What are some good self-help book titles and authors for someone to read if they have been sexually assulted?

Answer 1

Actually I have found several groups that helped, as well as books. I know this may not sound like what you want to hear, but "The Courage to Heal" is one, and the other one is "The Courage to Change". They both are based on a 12-Step program that is based on AA. We learn that we have to deal with ourselves in these situations. We can be angry, sad, in pain, and wish it never happened. But doing a reality check, we know better. It did happen, it isn't your fault, and there is hope, hope that we can heal, recover, and lead a normal life. We may never get to a point where it doesn't affect us on some level, but we can get to a point where the pain subsides somewhat. I was told once to forgive. Forgiveness is a gift you give yourself. It doesn't do a thing for the person that was the offender, but it releases us to love, and be happy, and to move beyond our pain.
I mentioned groups, one I was involved with was AMAC, Adults Molested as Children. Also, Alan-non and AA worked wonders for me. Both programs helped me to look inside of me. I began to be able to name my feelings, and deal with the very real flashbacks. I learned how to validate my own feelings, and how to look at myself without disgust. My motto Is: THOSE WHO DESERVE TO BE LOVED THE LEAST, NEEDS IT THE MOST. For the most part I would apply this to the people that I had a hard time dealing with, however, as of late, I apply it to myself. After being a victim of sexual assault, we may have a difficult time feeling like we are lovable, and that we deserve to be loved. We do! We didn't do any thing wrong. Trust ME!