Surviving & Moving On : Self-help for survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse, Dr Kim McGregor, Random House, Auckland (2008)
Surviving and Moving On, is, as it says, a self-help guide for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. The first part of the book provides information about child sexual abuse (what it is, why children remain silent about it, some of the effects abuse can have on a survivor’s life, who the offenders are and how they groom children). The second part is how to move on – understanding and dealing with the abuse. The third part is for friends, family and supporters of those who have been abused. This is an excellent resource for survivors, with New Zealand and world wide research and information as well as case studies from women and men. Dr McGregor is a well-known therapist who is currently Director of Rape Prevention Education, a founding and steering group member of Te Ohaakii o Hine and a member of the task force for Action on Sexual Violence.
Reviewed by Faye Grigg Clinical Psychologist (Reg) April 2009
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
C D REVIEW 1. Control of Anxiety Symptoms;
Rosemary worked for many years at the Anxiety Disorders Unit (Canterbury District Health Board) as a physiotherapist. She has used her experience and training to produce these CDs which target some of the main presenting problems in clinical practice – symptoms of anxiety and sleeping problems, for example, hyperventilation, muscular tension etc.
Rosemary goes through a very clear step-by-step process that teaches relaxation and breath control strategies. I have recommended these CDs to many clients, and their feedback has been very positive. As an adjunct to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, I find that listening to (and practicing) the techniques helps speed up progress.
Available from: StressCare Physio, 106 Halswell Rd, Christchurch, Phone 03 338 6260
Price: 24.00 each (plus $2.00pp).
Reviewed by
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Too Good to Leave, Too Bad to Stay Mira Kirstenbaum,
Suggested reading for those in a relationship ambivalence. “To stay in your relationship, free of holding back, free to express your love and energy as you rediscover the relationship you believed it would be”. Or… “To leave your relationship, liberating yourself from the confusion and pain, moving on to a new life”.
The Sex Starved Marriage. A Couple Guide. Michele Weiner Davis, Simon & Schuster.
Á comprehensive, down to earth book with profound understanding of the relational and sexual quagmire couple fall into with neglect of the relationship. This is about what it takes to breathe life back into a relationship and about men and women taking responsibility for what works.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The Road Less Travelled Scott Peck, Arrow.
Confronting and solving problems is a painful process which most of us attempt to avoid. And the very avoidance results in greater pain and an inability to grow. He discusses the matter of loving relationships; how to distinguish dependency from love; how to become ones own person and how to be a more sensitive parent.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Reinventing Your Life Jeffrey Young and Janet Klaska, Penguin Books.
“Discover the tools and techniques to create a more positive environment; develop fulfilling relationships; free yourself from anxiety, fear and panic; break the cycle of self defeating behaviour”.
Reviewed by Jan Currie, July 07
Shared Parenting Green, M., Burrett, Jill. Finch Publishing $34.99
This simply written guide to the process of parenting after a separating offers practical advice for people faced with this situation. Although it is Australian, most of the information is relevant to New Zealand parents. As well as the authors’ extensive professional and personal experience in the area, they quote from people who have dealt with all the issues involved.
The themes of the need for children to have both parents involved, the “nuts and bolts’ of shared parenting and how to deal with parenting within the context of a painful separation / divorce are covered. This book can be highly recommended to anyone involved in this topic.
Reviewed by Corina Grennell July 07
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
93
Bealey Avenue
Christchurch
New Zealand
