May 2020 – Page 2 – Trish’s Mental Health Resources Blog

From Amazon.com: “Introduction to Parents, School Personnel and Psychotherapists: There are many books aimed at the prevention of sexual abuse; few story books are geared for children that deal with the profound emotional aftermath. This book is unique because it offers the use of engaging animal protagonists, which allows the child to work through painful emotions in a less threatening and more effective manner. Among the most universal issues for the sexually abused child are: the mixed feelings toward the abuser, the dread and wish to be loved, the difficulties of disclosing the abuse, the fear of being blamed and/or of not being believed. The effects frequently culminate in a sense of vulnerability, damaged self-esteem, guilt and faulty defenses against the feelings of being hurt. This can lead to a wide range of self-destructive behavior in childhood and adulthood. This gentle, “child friendly”, animal tale provides children with a story they can listen to again and again. Parents, psychotherapists and school professionals can use this book as a point of entry into complex feelings that the youngster, or any sexually abused person might experience. Our hope is that with the help of this book, the child will begin the process of healing and gradual resumption of his or her healthy psychological development.”