On the Threshold of Hope: Opening the Door to Healing for Survivors of Sexual Abuse (Aacc Counseling Library)

This is probably the most impacting, concise book that I’ve read on the subject out of 20 or so books that I’ve read. It’s a slow read to grasp all of the important points. I appreciate the Biblical worldview that is demonstrates compassion.

I think I cried through the beginning and end of this book. Really recommend!

I read this a few years ago, and found it very comforting and helpful. The author seemed to be able to relate to the depth of the trauma and pain, as few others have been able to do. I felt great compassion and love while reading it. At the same time, I am reminded how I need to continue to focus primarily on feeling in order to heal deeply. Because I've been traumatized and wounded so deeply, I've discovered that studying The Bible still induces a deep, irrational fear in me. This reminds me that I need to focus on feeling, which is the most effective way I can pray to God. Few people seem to understand that our feelings are the most basic, fundamental part of our being human. Many people think faith is, but it is clearly not. It took me many years of trying too hard to please God before I realized he simply wanted me to focus on my feelings. Applying the information in this book will be a long process for me, much of which I'm not ready for yet. But I'm very glad I read it, and look forward to referring to it again at a later time, perhaps when I can study my Bible and be able to focus on reading it without being overcome with feelings. I also gave a copy of this book to some close relatives, in the hope they could better understand and support me. There is a chapter in the back designed especially for that purpose. Other books I would recommend, which I've found helpful include "Victims No Longer" by Mike Lew, "Beyond Betrayal" by Richard Gartner, " The Sexual Healing Journey" by Wendy Maltz, and "The Courage to Heal" by Laura Davis.

This is a good book for those just realizing they are hurting from events in the past. It should also be read by those who may know a survivor, to better understand what they have gone through and what they are experiencing now. On the downside, it is not very helpful for those who have been in therapy already and are possibly relapsing. P.T.S.D. effects change as one ages. The author does not treat any downstream questions or post-therapeutic challenges and issues. (Maybe in her sequel.) Also, the first part of the book is extremely repetitive and reminded me of successive counseling sessions where the therapist is trying to build up your emotional strength for the more challenging latter chapters. I applaud her effort to mimic the actual therapeutic intervention, but the meat of things does not come soon enough. It seems to beat around the bush too much. The most valuable part of the book, for me, were the italicized quotes of survivors. One last thing, I would have devoted a complete chapter to the question of why the abuser is treated as the victim over and above the true victim. Once the abuser is exposed, it divides families. Some side with the abuser, in a strange and twisted way and the culprits are generally Evangelical Christians with a twisted theology on forgiveness, a kind of forgiveness when the abuser doesn't even happening to be seeking it. I would have come down harder on this ignorance.

This was a perfect length with lots of reminders to take breaks as needed. Filled with voices that understand and don't judge.

Written by a therapist for survivors. Essential truths you need to know.

"On the Threshold of Hope" is a unique book. As a seminary professor training pastors, professional counselors, and lay encouragers, it's often difficult to find books that are biblically sound, therapeutically insightful, personally authentic, and relationally powerful. Langberg has accomplish all of this and more.She derives her title from the tragic biblical story of the Levite (priest) who allowed his concubine to be raped throughout the night by the men of Gibeah. As Langberg tells it, "Sometime during those early morning hours, she died, lying at the door of the house with her hands on the threshold" (p. 11).So begins the chilling, yet compelling saga of four voices ("a chorus of voices" as Langberg puts it): the author's voice, the voice of survivors, the voice of the reader, and the voice of the Redeemer. Langberg blends these four voices into a harmony, a symphony of healing. Together they tell the story of the damage done and the healing offered physically, emotionally, rationally, relationally, and spiritually.For entering into the story, the very soul of the abuse victim, there is no better book. Period.Reviewer: Dr. Robert W. Kellemen is the author of "Soul Physicians: A Theology of Soul Care and Spiritual Direction," "Spiritual Friends: A Methodology of Soul Care and Spiritual Direction," and the forthcoming "Sacred Companions: A History of Soul Care and Spiritual Direction."

An exceptional book that provides the reader with a deeper understanding of the experience and impact of abuse, sexual abuse in particular. The author's insight and love can be felt throughout the book and offer not only an understanding of the lifelong effects of being traumatized by abuse, but also the hope and healing that are possible. The ways in which to heal body, mind, and spirit are truly life changing, and I highly recommend not only reading it, but following the recommendation to personalize the insights found throughout the book.I know I will return to the insights in this book again and again, as I find my own ways in which to heal from the abuse and trauma of my past.

Arrive in good time, great condition - Highly recommend this book, easy to read but full of academic relevance.

Terrible condition. Returning.

Best sexual abuse buse i have ever read. I recommend this book to all the victs of sexual abuse, it is direct to the point, easy and truth based. It will help uou reach out to a tremendous healing and come to the other side of the darkness of sexual abuse.

Well written

Through this book, 40 years after the abuse, The Lord is making a way for His Light to shine in the darkness of my life. He is enabling me to speak up, wake up and stand up, dying once and for all to the dry desert of survival so I can rise again for real Life.