Outgrowing the Pain: A Book for and About Adults Abused As Children

This much-needed book pinpoints the typical problems abused children experience when they become adults. The information is presented in a friendly and thorough manner for victims and professionals.

Customer Reviews:

Thanks so much for the validation!

By Fruit Loop - September 10, 2004

The focus on child abuse is on children, and the adults who survived because it was often never detected have been overlooked for far too long. So many adults, like me, didn't realize until we were grown just how screwed up our childhoods were. As a child, you don't realize that this isn't normal, that all parents don't treat their children this way, and that it wasn't right because you think your parents always know what's best. Our pain is minimized or dismissed because "it's over now, you're grown up" or we're told "just don't dwell on it." A must read for adult survivors

This Book Would Make a Good First Chapter...

By A Customer - June 14, 2000

I found this slight little book to be a tasty appetizer that leaves you starving for the main course. In other words, this book will help you identify yourself as the adult survivor of abuse, but when it comes to suggesting a course of treatment, the author's suggestions amount to little more than "try taking small risks", "try trusting people who are trustworthy", and "good luck." Well, as someone who has already spent 15 years and more than $150,000 in therapy trying to solve the problem, I found this book virtually useless. It's also very short, at about 100 pages of large type, half-empty pages, and some mediocre cartoons. I recommend instead Steven Farmer's book, Adult Children of Abusive Parents, which includes a detailed program of treatment.

Great beginning book for all types of childhood abuse.

By Beth Cholette "doctor_beth" - March 19, 2002

I'm a psychologist in a college counseling center, and I frequently recommend this book to students who are just beginning to come to terms with a history of childhood abuse, whether it be physical, sexual, emotional, or even neglect. Although the book's illustrations are somewhat juvenille, the content is excellent, and the overall impression is non-threatening. It's a short, simple, easy-to-read book that would be a great first step for anyone who is ready to begin addressing these issues.