Say It Out Loud: Revealing and Healing the Scars of Sexual Abuse

(Paperback, New edition)

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Description

1 in 3 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be victims of sexual abuse before their eighteenth birthday.

There are over 42 million survivors of sexual abuse in America.

The strategies presented in Say It Out Loud are for both genders, making it an important resource for the growing population of male survivors willing to break their silence.

Say It Out Loud offers parents, spouses, and loved ones the understanding of the unique issues a survivor faces, and ideas for offering meaningful support, that they need to help survivors of sexual abuse.

Survivors who are unwilling or financially unable to seek professional help may be willing to begin the healing process by reading a book.

Reviews

Part memoir, part self-help book, Dolans work sets out to describe her personal journey healing from sexual abuse in an effort to help other victims begin or continue to recover. In riveting detail, the author describes her feelings and thoughts as she walks readers through the therapeutic process and intersperses it with advice on keeping or letting go of relationships, creating a respite, and developing a relationship with a therapist. She asserts there is no end point to healing and discusses how she manages anxiety, anger, depression, and the desire to self-injure. This book is recommended for anyone suffering from sexual abuse who is seeking understanding. Library Journal Roberta Dolan courageously attacks the major obstacles to preventing sexual assaultsecrecy and silence. Fearless and determined, Dolan holds nothing back as she charges full forcerevealing personal experience through raw and powerful journal entries, and exposing and coping with the psychological damage caused by sexual assault. As victim, teacher, counselor, wife and mother, Dolan presents insight to all sides of the healing journey. More than an affirmation of inspiration, Say It Out Loud serves as a practical guide of easy-to-follow strategies. Survivors will know they're not alone, and theyll come to realize the possibility of restoring a joyful life. For loved ones, counselors and therapists, Say It Out Loud should be required reading. Kathy Marcantonio, former counselor and community education volunteer of Connecticut Sexual Assault Crisis Services, Inc. (ConnSACS) Board of Directors Always being the 'good girl,' pleasing others, and internalizing your feelings is self-destructive. Our childhood is stored in our body, and if we do not heal our wounds someday, the body will present its bill. Roberta Dolan had the courage to transform and heal herself. The techniques she utilized to do so and the changes she made can benefit all those who have ever been abused, physically or psychologically. I strongly recommend reading this book to help you to release whatever pain exists within you and to restore your own life and body. It is never too late to leave the past behind and begin anew, as Roberta did. Bernie Siegel, MD, author of 365 Prescriptions for the Soul and 101 Exercises for the Soul Roberta Dolan has found the courage to tell the story of her horrific sexual abuse in a book with the smart title Say It Out Loud. At least as much effort is spent on guiding others through the process, step by step, for which she is eminently qualified, not only as a survivor, but as a counselor with a masters degree. But it is her own story that is the most compelling as she mines the darkest corners of her soul with honesty and integrity. By nurturing the healing process of others along the way, she heals herself. And that is contagious. I recommend her book to survivors at all stages of healing and to those who love and support survivors. Trish Kinney, author of Silver Platter Girl Say It Out Loud is an intimate and courageous account of the steps that must be taken to recover from predatory sexual abuse. Dolan shares her healing process by walking the reader through her agony and into her eventual experience of joy. The complexities and beauty of the human heart are exposed in a frightened child now adult, who, because of the care of a therapist and a loving husband, can finally be free. Gwen Plano, author of Letting Go Into Perfect Love Roberta has single-handedly, with honesty and love, provided us with not only a moving account of her experience but a practical guide for those recovering from childhood sexual abuse. Without hesitation, I recommend this book to those dealing with the lingering effects of childhood sexual abuse, to those family members and friends who support a survivor, and to those who work with survivors and their families. Roberta has changed, and will continue to change, lives. Thank you! Sharon D. Chappelle Ph.D Roberta Dolan has unpacked the vicissitudes of her own personal healing journey in a way that informs, supports, encourages, and inspires others who have been sexually abused and those who love them. The book is practical in its structure, and her sensitivity and compassion flow from each paragraph. Prescriptive but not preachy, there is an intelligent, uplifting, kind, and gentle quality about Say It Out Loud that is unique among books of this genre, which I believe makes it accessible to readers at any point of their own journey. Catherine McCall LMFT, author of the Piano Stops and Never Tell: the True Story of Overcoming a Terrifying Childhood

Author Bio

Roberta Dolan is a former special education teacher with a masters degree in counseling. As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, Roberta has made it her mission to end the silence of sexual abuse, lend support to survivors, and educate others on preventing child sexual abuse through seminars, her blog Write to Survive, and her open discussions with anyone who will listen. Say It Out Loud: Revealing and Healing the Scars of Sexual Abuse is Robertas first book. Her personal story of hope for all victims has been published in RAINNs online journal, End the Silence. In an effort to support other new writers, Roberta founded the Writers Network of Central Connecticut. When they are not at home in Connecticut, Roberta and her husband, Tim, enjoy traveling in their RV.