It pains me to write a negative review of anything by Florence Littauer, one of my favorite Christian and self-help authors and speakers, but I question the "wisdom" of this book. The main premise is that if you have large memory gaps you were probably abused and have forgotten it or pushed it out. You are then urged to explore those "forgotten" memories until you can dig them out.
In typical Littauer fashion - a good one, I should add - the book is written with numerous personal examples of people Fred and Florence have encountered over the years. The problem is that all of these examples end up w/ the "abused" person uncovering "memories of abuse." Never does it end up that the person discovers they just have a poor memory.
I question the wisdom of this approach for three reasons: 1) Memory repression/retreval is very controversial by the psychological professionals, and is often proven to be faulty. 2) The book leaves no room for the possibility that someone w/ holes was anything but abused in some fashion. 3) Florence's impecable reputation puts her in the realm of "expert" in a field that she is not qualified as an expert.
I found myself - as someone who can't always even recall memories of some of the things my 6 year old did - questioning and searching for the "terrible" event in my past that caused me to be unable to remember so much. After going through this very dark search, I finally allowed myself - the book doesn't allow for such things - to come to the conclusion that the only thing wrong with me is I need more Ginko, not therapy for childhood abuse.
If you know you have been abused in the past, have questions about it, or know someone who has been, then this book may help you find answers. Otherwise, be very careful. It's a dark path with a questionable destination. ~ Amazon review.
In typical Littauer fashion - a good one, I should add - the book is written with numerous personal examples of people Fred and Florence have encountered over the years. The problem is that all of these examples end up w/ the "abused" person uncovering "memories of abuse." Never does it end up that the person discovers they just have a poor memory.
I question the wisdom of this approach for three reasons: 1) Memory repression/retreval is very controversial by the psychological professionals, and is often proven to be faulty. 2) The book leaves no room for the possibility that someone w/ holes was anything but abused in some fashion. 3) Florence's impecable reputation puts her in the realm of "expert" in a field that she is not qualified as an expert.
I found myself - as someone who can't always even recall memories of some of the things my 6 year old did - questioning and searching for the "terrible" event in my past that caused me to be unable to remember so much. After going through this very dark search, I finally allowed myself - the book doesn't allow for such things - to come to the conclusion that the only thing wrong with me is I need more Ginko, not therapy for childhood abuse.
If you know you have been abused in the past, have questions about it, or know someone who has been, then this book may help you find answers. Otherwise, be very careful. It's a dark path with a questionable destination. ~ Amazon review.
For those on a personal journey of inner healing, this is a good read. The Littauers do a good job with the subject matter.
Do your experience feelings of excessive fear, guilt or insecurity? Do you find yourself becoming easily angered or jealous? Do you struggle with depression?
According to authors Fred and Florence Littauer, these feelings are a few of the symptoms of a dysfunctional childhood--growing up with physical abuse, sexual or emotional abuse or unresolved emotional trauma.
Freeing Your Mind From Memories That Bind is a sensitive guide for Christians who, because of a painful past, are hindered from experiencing happiness and their full potential in Christ. Included is a personal inventory checklist to help you identify your painful experiences, followed by practical steps to help you come to terms with --and resolve--your past. You will...
*Learn how childhood experiences lead to emotional strains in adult life
*Know how to identify the symptoms of childhood trauma
*Discover Biblical steps toward restoration through Jesus Christ.
Fred and Florence Littauer know how you feel! They have experienced first hand the painful effects of emotional trauma. And they have guided hundreds of hurting Christians to freedom from a painful past and a ne life of spiritual and emotional
wholeness.
I personally got a lot out of this book. My family was not abusive thank goodness. But was very closed, where you couldn't talk about anything bad that happened to you. I was abuse by the pastor of our church and I don't know if my parents knew, I didn't even know until I was an adult. My mother had an affair with this man, which changed the whole dynamics of our family. So obviously I didn't talk to my parents about it at the time. Anyway this book help me to clarify those memories and realize all the turmoil in my family was not my fault.
According to authors Fred and Florence Littauer, these feelings are a few of the symptoms of a dysfunctional childhood--growing up with physical abuse, sexual or emotional abuse or unresolved emotional trauma.
Freeing Your Mind From Memories That Bind is a sensitive guide for Christians who, because of a painful past, are hindered from experiencing happiness and their full potential in Christ. Included is a personal inventory checklist to help you identify your painful experiences, followed by practical steps to help you come to terms with --and resolve--your past. You will...
*Learn how childhood experiences lead to emotional strains in adult life
*Know how to identify the symptoms of childhood trauma
*Discover Biblical steps toward restoration through Jesus Christ.
Fred and Florence Littauer know how you feel! They have experienced first hand the painful effects of emotional trauma. And they have guided hundreds of hurting Christians to freedom from a painful past and a ne life of spiritual and emotional
wholeness.
I personally got a lot out of this book. My family was not abusive thank goodness. But was very closed, where you couldn't talk about anything bad that happened to you. I was abuse by the pastor of our church and I don't know if my parents knew, I didn't even know until I was an adult. My mother had an affair with this man, which changed the whole dynamics of our family. So obviously I didn't talk to my parents about it at the time. Anyway this book help me to clarify those memories and realize all the turmoil in my family was not my fault.
