Counseling Survivors of Sexual Abuse

by Diane Langberg

This powerful book deals with the issue of how Christians, especially those called to counsel, can help survivors of sexual abuse find healing and hope. From 20 years of experience, the author demonstrates how counselors can walk alongside people deeply wounded by sexual abuse as they face the truth about who they are, who their abuser was, and who God is as the Savior and Redeemer of all life. Counseling Survivors of Sexual Abuse issues a strong call to the church at large to walk with survivors through the long dark nights of their healing.

Genres: Counselling, Christian, Psychology, Nonfiction, Abuse, Self Help

300 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Dr. Diane Langberg is a practicing psychologist whose clinical expertise includes 35 years of working with trauma survivors and clergy. She speaks internationally on topics related to women, trauma, ministry and the Christian life.

Reviews

[Ashley Angier]

Not an easy read by any stretch of the imagination, but incredibly beneficial to those that wish to pursue ministry to the vulnerable

[Hannah Layman]

Written from years of experience, a wealth of wisdom, and great humility. What a gift to learn from such people as Dr. Langberg.

[Matt]

Written from a Christian integrationist viewpoint (combines psychology and Bible to help others with problems), Langberg does a good job of introducing the complexities of counseling adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse.

One of the biggest helps from this book is that it unpacks in great detail the devastating emotional, physical, and spiritual trauma that results from sexual abuse in the life of a child. It is not an enjoyable topic by any means, but it is a reality in today’s world and, unfortunately, in our churches.

The three stars reflects the quality of the information regarding trauma and crisis. It presented a good theology, but I would have liked to have seen more Scripture applied to the issues discussed - thus the lack of a 4th star. As a book that explains the trauma and crisis of sexual abuse, it is well worth the read.

I would especially encourage any pastor to read it. The last chapter alone on how the local church can help survivors contains valuable insights on some common mistakes to avoid which could hinder instead of help someone’s healing.

[Josh]

This well-balanced work was written from years of experience and research, and I found it incredibly insightful. Following is a quote for a teaser.
"We represent the person of Jesus Christ to a watching world. When we fail to be a sanctuary for the oppressed and suffering, we misrepresent him, for they will conclude that he is not safe. When we fail to give credibility to the suffering of others, we confirm for them that power is on the side of their oppressors and that there is no one to comfort them (Eccles. 4:1), even though our words say that God is a comforter. When suffering is greeted with impatience, judgment, distance, and verses thrown like missiles, we tell lies about God with our lives while attempting to speak truth with our mouths. God help us" (page 286).

[Stephanie Greer]

I'm sure I will come back to this book in the future. I really appreciated Langberg's careful approach, steady naming of evil and harm, humility, and dependence on the Lord that shapes her care for clients.

[Amanda Degler]

This book is an essential read for counselors working with victims of sexual abuse. Diane's knowledge and understanding of the victim's experience is evident throughout this entire book. Along with this her insight into God's word and how it reflects in the lives of the men and women that we are working with is indispensable. This book will definitely continue to be a resource for me throughout the years and is invaluable in my work worth victims of trafficking.

[Zoie]

Quite easily my favorite book I’ve read for school— very heavy content as could be expected.

[Daniel Kleven]

Incredibly insightful, helpful book--both on the specific subject of sexual abuse, and a number of specific issues related to it; but many of the insights are also applicable to the broader issues of abuse and trauma, whether that be spiritual abuse, racial trauma, or other forms of physical, financial, psychological, or other forms of abuse.

In particular, the closing sections on "The Person of the Therapist" and "Profile of a Compassion Church" (chapters 23–27) lay out a powerful blueprint for individuals and communities seeking to be places of refuge and healing.

Given that the book was published in 2003, and the most recent book in the "Suggested Reading" list at the end is from 1996, I wondered if there were any good resource lists that had been created since then. I found a half a dozen with a google search, including this one from GRACE:

https://www.csmedia1.com/azpresbytery...

[Liz Burns]

Wowza. This was one of the hardest and most helpful reads. Hard in the sense that the stories used for explanation are weighty, causing for much processing and praying while reading through. Helpful in that the wisdom and education Langberg gives in counseling others is laced with Scripture and much experience. A highly suggestible resource for anyone who is walking alongside a survivor or would like to be educated on the effects on trauma on a survivor.

[Amber Privett]

This book was wonderful. Dr. Langberg does a great job of describing a high-level overview of her method, and the method of others. She references several other books that do a great job of describing more in-depth trauma and techniques, but her spiritual specific wisdom is unmatched. I HIGHLY recommend that any Christian therapist read this.

[Sarah Hubbard]

Diane Langberg is a transformative voice in the world of sexual abuse. This book is a must read for anyone helping survivors of sexual abuse.

[Blake Johnson]

Very helpful in guiding my thinking for counseling those marred by sexual abuse.

[Christine Danielewicz]

This book provides more understanding to follow up the author's book for survivors of abuse.

[Kat Long]

An incredible resource but also a very difficult read due to the subject matter. I think it is an essential read for every church leader.

[Alex]

Langberg skillfully addresses sexual abuse in a way that covers systemic and individual issues in regards to the client who might arrive in therapy. She is clearly concerned with a holistic understanding of sexual abuse, and shows it through her explanations of therapy as well as trauma. She clearly sets up a methodology that brings a therapist through multiple phases of treatment, addressing the client, the therapist, symptoms, the impact of change, and so on. I enjoy her simple and direct use of language, and her patient, detailed explanations of each phase of treatment. Langberg also illustrates the importance of story, by sharing accounts of different clients who have experienced abuse.

The aspect of this book that I had difficulty with was the theology that was woven throughout. It felt more like a contrived, surface level conception that was based on a lot of assumptions about the Christian faith in general. Nothing felt like it spoke to trauma in an innovative or engaging way, as a book like Spirit and Trauma might. At times, I had to skim over some of the language just to move on to something that felt more relevant. I am grateful, however, that she engages the importance of addressing abuse within the church, an idea that is still far from being implemented in the present.

[Kristin Spencer]

If you are a Christian and know someone that needs help healing from abuse, this is the most important book (aside from the Bible) that you will read. Diane Langberg has 30+ years experience fighting for truth and working with survivors of abuse. This book changed my life (and the lives of the people I minister to). It should be a required read for anyone, especially pastors, that are going to do biblical counseling, or be in a leadership permission at church. I wish I could convince every Christian to read this book, it is that important.
It is also important to realize that reading this book does not qualify one to deal with complex psychological issues like multiple personality disorder or fragmented memory. But it s a great stepping off point for anyone that cares about survivors of abuse.

[Bfleegs]

Langberg's book is a good introduction to the reality and prevalence of sexual abuse, even in the Christian community, and the need for counseling for abused individuals. The beginning of the book can be traumatic even for the reader as a counselee recounts her tale of childhood sexual abuse, but Langberg makes it clear that we must first understand if we are to counsel. Throughout the book, the author gives suggestions for counseling, instructions on how a counselor can reach a victim while making her feel sage, and how he counselor can stay devoted to the counselee. This was the first book I have read on this topic, and it gave me a good groundwork to build upon in my study of counseling abuse victims.

[Heather]

An excellent book for counselors, pastors, or friends of those walking through the harrowing experience of life after sexual abuse. I found Langberg compassionate and incredibly practical. I will keep this book on my shelves for as long as I'm counseling as a reference point for helping others walk through the healing process Christ desires for them as their Redeemer.

[Mel]

excellent book that gave me a lot of advice regarding counseling survivors of sexual abuse. though the book tends to focus on those who have sustained long-term abuse, i found it helpful for rape victims and people who have been molested as well. comes from a balanced Christian perspective.

[Sarah Ryburn]

provides an accessible and practical framework for therapeutic work with abuse survivors. heavy stuff, but good. nice to have some idea of how to approach this delicate, devastating, and all to prevalent issue.

[Whit]

One of the books that was and still is formative for me as a human services worker/provider. Dr. Langberg has been an incredible source of inspiration for me and she writes beautifully and eloquently in this book about how to be a helpful supporter to those who are survivors of trauma

[Sharon Brobst]

So glad to have this in my library. It is filled with years of counseling sexually abused patients. It’s a must read for anyone walking along side someone’s healing journey of abuse.

[Shari]

Excellent book if working with a survivor. She gives excellent handles and practical ideas on helping people. I will re-read this one.

[Kimberly Winters]

Awesome book that will inspire and equip you to serve and care for survivors of sexual abuse.

[Sandy Clark]

Excellent book!