A REVIEW

Memory and Abuse: Remembering and Healing the Effects of Trauma, by Dr. Charles L. Whitfield, M.D.

From Believe the Children

Finally there is a book for survivors to deal with the backlash generated by the False Memory Syndrome Foundation. Dr. Whitfield has again written a book that will help both survivors and therapists cope with the issues of child sexual abuse. It is magnificently written and is sorely needed.

Dr. Whitfield’s research is impeachable and the book has over 700 references. He tackles all the issues regarding childhood sexual abuse and the backlash.

Well-balanced, it look sat the different topics generated by the controversy: the debate itself; an in-depth look at normal and traumatic memory; offender denial; the retractors; a thorough discussion of post-traumatic stress disorder, repression, dissociation, and traumatic forgetting; two excellent chapters for therapists working with survivors; court cases; and recovery.

Confusion reigns among survivors and therapists today. The media and the FMSF have portrayed survivors as gullible victims (who are incapable of determining fantasy from reality) of evil, incompetent therapists. We needed a book that was balanced, well researched, and based on solid research and clinical evidence instead of anecdotal evidence presented by the backlash groups. Memory and Abuse takes the difficult task of presenting a huge amount of information in one place. It is an easy-to-read format that is invaluable for survivors and therapists alike.

If you want to learn more about the backlash, need support in recovery, or just want an understanding of the issues facing you in your recovery, then read this book. Dr. Whitfield has created yet another book that we can all learn, grow, and heal from.