Resources

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ABUSE RECOVERY

• Whitfield, C. L. (1987). Healing the child within: Discovery and recovery for adult children of dysfunctional families. Health Communications Inc., Deerfield Beach , FL.  (ISBN 0-932194-40-0)

  Classic book on "inner child" feelings.  This book, written primarily for people who grew up in dysfunctional families, contains valuable insights for people with weight control issues.  The book discusses in depth and with sensitivity the issues of self-esteem, self-sabotage, trust and caring in relationships, conflict-avoidance, caring too much for others and not for ourselves, and using a "substance" (e.g., alcohol or food) as a coping mechanism.

• Ellis, A., et al. (1975). A new guide to rational living. Wilshire Book Co., North Hollywood, CA.  (ISBN 0-87980-042-9)

  Excellent for going beyond "inner child" feelings and developing adult decision-making skills.

• A gift to myself.  Workbook and guide to "Healing the child within".  Charles Whitfield, M.D., 1990
• The courage to heal.  Ellen Bass and Laura Davis, 1988.
• The courage to heal workbook.  Laura Davis, 1990.
• When Bad Things Happen to Good People, Harold Kushner, Schocken Books, New York, 1981.

  This book is extremely helpful for people seeking to find peace in themselves, with God, and in a world where they have suffered or have been abused or violated.  The book is very uplifting, and shows how to cope with emotional pain and loss.  It presents a conceptualization of God that is loving and nurturing, and not critical or punitive as a way of better accepting ourselves and our place in the world.