Synopses & Reviews
Occasionally a book for psychotherapists instantly becomes a classic. Not only do clinicians recognize the excellence and importance of the book, but their clients respond enthusiastically to the accurate portrayal of their experiences and the model for healing. With the publication of Healing the Incest Wound, such a classic was born.
Incest is not a rare aberrant happening, but a common childhood experience for a substantial minority of children. Since incest is generally hidden and denied, the victims are left to cope with their reactions in an atmosphere that contradicts their reality. Yet all incest is not the same; for instance, one-time fondling by an uncle has different effects from rapes repeated over many years by a stepfather. The book describes these variations and the symptoms, short-term aftereffects, and long-term secondary elaborations of incest from four theoretical perspectives: traumatic stress, developmental, feminist, and loss. The author not only comprehensively discusses the salient issues of incest therapy but also illustrates these with numerous case studies, showing how incest survivors can heal and build a core of self-respect and dignity.
Review
"This is the most definitive source that exists for professionals working with survivors of incest and any sexual abuse occurring within a close relationship. Dr. Courtois does not sidestep controversies, but emphasizes the context of incest in describing risk factors and aftereffects. Her 'feminist-based trauma-referenced relational model of psychotherapy'—with attention to developmental, attachment, loss, and family systems issues—places the client's specific needs at the center of care." Laurie Ann Pearlman, PhD, co-author, < em=""> Risking Connection < m="">
Review
"This second edition of her valuable book is a vital asset to every therapist who seeks in-depth comprehension of ways to empower the survivors of incest...contains excellent guidance...a thorough index, an amazing reference section, guide to further reading and exhaustive appendices for both incest survivors and their counselors." Hypnosis Depot
Review
"Courtois has succeeded in integrating the explosion of knowledge and expertise developed over the intervening years into a comprehensive and authoritative second edition...She is one of those gifted professionals who can combine the kind of meticulous academicity, clinical wisdom, warmth and compassion that is so evident in ." Dr. James Chu
Review
"Twenty years ago, Dr. Courtois was a pioneer. Now she is a wise authority, has been a classic since it was first published, and has helped to enlighten and train a generation of practitioners. The second edition, which integrates new findings from many disciplines, will remain a classic for the next generation." APA Division 29 Newsletter
Review
"Healing the Incest Wound is now the most comprehensive text available on every aspect of incest and child sexual abuse. Courtois reviews and integrates clinical, theoretical, and research sources and survivors' accounts. A significant new contribution to understanding and treatment, it will be an invaluable resource for clinicians and researchers whose work focuses on incest survivors. This book is a must for therapists new to working with incest survivors and a welcome update to the literature." Judith Herman, MD, author, < em=""> Trauma and Recovery < m="">
Review
"It was hard to imagine how Christine Courtois could improve on what was already an enduring classic, but this second edition of represents a quantum leap forward. Dr. Courtois, in her usual extremely thorough, scholarly, and clinically astute fashion, has created a new classic. Every therapist should read this book, no matter what the focus of their practice...it creates the foundation for competence, and does so brilliantly and accessibly. Bravo, Chris!" Judith Herman, MD, author, Trauma and Recovery
Synopsis
Almost twenty years after the publication of the first edition, our knowledge of how to effectively treat incest victims has grown tremendously. Drawing on the latest research, Christine Courtois presents a fully updated treatment manual for therapists.
Synopsis
"Highly recommended as an authoritative text on incest and its treatment" and "essential reading for all therapists," was a groundbreaking book that put incest studies and treatment on the map. Now, almost 20 years later, this bestselling text is fully updated, offering the most current studies and findings on incest typologies, dynamics, and treatment strategies. Drawing on cutting-edge research on incest and other forms of child abuse, it includes attention to their neurological, attachment, affective, and dissociative sequelae. Courtois--a veteran practitioner and an expert in complex traumatic stress disorders resulting from chronic child abuse--presents a comprehensive revision to this classic treatment manual for therapists.
Synopsis
Understanding and treating adult victims of incest.
About the Author
Christine A. Courtois, Ph.D., is a psychologist in private practice in Washington, DC. She is President-elect of APA Division 56, Trauma Psychology, and Associate Editor of Psychological Trauma: Research, Theory, Practice & Policy. Dr. Courtois conducts workshops nationally and internationally on the treatment of incest and other forms of sexual assault, and is the recipient of numerous awards for her work.