Synopses & Reviews
This groundbreaking study of lesbian survivors of childhood sexual abuse addresses the endemic feelings of horrible isolation and shame experienced by survivors through the words of 60 women who shared with Rafanello their inspiring stories of recovery. In addition, Rafanello includes up-to-date research and information on post--traumatic stress disorder and healing therapies; hard-to-find specific resources for lesbian survivors and those who help them; and detailed appendixes and resource guides. A systematic guide to recovery, from the earliest stages of remembering to overcoming the coping and defense mechanisms children adapt to survive.
Donna Rafanello has worked extensively in social services. She been a contributing editor for the American Academy of Pediatrics and a consulting editor for the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
Review
"Can't Touch My Soulpresents a multitude of survivors' voices sharing their experiences about every aspect of healing from child sexual abuse. This supportive book offers a wealth of information."--Ellen Bass, author of The Courage to Heal
Synopsis
Includes up-to-date research and information on: - Post-traumatic stress disorder and healing therapies- Resources for survivors and those who help them, including hard-to-find specific information for lesbian survivors - Developing intimate relationships- Relating to families of origin- Plus detailed appendixes and resource guides for information, publications, organizations, and help
Synopsis
Learn to feel again. Learn to trust again. Learn to love again.
The first book of its kind, "Can't Touch My Soul" offers lesbian survivors of child sexual abuse strategies for recovery and beyond. In this empowering guide, child and family counselor Donna Rafanello presents the courageous voices of more than 60 lesbian survivors. The women Rafanello interviews describe their efforts to trust again, love their bodies, deal with issues specific to lesbian survivors, and find intimacy while struggling with the long-term effects of abuse. Their inspiring stories and their journeys to heal the hurt offer a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of community. Rafanello also guides women through the early stages of remembering abuse, understanding natural coping mechanisms, finding support, overcoming shame, developing intimate relationships, and relating to families of origin. This comprehensive guide also includes:
information on post-traumatic stress disorder and healing therapies
detailed examinations of the mind-body connection in regard to child sexual abuse
sections on issues specific to lesbian parents
resources for survivors and those who help them, including hard-to-find specific information for lesbian survivors
exhaustive appendixes and resource guides for information, publications, organizations, and outreach
Remember, there are others who share your pain. There is help. There is hope.
Donna Rafanello, herself a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, has worked extensively in women's centers, domestic violence shelters, rape crisis programs, and abuse prevention programs. She has written for "Chicago Parent"and "Chicago Baby" magazines and has been a contributing editor for the American Academy of Pediatrics and a consulting editor for the National Association for the Education of Young Children. She is currently a child and Family counselor at a child-care center for homeless children in Long Beach, Calif.
About the Author
Donna Rafanello, herself a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, has worked extensively in women's centers, domestic violence shelters, rape crisis programs, and abuse prevention programs. She has written for Chicago Parent and Chicago Baby magazines and has been a contributing editor for the American Academy of Pediatrics and a consulting editor for the National Association for the Education of Young Children. She is currently a child and Family counselor at a child-care center for homeless children in Long Beach, Calif.