Breaking the Cycle of Abuse

Expert guidance in stopping and recovering from abuse In her new book, renowned psychotherapist Beverly Engel returns to the topic that made her famous--abuse and recovery from abuse. Engel argues that the primary way survivors can avoid abusing others the way they were abused is to work on their own recovery.

Acknowledgments. Introduction. Part One: Understanding the Legacy of Abuse. 1. What Will Be Your Legacy? 2. Assessing Your Risk Factors. 3. Why We Do to Others (and Ourselves) What Was Done to Us. Part Two: Facing the Truth and Facing Your Feelings. 4. Coming Out of Denial 59 5. Learn to Identify and Manage Your Emotions 72 6. Learn How to Identify and Manage Your Shame 86 7. Managing Your Anger 115 8. Coping with Fear 138 Part Three: Abuse Prevention Strategies. 9. How to Prevent Partner Abuse 157 10. How to Prevent Child Abuse 181 11. If You Have Already Become Abusive 202 12. If You Have Already Been Abused or Established a Victim Pattern. Part Four: Long--Term Strategies to Help You Break the Cycle. 13.Emotionally Separating from Your Parents. 14.Facing the Truth about Your Family Legacy. 15.Breaking into the Dysfunctional Family System. 16.Continue to Heal. Epilogue. Resources. References. Recommended Reading. Index.