THE SEXUAL TRAUMA WORKBOOK FOR TEEN GIRLS

A licensed professional counselor and a clinical psychologist designed this self-help guide for young women who've survived sexual trauma.

Opening with a letter to prospective readers from the authors, a tone of respectful, positive acceptance is set early on in this workbook, which begins generally—providing information on proper nutrition, exercise, and sleep habits—and becomes specific, eventually addressing such topics as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Each section includes short testimonials from other survivors (referred to by their first names), fill-in-the-blank exercises, inspirational quotes, and “more to do” activities, in which readers are encouraged to put into practice some of the techniques introduced that may help them cope with such experiences as nightmares, shame, negative self-talk, and flashbacks, among others. Clear, concise descriptions of strategies such as grounding, progressive relaxation, changing life scripts, and mindfulness practices are easy to follow, though the authors also make clear that this guide is not meant to replace working with a professional therapist but rather might make a good supplement. Its earnest, directly therapeutic approach also seems likely to be most effective for those who are already in counseling and who may have worked through any sarcastic or self-conscious resistance to the techniques offered.

A (sadly) necessary, practical tool for young women who've survived sexual abuse and assault.