Addiction / Betrayal Trauma
Learn how to identify addictions, their impact on loved ones, and find hope for healing and recovery with some of these suggested resources.
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Learn how to identify addictions, their impact on loved ones, and find hope for healing and recovery with some of these suggested resources.
Brutally Honest is a contemporary parable based on Psalm 109 and is a wonderful resource for anyone dealing with anger, addictions, or any type of brokenness.
From the first betrayal in this world’s history to Jesus’s temptations in the wilderness, this book is a sure spiritual guide to understand betrayal, temptations, and addictions.
Jesus has been through it as an example to lead you through it! You too can claim His victory!
As a trauma-informed therapist, these are books I cannot support or endorse in good conscience.
Many of these books:
are not edifying in seeking a healthy intimacy
overlook accountability necessary in abuse recovery
dismiss the power of sanctification in overcoming addictions and abuse
lack a trauma-model perspective
Numerous clients have reported damaging and harmful effects in response to these books and in some cases have reported their abusive circumstances worsened upon reading them.
Every Man’s Battle (any edition, any version) by Stephen Arterburn & Fred Stoeker
Love & Respect: The Love She Most Desires; The Respect He Desperately Needs by Emerson Eggerichs
An excellent tool for any recovering sex addict who desires healing for his spouse/ partner. As addicts recognize the damaging effects their sexual addictions and Integrity Abuse Disorder (see Dr. Omar Minwalla’s research and terminology) had on their spouses, they realize they need help to learn how to empathize further with her. Learn ways to help her heal!
Our culture is steeped in pornography and the sexual exploitation of women. It changes the way we view human beings, sexuality, their value, and the nature of relationships. This book will unpack the impact of pornography on the brain and discusses what can be done about it. Viewing pornography impedes healthy intimacy and attachment.
“Struthers exposes false assumptions and casts a vision for a redeemed masculinity, showing how our sexual longings can actually propel us toward sanctification and holiness in our bodies. With insights for both married and single men alike, this book offers hope for freedom from pornography.” ~Amazon
To find more books on this subject click here.
Dr. Barbara Steffens and Marsha Means highlight the growing societal problem of sex addiction and compulsive sexual behavior. She recognizes that spouses of sex-addicts are often alone and lack the opportunity for trauma-informed therapy. This book outlines groundbreaking research showing the post-traumatic stress impact that sexual betrayal has on partners. With insights, strategies, and crucial steps to find healing, this book offers empowerment and hope for betrayed partners.
*Disclaimer: While there are so many practical tools offered in this book, I do not recommend or endorse EMDR or any similar therapies.
WARNING: The cover picture on the older editions (shown on Amazon) could be triggering to an individual navigating betrayal trauma.
What an EXCELLENT resource to help you navigate through the painful journey of betrayal trauma.
*Disclaimer: While there are so many practical tools offered in this book, I do not recommend or endorse EMDR or any similar therapies.
“Drawing from her experience both as a marriage and family therapist and a woman who personally experienced the devastation of sexual betrayal, Dr. Sheri Keffer walks women impacted by betrayal through the pain and toward recovery. She explains how the trauma of betrayal affects our minds, bodies, spirits, and sexuality. She offers practical tools for dealing with emotional triggers and helps women understand the realities of sexual addiction. And she shows women how to practice self-care, develop healthy boundaries, protect themselves from abuse or manipulation, and find freedom from the burden of shame and guilt.” ~ Amazon
This book will encourage the possibility of rebuilding trust in your marriage. Jason Martinkus (primary author) gives exercises and tools to guide you to more effective transparency in your relationships, more daily trust-building strategies, and shines a light on what forgiveness and restitution look like.
*Disclaimer: While there are so many gems in this book about truth-telling, abdicating privacy when having had past patterns of dishonesty, and unpacking shame, there is a misconception of the sanctification process. We believe that God never intended for us to deal with sexual temptations and while we agree that as long as we live on this earth that we will be inundated with temptations, we vehemently believe he can free us from ANY temptation and can work the sanctification process in us if we are willing.
**Though we like some aspects of this book, we do not endorse all of Arterburn’s books. See our books of caution here.
Due to its ground-breaking research, this book explores the “why” behind unwanted sexual choices.
”Although many of us feel ashamed and unwanted after years of sexual brokenness, the book invites the reader to see that behavior as the very location God can most powerfully work in their lives. Counselors, pastors, and accountability partners of those who experience sexual shame will also find in this book the deep spiritual and psychological guidance they need to effectively minister to the sexually broken around them.” - Amazon
I have not personally vetted this book yet, but it came to me highly recommended.
Many trauma books suggest EMDR and similar therapies as therapeutic interventions and recoveries. However, we do not endorse these types of therapies and recommend Trauma-Focused CBT therapy.
A wonderful book that outlines steps to take when in the throes of betrayal trauma.
*Disclaimer: Some of the contributors write from a co-dependency model perspective, but the overall theme is trauma-informed and offers practical tips and solutions to navigating betrayal trauma.
In this book the authors outline 10 laws of boundaries while giving you biblically based answers on how to set appropriate boundaries with your spouse, children, friends, coworkers, and even yourself.
I’ve seen many clients find healing through the corrective messages in this book. There were even misbeliefs and misconceptions I grew up believing that made me stop in my tracks when reading.
Sheila, Rebecca, & Joanna’s research of over 20,000 women backs up their theory that the evangelical church has, with no intention to harm, spread some harmful messages about sexuality over time. Especially in best-selling Christian books.
The Great Sex Rescue highlights and refutes harmful messages while underscoring a healthy, sacred, biblical sexuality. I couldn’t recommend this book more!
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