The Flying Child - A Cautionary Fairytale for Adults: Finding a purposeful life after Child Sexual Abuse through compassionate and creative therapy

This book documents the therapeutic journey undertaken by Sophie and her therapist, Pat, to help her heal from child sexual abuse. It includes chapters of the fairy tale, drawings Sophie created, and in-between session conversations between Pat and Sophie. It is essential reading for therapists, counselors, health professionals, educators, and social workers interested in understanding or working with survivors of child sexual abuse. Sophie is now a survivor activist, writer, and founder of The Flying Child, a non-profit organization improving awareness of child sexual abuse and the consequences of trauma.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 12 February 2024
Publisher: ZunTold

The session where I felt I would give up was a turning point in my therapeutic journey. I had worked tirelessly to express myself, but the most crucial words, the ones that held the power to heal, seemed to elude me. Frustration filled me as I realized the depth of my struggle. In a moment of vulnerability, I hinted that I might not return the following week. As I prepared to leave the room, Pat intervened with a suggestion. "Try detaching from it entirely," she said. "Imagine writing it as a fairy story." The idea intrigued me, and that evening, I decided to give it a shot. I sat on my bed, pulled out my phone, and opened the notes app. "Once Upon a Time..." I began, and finally, after four decades of abuse, the words started to flow. This book, The Flying Child – A Cautionary Fairy Tale for Adults – Finding a purposeful life after Child Sexual Abuse through compassionate and creative therapy – is a testament to the therapeutic journey undertaken by Sophie and her therapist, Pat. It encompasses all chapters of the fairy tale and the drawings Sophie created to help her make sense of her experiences and reconnect with herself. It also includes the many in-between session conversations Pat and Sophie had via email, WhatsApp, and texts, offering valuable insights into how to work safely with trauma. This book is a vital resource for therapists, counselors, health professionals, educators, and social workers who are interested in understanding or working with survivors of child sexual abuse. It is also a must-have for those who are survivors of sexual abuse themselves. Today, Sophie is a survivor activist, writer, founder, and managing director of The Flying Child: a non-profit, National Lottery Community Funded organization dedicated to improving awareness of child sexual abuse and the consequences of trauma. The core aim of The Flying Child is to normalize speaking about CSA. Through the Flying Child Project, Sophie brings her lived experience into the forefront, empowering others to heal and thrive.

Weight: 588g
Dimension: 135 x 216 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781915758057
Edition number: Illustrated ed