The Wounded Heart by Dan B. Allender (1990, Paperback)

This book is for those who are serious about healing.It goes right to the heart of the issues a sexually abused person experiences. Allender details the background or set-up of many victims, helping you to put the abuse in a bigger context. He talks about the shame and contempt that come from abuse. Next he helps you see the coping techiniques that people use to survive the abuse and how years later those same coping skills are casuing more problems than help. Making peace with God is part of the process. Although this is written for those who have been sexually abused it is equally valuable for anyone who has experienced any kind of abuse. I highly recommend this book for the person serious about confronting their issues. There is a companion workbook that takes you even deeper.

This book addresses childhood sexual abuse and our Lord's desire to heal us from those things that have kept us bound. It is a treasure of scriptural truth and sound recovery practices. I have used the book extensively myself, and purchased this copy for a young woman in prison - highly recommend it! And also highly recommend using in conjunction with the workbook.

As a victim of childhood sexual abuse, I can say from experience that this book is life-changing.

What makes this book especially effective is that it is grounded in Christ - only through knowing yourself and knowing Christ is real healing possible.

This is not a fast read book - it took me over a year to work through this. You need to give yourself the time it takes. I went through this with my counselor, which made this book even more powerful.

There is a companion workbook that is a must-buy, too. If you can only buy one of the two, buy the workbook. If you are serious about healing, buy both even if you can't afford it. Your life is worth it.

Book offers great insight on people that have suffered from this type of abuse. Very easy to read and understand.

This book is so rich with truth and wisdom that I could hardly make it past the foreword! I loved how it was very scriptural leading the reader to Christ not to self pity. Giving the reader tools to use to make a change in their life. Encouraging and life-changing!