Reclaiming Lives from Sexual Violence: Understanding Shame through Innovative Narrative Therapy

Reclaiming Lives from Sexual Violence is a unique book that uses narrative therapy to help clients who have been subject to childhood sexual abuse. It documents the therapeutic work of Tim and Dale, showing how to challenge dominant social discourses around masculinity and shame. The book extends counseling to consider the individual experience as political and must be shared outside the one-to-one therapy environment, making it an essential resource for therapists and practitioners.

Format: Hardback
Length: 120 pages
Publication date: 29 March 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Reclaiming Lives from Sexual Violence is a groundbreaking book that takes an innovative approach to counseling individuals who have experienced childhood sexual abuse. Through an illustrative case study of the author, Tim, a therapist working with Dale, a client who was sexually abused by a clergy member, the book showcases the therapeutic work conducted between them. What sets this book apart is its unique documentation of their sessions through transcripts taken directly from their interactions. This narrative approach invites readers to explore alternative ways of engaging in therapy, challenging the dominant social discourses surrounding masculinity and shame.

By approaching shame from a value-awareness perspective rather than a deficit mindset, the book extends counseling to consider the individual experience as political and one that must be shared beyond the confines of one-to-one therapy. This resource is invaluable for both beginning and established therapists and practitioners working with clients who have been victims of sexual violence.

The book explores various aspects of healing and recovery, including the impact of trauma, the importance of validation, and the development of coping strategies. It also emphasizes the significance of social support and the role of the therapeutic relationship in promoting change. Reclaiming Lives from Sexual Violence offers a comprehensive and compassionate approach to counseling individuals who have suffered from sexual abuse, providing them with the tools they need to reclaim their lives and move forward.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032188928