Beyond Surviving

Book excerpt: In the world of recovery, there has been a shift from using the word victim to survivor when describing those who have been abused. This new label conveys strengthto empower and to embolden you as you begin the journey of recovery. While moving from victim to survivor is an important step in the healing process, it does not go far enough in framing an identity that leads to letting go of the pain of abuse and finally feeling normal. In Beyond Surviving, author Rachel Grant, a sexual abuse recovery coach, provides an understanding of the three stages of recoveryvictim, survivor, and beyond survivingand offers survivors guidance and tools for reaching the third stage of recovery. Based on cognitive behavioral techniques, neurological science, the power of language to heal, and Grants personal journey, Beyond Surviving teaches you how to actively challenge and break the patterns of thought and behavior that result from sexual abuse. It explores how different areas of life are impacted by abuse and communicates valuable skills for gaining a new perspective that inspires action and change. It provides an opportunity to reflect and practice these new skills through exercises and assignments. Beyond Surviving enables survivors of sexual abuse to take back their rights and realize their own ability to make powerful choices about who they are and how they live. This guidebook offers an opportunity to reach the final stage of recovery and begin living authentically and free from the burdens of past experiences.