[.ca] Repressed Memories: A Journey to Recovery from Sexual Abuse (ISBN 067176716X)

Still the Best Intro to the Topic of Repressed Memories:
This book is a classic for a reason: it includes the basic psychological outlines of the workings of repressed memories, along with case histories demonstrating various symptoms and after-effects of sexual abuse. It also clearly explains various techniques for aiding memory retrieval, and gives an overview of healing processes. Erickson writes from much experience and compassion as well as knowledge of abuse; she was truly a pioneer in this field. Along with "Courage to Heal," this book is a must-read for those new to recognition of repressed memories and the journey toward healing. It is both honest and hopeful. I also recently read the most lucid dramatic account of going through the process of recognition of repressed memories: "Yesterday's Warrior" by Heather Harrison. "I Never Told Anyone" is also a great collection of true short stories by women survivors. I've read alot of survivor books, but for anyone just starting out, Erickson's "Repressed Memories" is probably THE book.

This book is a godsend!:
If I had had this book when it was first written (1992), I could probably have saved myself many years of pain. I first had memories come up in 1990 and spent the next full year feeling like I had to throw up and knowing I had more memories coming (I could feel them, but couldn't get to them). I didn't know how to understand and work with myself to let them come. This is THE book I longed for and didn't know existed, and after several years of trying to remember what had happened, I gave up and went on with my life, which only got more and more difficult. I have read only the first 64 pages since last night (It's going slow because there's so much I want to make notes on) and I have made so much progress with this book in such a short period of time (less than 24 hours) it's sort of shocking. Actually, I'd like to give this book SIX stars!!

Thank You:
My first read on the topic of Sexual Abuse in May of 2001. This book filled in all the gaps for me. I was able to put my own denial away and undergo my healing journey. Renee is concise and to the point. With her checklists I was able to trace a lot of the patterns in my life back to different abuse incidents in my childhood, from there I was able to put them in perspective and find a more positive route to my life. By far this has been one of the best and most helpful books on the topic that I have read.

I agree:
I agree with another reviewer, actually two of them, in that the main message I received from REPRESSED MEMORIES is to look deep within yourself and trust your feelings. Disregarding what you've been "told" and/or what has been "suggested," if you look deep down, you'll know the answer. Fortunately this book is not simply a "look at me, I hurt" type, but a real, useful and pragmatic way to determine if you have repressed memories or some other trauma. My other comment is that, like another reviewer, I agree that this is THE book on this subject. Would also recommend a book tiled THE BARK OF THE DOGWOOD, which is probably the ultimate fiction/memoir/based on the truth book. Both this and REPRESSED MEMORIES are a must for anyone interested in the subject.

Finally, I have hope!:
This is a great book! I read it in a day and for the first time in a really long time I do not think I am crazy and have hope that I can recover my childhood memories and deal with the nightmares. Her checklists are great, the way she chronicles the story of Sarah is amazing and gives me soooooo much hope for myself. Also, the flow of the book is excellent and there's not alot of academic writing/jargon. Thank you Renee for writing this book - I wish I had found this sooner!!!