The Invisible Wound

Kritsberg ( Gifts: Skills for Personal Growth and Recovery ), who leads personal growth and recovery workshops, has crafted a remarkable, almost do-it-yourself approach to working through the psychic damage caused by early sexual trauma. The emphasis here is on how victims repress their memories and feelings, which can later manifest themselves as psychical problems. Kritsberg's definition of childhood sexual abuse, more inclusive than most, fittingly encompasses emotional sexual abuse. He shows adult survivors ways to break through defenses, jog memories and replace pain with positive feelings. He suggests body work--to get to physical memories--and journal writing such as speaking with one's body to sharpen understanding. There are also separate healing affirmations for men and women. The author provides examples to show that both men and women are abused as well as abusers. This is a supportive and coherent guide. (Dec.)