fred Luskin
With years of study and experiences, Luskin creates a narrative about forgiveness and the benefits it will have in your life. Using real experiences and scientific backing, he gives you real steps to take in order to forgive. Purchase Here>
08
OPENING UP BY WRITING IT DOWN: HOW EXPRESSIVE WRITING IMPROVES HEALTH AND EASES EMOTIONAL PAIN
By: James Pennebaker
Writing is a place where many survivors are first able to break the silence about their abuse. In this book, Pennebaker gives examples, steps to take, and words of encouragement on how you can go about writing your way to healing. Purchase Here>

It’s important to go at your own pace as you heal. Don’t overwhelm yourself with too much information at once. Try reading one of these books, implementing the benefits, letting them become a habit in your life, and then moving on to another. You are the best judge of where you are in your healing journey, but these healing books can help illuminate the path.

Please note:
This post contains links to Amazon. As an Amazon Affiliate, The Younique Foundation gets a small commission if you buy from these links that helps to support our cause at no extra cost to you.

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