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Prayed Upon: Breaking Free from Therapist Abuse
Prayed Upon is the story of one woman’s escape from the abuse of a respected, church-going psychiatrist. Amy reaches out to Dr. Dolion for help with depression, but instead of providing healing, he leads her down a path of deception and betrayal. His office, which initially feels like a sanctuary, becomes a psychological prison from which Amy must fight to free herself.
Prayed Upon, a true story depicts Amy’s journey from victim to thriving child of God. Her brutal honesty provides an inside look at the warped beliefs that early abuse instills; beliefs that make adult victims vulnerable to sexual predators. Her story shines a light on the under-reported sexual abuse of adults and ultimately the way victims can gain freedom from the bondage of shame that abuse leaves behind.
Prayed Upon, a true story depicts Amy’s journey from victim to thriving child of God. Her brutal honesty provides an inside look at the warped beliefs that early abuse instills; beliefs that make adult victims vulnerable to sexual predators. Her story shines a light on the under-reported sexual abuse of adults and ultimately the way victims can gain freedom from the bondage of shame that abuse leaves behind.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 20, 2021
45 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
Amy Nordhues
1 book17 followersAmy Nordhues, a survivor of childhood and adult sexual abuse, is a passionate Christ-follower and expert on the healing God provides. She has a BA in psychology with minors in sociology and criminology. An advocate for adult therapist/clergy abuse, she speaks at conferences and has done numerous podcast and radio interviews. Find her devotions in The Secret Place (Judson Press) devotional series and her blog at www.amynordhues.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
June 30, 2022
This book was beautifully written by such a strong and courageous woman. Mrs. Nordhues, I was truly honored to read such an incredibly inspiring book about overcoming abuse. This book allows others to speak up in a society that has tried to hide abuse and quiet victims. It was so enlightening to read the old rules that you set for yourself vs. the most impactful and inspiring new rules. Your fight, resilience, and heart for the Lord encourages me so much. Thank you for sharing your story.
October 5, 2021
I had the honor of reading Prayed Upon, by Amy Nordhues, as an advanced pre-released copy. It is difficult content to read, especially as a victim of therapist abuse myself, but her writing style and relatability and clear honesty make it somehow a bit easier.
Her method of listing off internal rules attached to self-worth, as a survivor of childhood abuse, really drives home how our past traumas can make us targets for predators in especially the "helper" professions, and how devastating it is when a most trusted figure harms us in the same way - and then later switching to a new list of rules as she healed and grew and continues healing was really helpful to read, and I think others would find this true as well.
While I can't relate or connect as much to healing through specifics of her spirituality, she leaves the reader with hope in "something" greater, greater especially than the conditional love we find in fellow humans.
I was struck, as I have been many times in my journey, by the similarities in both the victims and predators in these accounts of abuse. Some words and phrases her abuser said were almost exactly the same as some that my therapist abuser said to me - as though they follow a playbook. It's disconcerting, while also again, helpful to the point of relief, at least to this reader, to see that the poisons come from the same bottle and what we experience in the aftermath is from just that, being poisoned (to paraphrase an analogy described by a TELL responder to me, when I was first reaching out myself). It's unfortunate but also understandable that we also seek a fresh path and start, due to how far spread into our lives the abuse reaches - loss of safe spaces, communities, and friends, among other things.
I would recommend other victims of therapist or clergy abuse read this memoir, and I hope that the sites such as TELL and others will carry her book as a resource for others. I would also recommend friends and family of victims read this - it's often hard for people to understand how insidious this type of abuse is, and how much shame victims carry, because of the nature of the trauma.
Thank you for sharing your story, Amy.
Her method of listing off internal rules attached to self-worth, as a survivor of childhood abuse, really drives home how our past traumas can make us targets for predators in especially the "helper" professions, and how devastating it is when a most trusted figure harms us in the same way - and then later switching to a new list of rules as she healed and grew and continues healing was really helpful to read, and I think others would find this true as well.
While I can't relate or connect as much to healing through specifics of her spirituality, she leaves the reader with hope in "something" greater, greater especially than the conditional love we find in fellow humans.
I was struck, as I have been many times in my journey, by the similarities in both the victims and predators in these accounts of abuse. Some words and phrases her abuser said were almost exactly the same as some that my therapist abuser said to me - as though they follow a playbook. It's disconcerting, while also again, helpful to the point of relief, at least to this reader, to see that the poisons come from the same bottle and what we experience in the aftermath is from just that, being poisoned (to paraphrase an analogy described by a TELL responder to me, when I was first reaching out myself). It's unfortunate but also understandable that we also seek a fresh path and start, due to how far spread into our lives the abuse reaches - loss of safe spaces, communities, and friends, among other things.
I would recommend other victims of therapist or clergy abuse read this memoir, and I hope that the sites such as TELL and others will carry her book as a resource for others. I would also recommend friends and family of victims read this - it's often hard for people to understand how insidious this type of abuse is, and how much shame victims carry, because of the nature of the trauma.
Thank you for sharing your story, Amy.
October 5, 2021
I wasn't sure what to expect when I started in reading this book. The subject matter is I'm sure hard to believe for many people. Amy draws you in immediately to her story and into her life. You find yourself not only believing in her, but wanting to fight for her. She weaves the intricate web of grooming that predators use to trap their victims so intricately that you find yourself feeling every emotion she is having. Amy is vulnerable and transparent in allowing the reader into such a personal space and time of her life. I can't imagine how hard it was to write. Yet her faith in God is apparent and her mission to help others who have either been victims or find themselves in similar circumstances is beyond admirable. The rules she describes are relevant in life whether you are dealing with abuse or not. The things we allow Satan to tell us about ourselves and our worth can be devastating and can allow us to be "preyed" on. Amy reveals these rules and then offers hope through revised rules, new ways to look at our value as humans through God's eyes. I highly recommend this book. It is worth every moment you spend reading.
October 7, 2021
"Prayed Upon: Breaking Free from Therapist Abuse" by Amy Nordhues was an advance pre-released copy. I found this book to be easy to read in how it was set up, yet difficult to read, as the story is so tragic! Sadly Amy's story is not unique or unheard of...yet many in society still don't understand what grooming is, or how twisted emotions and mindset can become in the hands of a master manipulator. I am proud of Amy for writing this book, and pray that someone, somewhere gets the help they need as a result of this book. Thank you Amy for your bravery in this entire process, including writing the book.
I do think that a warning should be given at the beginning of the book as I can see this story being quite challenging for a victim of abuse to read.
I do think that a warning should be given at the beginning of the book as I can see this story being quite challenging for a victim of abuse to read.
October 8, 2021
Amy writes an articulate and gripping story of abuse she survived by a “Christian” psychiatrist, giving the reader a detailed look at the evils of sexual exploitation by a professional. This book clearly illustrates the grooming process and why it is so hard to break away from such harmful attachments. But Amy also tells her story with the light of hope at the end of the tunnel. If you or someone you know has been sexually abused by a professional, I strongly recommend this book as an aid in healing and understanding.
August 14, 2022
I am lucky to have the privilege of reading Amy's tragic and true story. This story recounts the abuse that Amy endured at the hands of a therapist who was supposed to be the one in charge of helping Amy heal from her depression. Amy's therapist took advantage of Amy and others by grooming them. He would start by making each patient feel special and then gradually start doing small inappropriate acts and normalizing those acts in his therapy sessions. Throughout Amy's story we get an inside look on her thoughts as everything happened. There were many things I learned in this book and it is sad to see that people who are supposed to be the "experts" and help patients, can be monsters who take advantage of them. Luckily Amy survives the abuse from this Dr. however I think that he was let off way way too easily and I don't think what he did was taken as seriously by the community and the law.
I enjoyed Amy's writing style it was very detailed and easy to understand. Her story was very hard to read at times but in reading it I was able to understand that mental abuse is as serious as physical abuse. Especially in cases where the abuser uses his status to manipulate his victims. I am so happy that Amy was able to survive her abuser and I really liked how her rules at the end turned into rules that were able to help her heal!
I enjoyed Amy's writing style it was very detailed and easy to understand. Her story was very hard to read at times but in reading it I was able to understand that mental abuse is as serious as physical abuse. Especially in cases where the abuser uses his status to manipulate his victims. I am so happy that Amy was able to survive her abuser and I really liked how her rules at the end turned into rules that were able to help her heal!
November 10, 2021
An excellent and gripping story. This book illustrates how one woman developed the strength and self esteem to break free of a lifetime of abuse. With this book Amy Prayed Upon shines a light on an issue that many professionals still shy away from addressing.
November 12, 2021
A harrowing but vital read.
I've read many books on the subject of abuse over the past two years.
Many relegate the topic of grooming to the first 10-15% of the book.
I was thankful Amy recognized the importance of laying out so thoroughly how the grooming process actually works, and how abusers work slowly to put their victims into an impossible situation.
This is a phenomenal book that I'd highly recommend.
I've read many books on the subject of abuse over the past two years.
Many relegate the topic of grooming to the first 10-15% of the book.
I was thankful Amy recognized the importance of laying out so thoroughly how the grooming process actually works, and how abusers work slowly to put their victims into an impossible situation.
This is a phenomenal book that I'd highly recommend.
April 18, 2023
Being abused by a therapist, especially one that is also in ministry, is one of the most traumatic experiences a person can have. There isn’t enough awareness of this type of abuse, and anyone who has experienced mental, emotional, verbal, spiritual, sexual, or physical abuse at the hands of someone who should have been safe should read this book. You are not alone.
April 12, 2023
Amy is incredible. My heart is broken for what happened to her but I am so grateful for her willingness to step forward and share her story. The work that God has done in her and through her is amazing. I’m so grateful that I read this. Amy, you’re incredible.
March 10, 2024
As a survivor of sexual abuse throughout many stages of my life, as well as by a trusted person in power as an adult, this book was triggering. The rules that Nordhues describes during her retelling of the abusive relationship felt like a mirror of my own internal thoughts. It’s a tough read emotionally, and at times you may be conflicting feelings about the line between consent and abuse. However, Amy’s book needed to be written. But this story is not about consent. As Amy Nordhues beautifully recalls the events that took place during this traumatic period, we must remember that people in power (supervisors, clinicians, health care providers, religious leaders, etc.) CANNOT receive sexual consent from those under their As a survivor of sexual abuse throughout many stages of my life, as well as by a trusted person in power as an adult, this book was triggering. The rules that Nordhues describes during her retelling of the abusive relationship felt like a mirror of my own internal thoughts.
Preyed Upon is a tough read emotionally, and at times you may have conflicting feelings about the line between consent and abuse. However, Amy’s book NEEDED to be written. Because this story is not about consent. As Amy Nordhues beautifully recalls the events that took place during this traumatic period, we must remember that people in power (supervisors, clinicians, health care providers, religious leaders, etc.) CANNOT receive sexual consent from those under their umbrella of power.
This book is also an excellent example of what grooming can look like from the perspective of the “victim”. I use that term loosely because while people abused by people of power are in fact victimized, they are also SURVIVORS. When you are victimized, especially over a long period of time, you do not only have to survive the abuser, you also have to survive yourself, and that is often the hardest part.
I think this book should be a mandatory read by every person who is training to become a clinician, and anyone else who is seeking a better understanding of what grooming by a person in power can look like for adults. I commend Nordhues’ honesty and recall, and I know that her story will help other survivors who are not quite ready to recognize or accept their own abuse by that hands of someone they trusted to help them. of power. This book is also an excellent example of what grooming can look like from the perspective of the “victim”. I use that term loosely because while people abused by people of power are in fact victimized, they are SURVIVORS. When you are victimized especially over a long period of time, you do not only have to survive the abuser, you also have to survive yourself and that is often the hardest part. I think this book should be read by every person who is training to become a clinician, and anyone else who is seeking a better understanding of what grooming by a person in power can look like for adults.
Preyed Upon is a tough read emotionally, and at times you may have conflicting feelings about the line between consent and abuse. However, Amy’s book NEEDED to be written. Because this story is not about consent. As Amy Nordhues beautifully recalls the events that took place during this traumatic period, we must remember that people in power (supervisors, clinicians, health care providers, religious leaders, etc.) CANNOT receive sexual consent from those under their umbrella of power.
This book is also an excellent example of what grooming can look like from the perspective of the “victim”. I use that term loosely because while people abused by people of power are in fact victimized, they are also SURVIVORS. When you are victimized, especially over a long period of time, you do not only have to survive the abuser, you also have to survive yourself, and that is often the hardest part.
I think this book should be a mandatory read by every person who is training to become a clinician, and anyone else who is seeking a better understanding of what grooming by a person in power can look like for adults. I commend Nordhues’ honesty and recall, and I know that her story will help other survivors who are not quite ready to recognize or accept their own abuse by that hands of someone they trusted to help them. of power. This book is also an excellent example of what grooming can look like from the perspective of the “victim”. I use that term loosely because while people abused by people of power are in fact victimized, they are SURVIVORS. When you are victimized especially over a long period of time, you do not only have to survive the abuser, you also have to survive yourself and that is often the hardest part. I think this book should be read by every person who is training to become a clinician, and anyone else who is seeking a better understanding of what grooming by a person in power can look like for adults.
January 31, 2022
It was very hard to rate this book. For anyone wanting to read it, the author did a great job at writing it. It was easy read for a difficult subject if that makes any sense. I read it in a very short amount of time, the only reason I stopped throughout the book would be to do a little cyber stalking. Living in Bartlesville, I was curious who the characters of the book were. I figured out very early that names had been changed but as a millennial that did not deter my search. I have been depressed and anxious many times during my life but never to this extent so it was hard to see how someone would keep going back to this monster over and over again. It’s heartbreaking to think that even with a church family, a marriage with kids, and friends, that she believed he was the only one that she could really count on and trust and who truly loves her. After saying all that though, the doctor was not the only monster in this book. The authors friend, “LORI”, was the Professor Umbridge of the book! I was completely horrified that she continued to go to this woman and think of her as a friend!!! She was just as bad as the doctor!!! When the author went to “Lori” for help and told her that he had stuck his hands in her pants and “Lori’s” reply was “Well, do you think he was trying to teach you to stick up for yourself?” What!?!?!? I hope no female family member ever goes to “Lori” for help! She is a very sick and twisted woman and I hope she is ashamed of herself! I am sorry the author ever thought this woman was a friend and this woman definitely should never have been thanked at the end of the book! This really isn’t a review, just not many people I know have read this book and I am hoping maybe there are others who feel the same as me about Professor Umbridge… oops I mean “Lori”!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2022
At the very beginning, the author compares being sexually abused to a scarlet letter. This essentially symbolizes the mark it leaves on them. It is like a burden they have to carry. Now just imagine that you have to carry a heavy suitcase. You feel you can't manage it alone so you ask some people for help but they just add more weight to it. How would you feel? But what this book talks about is not even something that simple.
It is a description of the trauma a girl feels well after her abuse. Being an adult, it could be expected from her that she can handle it better. But, for her, it is just unfair. Instead of being made to feel better, she feels guilty and drowning. The book shows how people can be exploited in their moments of greatest need. When in a vulnerable position, she faces hell from the places she thought would help her. It is important to expose all these institutions also. Most people don't know what hides behind the pretty exterior. It may seem that they are understanding but it is only the people who have experience who can tell what goes on in there.
But this book is not just about a sad girl who is further oppressed. It is about how she picks herself back up. It tells us the story of her suffering, struggle and what can only be called a victory. If you are tired of reading all the usual novels, this is something you should pick up. But let me warn you, it is not a light read. You may have moments where it feels sad but go on for the light at the end of the tunnel. The author has done something unique and her writing style is like a blanket of comfort. It makes the subject matter more bearable and makes us want to know more.
It is a description of the trauma a girl feels well after her abuse. Being an adult, it could be expected from her that she can handle it better. But, for her, it is just unfair. Instead of being made to feel better, she feels guilty and drowning. The book shows how people can be exploited in their moments of greatest need. When in a vulnerable position, she faces hell from the places she thought would help her. It is important to expose all these institutions also. Most people don't know what hides behind the pretty exterior. It may seem that they are understanding but it is only the people who have experience who can tell what goes on in there.
But this book is not just about a sad girl who is further oppressed. It is about how she picks herself back up. It tells us the story of her suffering, struggle and what can only be called a victory. If you are tired of reading all the usual novels, this is something you should pick up. But let me warn you, it is not a light read. You may have moments where it feels sad but go on for the light at the end of the tunnel. The author has done something unique and her writing style is like a blanket of comfort. It makes the subject matter more bearable and makes us want to know more.
November 11, 2021
I give it 4 stars for very accurate and helpful depiction of what therapy abuse is like having experienced it myself. Like other reviews, I agree that the list of false beliefs which makes people susceptible and vulnerable to being abused, was very helpful. As was the list of new beliefs as she started to heal.
I found the Christian bit extremely off putting. I began to feel worried for her mental health has she creates more and more internal dreams and conversations with God.
But then maybe that shows how easy it is to be indoctrinated not only by a therapist but by people with certain beliefs. Especially if they make us feel good.And I could see how having an interior fantasy world was making her feel better.
I suppose it helped me to see that deep inside each of us we wish to be unconditionally loved but I don’t have to create some kind of imaginary father figure but accept that is a part of my deepest inner being And it shows a psyche longing to be healed within itself.
I am glad that this book has been written but it would’ve been better if the ‘Christ told me this and Christ told me that’ had been left out.
I found the Christian bit extremely off putting. I began to feel worried for her mental health has she creates more and more internal dreams and conversations with God.
But then maybe that shows how easy it is to be indoctrinated not only by a therapist but by people with certain beliefs. Especially if they make us feel good.And I could see how having an interior fantasy world was making her feel better.
I suppose it helped me to see that deep inside each of us we wish to be unconditionally loved but I don’t have to create some kind of imaginary father figure but accept that is a part of my deepest inner being And it shows a psyche longing to be healed within itself.
I am glad that this book has been written but it would’ve been better if the ‘Christ told me this and Christ told me that’ had been left out.
December 7, 2021
I appreciate that Amy was so honest about her red flags, emotions, confusion and relationships with everyone involved. She survived a monster. I appreciate that she revealed the false rules that made her vulnerable to a predator. I loved her new rules/boundaries she set for herself, too.
This book, Amy’s story, will help many see the slow grooming these predators do. It will help many see that it’s not about love or even sex, but about the slow torture of a tender human being. It will help many victims relate and understand how this happens even when they resisted and attempted to reason with their predator. It will show them that they, too, are strong beyond what they feel. It will give many courage to report or to sue for justice and damages. It will help spouses understand and support victims. It will help promote policies and laws that protect vulnerable therapy clients from predator therapists. It will help many see how these predators use their “faith” and positions in churches as a cover, when they are really wolves in sheep’s clothing.
Thank you, Amy, for fighting! And for your strength, courage and honesty! Well done!
This book, Amy’s story, will help many see the slow grooming these predators do. It will help many see that it’s not about love or even sex, but about the slow torture of a tender human being. It will help many victims relate and understand how this happens even when they resisted and attempted to reason with their predator. It will show them that they, too, are strong beyond what they feel. It will give many courage to report or to sue for justice and damages. It will help spouses understand and support victims. It will help promote policies and laws that protect vulnerable therapy clients from predator therapists. It will help many see how these predators use their “faith” and positions in churches as a cover, when they are really wolves in sheep’s clothing.
Thank you, Amy, for fighting! And for your strength, courage and honesty! Well done!
March 7, 2022
Authentic accounts such as detailed in this book can be difficult to read and often that makes them even more necessary. Preyed Upon is Amy Nordhues’ memoir which details the events, struggles, and eventual escape from abuse at the hands of a sexual predator masquerading as a trusted mental health professional. To further compound the harm, the therapist was a self-professed Christian. Besides being a victim as an adult, Amy was also sexually abused during her childhood.
This book is well written and logically chronicles events in the author’s life. It also provides insight into the predatory deception and manipulation that can occur from and through trusted medical and religious professionals. Amy shares how her Christian faith, which was a foundation for her ability to confront her abuser and successfully recover, continues to strengthen her. Her book is a blessing and will provide hope for other victims of abuse, and will help their families and friends understand the trauma of therapist or clergy abuse.
This book is well written and logically chronicles events in the author’s life. It also provides insight into the predatory deception and manipulation that can occur from and through trusted medical and religious professionals. Amy shares how her Christian faith, which was a foundation for her ability to confront her abuser and successfully recover, continues to strengthen her. Her book is a blessing and will provide hope for other victims of abuse, and will help their families and friends understand the trauma of therapist or clergy abuse.
January 12, 2022
Amy tells her story of sexual abuse by her therapist who is trusted deacon of her church with such transparency that you can't help be drawn in and feel a range of emotions as your heart breaks for her. She shares in detail how he slowly and methodically grooms her into trusting and believing him as he manipulates the rules that she had for herself from her history of childhood sexual abuse. Through her journey of finally learning to trust herself and with the support of her dear friend, pastor and her amazing husband she creates a new list of rules for herself that speak of her relationship with God and her growth of her self worth. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has experienced any type of mental, physical, sexual or emotional abuse as a tool to help them through their journey of learning to love and trust themselves.
April 3, 2022
Have you ever been abused and felt worthless? Amy went to a psychiatrist for help with depression, but instead of getting help, she became Dr. D’s next victim. He made her feel valued and eventually earned her trust. My first husband did this to me before he died. Amy is a Christian, so Dr. D told her that the Holy Spirit was his boss. Then he coerced her to do things no one should ever have to do. My husband manipulated me and made me do unthinkable things, and I regret them to this day. But when my husband died, everything changed for me, and I no longer was under my predator’s control. I couldn’t stop reading to see if everything would change for Amy too. This inspirational read will help anyone struggling with a troubled past, betrayal, or anyone looking for a genuinely triumphant story.
February 22, 2022
What this “Christian” psychiatrist did is incomprehensible! I think it should be criminal!
The book is well written and an easy read, meaning it was a fast read and easy to understand. The author did an amazing job of describing how this man groomed her, built up her trust, used (ABUSED) her faith to manipulate her. It’s sickening what he did.
Amy was so brave to come forward and stop him from victimizing more women. There’s no telling how many she saved from further abuse by him. Her courage continued when she wrote this book.
To the author….thank you for writing this book. I believe you will help countless people. Victims. Families & friends of victims. And people like me, who have not suffered from abuse, to better understand how something like this could happen.
The book is well written and an easy read, meaning it was a fast read and easy to understand. The author did an amazing job of describing how this man groomed her, built up her trust, used (ABUSED) her faith to manipulate her. It’s sickening what he did.
Amy was so brave to come forward and stop him from victimizing more women. There’s no telling how many she saved from further abuse by him. Her courage continued when she wrote this book.
To the author….thank you for writing this book. I believe you will help countless people. Victims. Families & friends of victims. And people like me, who have not suffered from abuse, to better understand how something like this could happen.
October 4, 2022
Gut wrenching.....
Amy's journey to heal from the traitors in her life, from childhoods through adulthood, is excruciating and diverting to. You feel her angst, her confusion, her desperation of grasping for something positive, clinging to the hope of healing she craves even though she finds herself in the claws of yet another monster, this one masquerading as a doctor. The depths of betrayal are heartbreaking. I applaude you, Amy, for the courage it took to break free, not just from Dr. D., but also from people like Lori who see suffering but refuse to throw a life line and instead watch their 'friends' quite literally drown because they don't want to make waves. Thank you for giving hope in Jesus Christ, the only Great Physician.
Amy's journey to heal from the traitors in her life, from childhoods through adulthood, is excruciating and diverting to. You feel her angst, her confusion, her desperation of grasping for something positive, clinging to the hope of healing she craves even though she finds herself in the claws of yet another monster, this one masquerading as a doctor. The depths of betrayal are heartbreaking. I applaude you, Amy, for the courage it took to break free, not just from Dr. D., but also from people like Lori who see suffering but refuse to throw a life line and instead watch their 'friends' quite literally drown because they don't want to make waves. Thank you for giving hope in Jesus Christ, the only Great Physician.
November 24, 2021
This book will once and for all answer the questions too many people still ask when someone who has been abused comes forward. Why didn’t she just say no? Why didn’t she come forward sooner? Amy recounts nearly every action, thought, and reaction in painstaking detail. Feelings of trust, confusion, guilt, shame, fear. This book will be validating for any victim of abuse and educating for any friend of an abuse victim. Statistically speaking, everyone falls in one of those two categories. This is a difficult but necessary read. I truly wish that this book could be read by everyone so that survivors would have safe places to go to when they are ready and able to tell their story.
January 2, 2022
Preyed Upon is a courageous look at one woman's horrific journey of sexual abuse from a sexual predator who disguised himself as a counseling psychiatrist. Even more disturbing, this man presented himself as a Christian therapist, a person of trust who the author believed would lead her into deep healing and freedom from spiritual and emotional pain. Amy's journey of vulnerability, the "grooming process," and her ultimate freedom from the powerful grip of this abusive man, will help many readers, especially survivors, understand and have compassion for victims this heinous and underreported, problem.
February 9, 2022
Prayer Upon
A true story of a women in her forties looking for love, understanding, and kindness. She came from a life of sexual abuse by 7 different people. In her eyes, an elder from her church who was a psychiatrist, was the person who understood her and cared about her, a father figure. A case of transference occurred. A psychiatrist should never let this happen, but this one took advantage of it and groomed her and sexually assaulted her. In the end, she was able to find strength and fight against the doctor. She found the strength in God who loved her unconditionally.
A true story of a women in her forties looking for love, understanding, and kindness. She came from a life of sexual abuse by 7 different people. In her eyes, an elder from her church who was a psychiatrist, was the person who understood her and cared about her, a father figure. A case of transference occurred. A psychiatrist should never let this happen, but this one took advantage of it and groomed her and sexually assaulted her. In the end, she was able to find strength and fight against the doctor. She found the strength in God who loved her unconditionally.
November 13, 2022
Wolves in sheep's clothing
Sick people in this world. Why do we not expect it from those with higher education, fancy letters after their names, a long list of recommendations?
He knew exactly who and what he'd stumbled on, and worthless in his eyes, but just what he needed to fulfill his evil desires. Even if it meant giving extra billed hours away: there's always a method to the madness. Pick the sad, lonely, vulnerable ones.
People like this man don't deserve to be working with God's broken creatures.
Thank you, Amy, for listening to the one true voice Who can and did set you free! And thank you for sharing.
Sick people in this world. Why do we not expect it from those with higher education, fancy letters after their names, a long list of recommendations?
He knew exactly who and what he'd stumbled on, and worthless in his eyes, but just what he needed to fulfill his evil desires. Even if it meant giving extra billed hours away: there's always a method to the madness. Pick the sad, lonely, vulnerable ones.
People like this man don't deserve to be working with God's broken creatures.
Thank you, Amy, for listening to the one true voice Who can and did set you free! And thank you for sharing.
May 27, 2022
Amy Nordhues was groomed and abused as a young adult by the church-based psychiatrist she went to for help with depression. She struggled with the ongoing trauma of her abuse, especially the shame and self-blame she carried with her. After much work brought healing and peace, Nordhues wrote a memoir to share her story. She wanted other adult victims to know they weren’t alone and that what happened to them was not their fault.
Her book, Preyed Upon, is primarily for abuse survivors, but it is comforting to anyone who has faced trauma and helpful for anyone supporting trauma survivors.
Her book, Preyed Upon, is primarily for abuse survivors, but it is comforting to anyone who has faced trauma and helpful for anyone supporting trauma survivors.
November 12, 2021
Amy journey is an essential read. Suffering is part of the broken human condition, but no one expects to be violated in the ways Amy was forced to endure. I found myself in Amy's story. Her struggle gave me hope, her journey helps me continue forward on the days which seem impossible. Amy stands for those who can't. She speaks for those without words and give hope to those who are unable to make their abuse stop. This book changed my outlook on the future and path to healing.
December 14, 2021
This book is real, raw, and emotional. It cuts to the core of understanding what many go through regarding different types of abuse. Amy not only knocks it out of the park when telling her story, but she also brings us into a new understanding of how Christ works through the broken and hurting.
If you have someone going through abuse of any kind, this would be a book for them. I see Jesus working all over the pages in this story of bravery and healing.
If you have someone going through abuse of any kind, this would be a book for them. I see Jesus working all over the pages in this story of bravery and healing.
January 21, 2025
I don’t know anything about this topic so sometimes I found the story to be unbelievable. However, the author does provide insight into the topic later in the book so just keep reading. It angers me that professional people are often abusers and then not caught as our systems are flawed. Amy is very courageous to have taken the time to share and explain so others like myself can better understand.
December 5, 2021
I received this book on Friday evening and finished it on Saturday. It made me cry and was so well written it was like you were there. I am a survivor of sexual abuse and prior to attending Celebrate Recovery I did not have boundaries and was at risk for additional abuse. Amy is a Warrior and so Brave.
February 13, 2022
I'm giving this book five stars because it exists. There is an incredible lack of survivor stories that have been published, and when I read Amy's book, it was uncanny the similarities between her situation and mine. If anyone you love has endured therapist abuse, I would absolutely recommend this book. You will get a rare look into the mind of a survivor and the office of a predator.
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