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Be Restored: Healing Our Sexual Wounds through Jesus’ Merciful Love
Winner of a third-place award in the healing and self-help category from the Catholic Media Association.
We all have sexual wounds—some caused by over-sexualized culture, some by our personal choices, and some through the actions of others. Have you struggled with wounds from sexual abuse and molestation, pornography use, infidelity, divorce, sexual identity confusion, genophobia, or unwanted sexual compulsions? In Be Restored , bestselling and award-winning author Bob Schuchts of the John Paul II Healing Center offers you concrete steps for healing and wholeness, relying on a combination of clinical expertise, Catholic theology, and personal experience as a survivor to guide you. An essential guide to healing sexual wounds, Be Restored speaks to our deepest longing for sexual wholeness. It reveals the way to be freed from debilitating shame, sexual compulsions and sin, identity confusion, and wounds in psychosexual development. You will discover the reasons behind your emotional pain and how it’s connected to your sexual wounds—whether those wounds come from acute moments of sexual trauma in the past or from the more subtle trauma of living in our sex-saturated world. Speaking from his own experience of sexual woundedness and his professional background as a marriage and family therapist, Schuchts—the bestselling author of Be Healed —is sensitive to the shame of sexual wounds. In Be Restored , he compassionately guides readers through a comprehensive understanding of potential areas of sexual wounds and shame. He then lays out a practical roadmap for restoring sexual wholeness. Each chapter in Be Restored contains “Take a Moment” reflections and personal activities that include prayer and scripture-based exercises, emotional mapping, and thought-provoking reflection questions. Four appendices offer specific instructions and prayers for restoring sexual wholeness.
We all have sexual wounds—some caused by over-sexualized culture, some by our personal choices, and some through the actions of others. Have you struggled with wounds from sexual abuse and molestation, pornography use, infidelity, divorce, sexual identity confusion, genophobia, or unwanted sexual compulsions? In Be Restored , bestselling and award-winning author Bob Schuchts of the John Paul II Healing Center offers you concrete steps for healing and wholeness, relying on a combination of clinical expertise, Catholic theology, and personal experience as a survivor to guide you. An essential guide to healing sexual wounds, Be Restored speaks to our deepest longing for sexual wholeness. It reveals the way to be freed from debilitating shame, sexual compulsions and sin, identity confusion, and wounds in psychosexual development. You will discover the reasons behind your emotional pain and how it’s connected to your sexual wounds—whether those wounds come from acute moments of sexual trauma in the past or from the more subtle trauma of living in our sex-saturated world. Speaking from his own experience of sexual woundedness and his professional background as a marriage and family therapist, Schuchts—the bestselling author of Be Healed —is sensitive to the shame of sexual wounds. In Be Restored , he compassionately guides readers through a comprehensive understanding of potential areas of sexual wounds and shame. He then lays out a practical roadmap for restoring sexual wholeness. Each chapter in Be Restored contains “Take a Moment” reflections and personal activities that include prayer and scripture-based exercises, emotional mapping, and thought-provoking reflection questions. Four appendices offer specific instructions and prayers for restoring sexual wholeness.
256 pages, Paperback
Published September 24, 2021
120 people are currently reading
332 people want to read
About the author
Bob Schuchts
18 books67 followersDr. Bob Schuchts, Ph.D. is the founder of the John Paul II Healing Center and the author of the best-selling book, Be Healed: Encountering the Powerful Love of Jesus in Your Life, and other numerous titles. He has also contributed to a variety of other publications and has published resources available through the Center.
Bob spent more than 30 years as a therapist, while also teaching graduate and undergraduate courses in marriage and family relationships, human development, applied psychology, and marriage and family therapy. He held adjunct professor positions at Florida State University; Tallahassee Community College and the Center for Biblical Studies in Tallahassee, Florida. He has also taught courses at the Theology of the Body Institute and the Augustine Institute.
Bob spent more than 30 years as a therapist, while also teaching graduate and undergraduate courses in marriage and family relationships, human development, applied psychology, and marriage and family therapy. He held adjunct professor positions at Florida State University; Tallahassee Community College and the Center for Biblical Studies in Tallahassee, Florida. He has also taught courses at the Theology of the Body Institute and the Augustine Institute.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 20, 2023
CW: child sexual abuse and Catholicism.
There are so many things about this book that are troubling when it comes to discussing trauma, sexual violence, and abuse, especially given that Schuchts is a trained psychologist. But I'll give just one example here.
In chapter 9, Schuchts gives the story of Hank, who sexually abused his daughters and was separated from his wife Danielle. Danielle came to Schuchts, who led her through a process of healing. Then he “counseled” Frank and helped facilitate their reconciliation. Schuchts then shares how the abused daughters reconciled with their father. And he writes, “The healing was so complete that Danielle and their daughters and sons-in-law trusted Hank around his grandchildren.”
His framing of this story is astonishingly irresponsible. He fails to acknowledge that this story is extremely unusual, and shouldn't be set up generally as an aspirational goal when someone sexually abuses his children. He does the opposite. Instead he writes, “The same process that Danielle’s family experienced is available to you.” For most people, it’s actually not.
Schuchts’s message risks shaming victims who don’t pursue this, and it also creates unrealistic and potentially dangerous expectations. It’s utterly shocking that Catholics recommend this book. Any Catholic who does has no business working with children, abuse victims, or vulnerable persons. And yet I keep hearing of priests and Catholic dioceses recommending them.
I shared more detailed thoughts on the book here: https://chrisdamian.substack.com/p/be...
There are so many things about this book that are troubling when it comes to discussing trauma, sexual violence, and abuse, especially given that Schuchts is a trained psychologist. But I'll give just one example here.
In chapter 9, Schuchts gives the story of Hank, who sexually abused his daughters and was separated from his wife Danielle. Danielle came to Schuchts, who led her through a process of healing. Then he “counseled” Frank and helped facilitate their reconciliation. Schuchts then shares how the abused daughters reconciled with their father. And he writes, “The healing was so complete that Danielle and their daughters and sons-in-law trusted Hank around his grandchildren.”
His framing of this story is astonishingly irresponsible. He fails to acknowledge that this story is extremely unusual, and shouldn't be set up generally as an aspirational goal when someone sexually abuses his children. He does the opposite. Instead he writes, “The same process that Danielle’s family experienced is available to you.” For most people, it’s actually not.
Schuchts’s message risks shaming victims who don’t pursue this, and it also creates unrealistic and potentially dangerous expectations. It’s utterly shocking that Catholics recommend this book. Any Catholic who does has no business working with children, abuse victims, or vulnerable persons. And yet I keep hearing of priests and Catholic dioceses recommending them.
I shared more detailed thoughts on the book here: https://chrisdamian.substack.com/p/be...
December 17, 2022
Due to the effects of sin in our lives, all of us need healing. Dr. Bob Schuchts has written another really excellent book about the wholistic path to healing that today many in our world need. I found this book insightful, practical, and spiritually provoking. This book is recommended for those who know they need psychosexual healing, and for those who may be walking with others in need of psychosexual healing.
September 17, 2025
At Home DIY gay conversion therapy combined with Schuchts trauma dumping about his patients’ sexual abuse stories. 9 days of rage baiting myself.
February 10, 2024
Todos tenemos heridas afectivas que dañan nuestra sexualidad, libro demasiado práctico y con ejemplos reales de cómo trabajarlas. Tiene testimonios fuertes, entonces con prudencia. Al final deja muchas recomendaciones + oraciones/cuestionarios para trabajar.
Es el tercer libro que leo de Bob, "Be Healed" y después "Be Transformed". En ciertas cosas se apoya de esos libros, entonces no era novedad para mí.
Es el tercer libro que leo de Bob, "Be Healed" y después "Be Transformed". En ciertas cosas se apoya de esos libros, entonces no era novedad para mí.
September 4, 2022
Very accessible, yet a profound mining of the sources of sexual wounds, from childhood onward. There is no one in this society that couldn’t benefit from this book. It is absolutely needed for healthy relationships and healing through Christ’s love.
January 22, 2023
Grateful for Bob Schuchts’s ministry— all people need to know the truth that they are temples of the Spirit & are infinitely loved by the Father, regardless of the lies they’ve been sold.
July 19, 2023
Initially, I thought, ‘Be Restored’ sounded like an interesting and fascinating book but I didn’t think that it would be relevant to my own life. I was wrong. There have been hidden depths of shame and struggle that I’d hidden for years. Buried deep within. The information and wisdom in this book helped me to understand certain aspects of my life, my behaviour, and the behaviour of others. Because of this it took me much longer to read than I’d anticipated. In the past, I’ve struggled with self-hatred, poor body image, soul shattering betrayal wounds and abandonment from those who were meant to love me. Those that I trusted the most; my 'safe people'. I allowed them full access into my life. I was left vulnerable, broken, shattered, violated, ashamed, empty, and wounded. This was deeply damaging to me and I learned to isolate myself through fear. I never thought that I could trust anyone again. My faith in God was shaken and I had to learn to slowly trust God and other people.
‘Be Restored’ is a challenging read, for sure, and the case studies are heartbreakingly honest and not easy reading. I felt a little uncomfortable reading some of them. The writing on gender confusion is interesting and heartbreaking. I especially enjoyed the interactive ‘Take a Moment’ reflections [I needed more than a moment] and the ‘Personal Activity’ segment at the end of each chapter. These were both helpful and insightful. There are prayers and further information in ‘The Appendix’ section at the back of the book, which I also found helpful.
Restore my shattered trust Jesus. I bring all of me to God’s redeeming light to be healed and Restored.
In summary: a challenging read that gave me unexpected revelation and healing.
‘Be Restored’ is a challenging read, for sure, and the case studies are heartbreakingly honest and not easy reading. I felt a little uncomfortable reading some of them. The writing on gender confusion is interesting and heartbreaking. I especially enjoyed the interactive ‘Take a Moment’ reflections [I needed more than a moment] and the ‘Personal Activity’ segment at the end of each chapter. These were both helpful and insightful. There are prayers and further information in ‘The Appendix’ section at the back of the book, which I also found helpful.
Restore my shattered trust Jesus. I bring all of me to God’s redeeming light to be healed and Restored.
In summary: a challenging read that gave me unexpected revelation and healing.
September 24, 2021
I don't know how to start this review.
I must say that perfect timing for this book. I really need to read it. I loved it so much.
I realized so much things. Mainly, I realized that Jesus wants to reveal his glory in the places of my shame and the area that I'm most ashamed of right now is the area he most desires to reveal his glory in my life.
This book teached me so many things. I love that in the end of the each chapter have questions to reflect.
This book is life-changing! I think every catholic need to read it. I hope it will be translate in portuguese.
Thank you Netgalley and publisher for free ARC in exchange of honest review.
🇧🇷Eu não sei como começar essa resenha. Eu preciso dizer que foi um timing perfeito. Eu realmente precisava ler esse livro nesse momento. Eu amei muito.
O livro me fez perceber tantas coisas.
Eu percebi que Jesus quer revelar sua glória nos lugares da minha vergonha e a área que estou que tenho mais vergonha nesse momento é a área que ele mais deseja revelar a sua glória na minha vida.
Esse livro me ensinou tantas coisas. Eu amei que no final de cada capítulo tem perguntas para refletir. E no final do livro tem orações.
Esse livro é "life-changing". Eu acho que todo católico deveria ler. Eu espero que seja traduzido para português para atingir muitas pessoas.
Obrigada a Netgalley e a editora pela ARC para uma resenha.
I must say that perfect timing for this book. I really need to read it. I loved it so much.
I realized so much things. Mainly, I realized that Jesus wants to reveal his glory in the places of my shame and the area that I'm most ashamed of right now is the area he most desires to reveal his glory in my life.
This book teached me so many things. I love that in the end of the each chapter have questions to reflect.
This book is life-changing! I think every catholic need to read it. I hope it will be translate in portuguese.
Thank you Netgalley and publisher for free ARC in exchange of honest review.
🇧🇷Eu não sei como começar essa resenha. Eu preciso dizer que foi um timing perfeito. Eu realmente precisava ler esse livro nesse momento. Eu amei muito.
O livro me fez perceber tantas coisas.
Eu percebi que Jesus quer revelar sua glória nos lugares da minha vergonha e a área que estou que tenho mais vergonha nesse momento é a área que ele mais deseja revelar a sua glória na minha vida.
Esse livro me ensinou tantas coisas. Eu amei que no final de cada capítulo tem perguntas para refletir. E no final do livro tem orações.
Esse livro é "life-changing". Eu acho que todo católico deveria ler. Eu espero que seja traduzido para português para atingir muitas pessoas.
Obrigada a Netgalley e a editora pela ARC para uma resenha.
July 30, 2024
I was pretty disappointed with the book. Maybe I had too high of expectations from the outset. For starters I think it attempts too much and ends up feeling a mile wide and an inch deep. Trying to address sexual trauma and unwanted sexual behaviors at the same time often risked conflating the two in a way that could leave victims feeling responsible for their experiences. Beyond that (or in conjunction) was a tendency to overly spiritualize and/or moralize these topics. Examples include equating those who deal with sexual compulsions as worshiping demons and/or pagan deities and presenting the miraculous as the expected norm. Some of the accounts and prescriptions in the book leaned way too close to "pray it away" for my comfort. It almost felt like if this were a book on bleeding conditions, the author would be telling readers that the way back to health is to touch an altar cloth because it worked for the woman in Luke's Gospel. At best that feels a bit gnostic and misleading.
There are much better books on these topics, even within the Catholic/Christian space.
There are much better books on these topics, even within the Catholic/Christian space.
September 16, 2025
This book helped me understand the core of my pain with sexual abuse and trauma. The most helpful part of the book is praying and asking the Holy Spirit to reveal to me what hurt me and where I need to forgive my offender whether it's sexual, spiritual, or emotional abuse.
The appendix sections of the book will help me in my path to restoration. It's hard to believe that we do have two types of traumas that we deal with and they both need to be addressed.
I look forward to being restored and I know that it cannot happen overnight.
The appendix sections of the book will help me in my path to restoration. It's hard to believe that we do have two types of traumas that we deal with and they both need to be addressed.
I look forward to being restored and I know that it cannot happen overnight.
January 27, 2023
The overall need for this book has never been greater.
April 13, 2023
This book offers a lot of practical steps for healing! Huge fan
January 8, 2024
Reductive prose on the most complex issues
June 30, 2024
This book is need-to-read for everyone, if you struggle with this form of sin or not because it likely has affected you in ways you never realized, as this book points out.
November 16, 2024
It took me months to finish but I had a guide walking along with me while I went through the book.
May 15, 2025
Es un manual profundo, para creyentes, para explorar las heridas psicosexuales. Ideal para acompañarlo en terapia.
December 19, 2022
Powerful, convicting, but also uplifting book; A warning that this book can be very triggering, though I wouldn't say it's not for the faint of heart...because even if you are, it can help in the healing process in facing those experiences.
Even if you may not necessarily relate to the stories of obvious trauma and abuse, we have all been wounded in our sexuality in varying degrees, which affect us in our everyday lives. This book can aid in identifying those areas and putting words to one's experiences in order to begin the healing process. I really appreciate the prayers for healing in the appendixes, which I use almost everyday.
Even if you may not necessarily relate to the stories of obvious trauma and abuse, we have all been wounded in our sexuality in varying degrees, which affect us in our everyday lives. This book can aid in identifying those areas and putting words to one's experiences in order to begin the healing process. I really appreciate the prayers for healing in the appendixes, which I use almost everyday.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews