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In our highly sexualized culture, sexual abuse runs rampant. It can be quick. Maybe only a single act that occurs in seconds, but the pain is long lasting. Sexual abuse can include rape, incest, molestation, sexting, sexual bullying, unwanted advances, pornography, and more. In Healing the Wounded Heart, author Dan B. Allender, offers hope for the sexual abuse survivor. Allender doesn’t minimize the survivors’ pain or offers pat answers. Instead, he paves the way for true spiritual healing. Because of the intense nature of the content, the book isn’t an easy read, but it has been extremely helpful to me as I continue to heal from sexual abuse.

Healing the Wounded Heart is an updated version of Allender’s The Wounded Heart. The Wounded Heart doesn’t need to be reread in order to read Healing the Wounded Heart. However, reviewing the older volume may be helpful. To personalize the information from the book, consider using the book in a group setting along with the workbook of the same name. A support person, group, or therapist can be a valuable resource to help you process the thoughts, feelings, and questions of your healing journey. Two workbooks in one, the first one is for sexual abuse survivors. The second one is a companion guide for spouses who want to walk alongside their abused partner, to aid in his/her healing and improve their relationship. Healing from abuse is a personal process that takes time. Be kind to yourself and remember that weekly checkups are important.

As Allender says, “This is not a journey taken by many. It is a healing path that seems, at first, worse than the disease. It is not. It is life-giving, freeing and empowering.”