Reclaiming Lives from Sexual Violence: Understanding Shame Through Innovative Narrative Therapy - Paperback

by Tim Donovan (Author), Dale Johns (Author)

This book takes an innovative approach to using narrative therapy in counselling people who have been subject to childhood sexual abuse.

Reclaiming Lives from Sexual Violence presents an illustrative case study of the authors, Tim the therapist in consultation with Dale the client, who was sexually abused as a child by a clergy member. The book is unique in documenting their therapeutic work using transcripts taken directly from their sessions together. This narrative approach invites the reader to consider different ways of engaging in therapy in order to challenge the dominant social discourses around masculinity and shame.

Looking at shame from a position of value awareness rather than a deficit perspective, this book extends counselling to consider the individual experience as political and one that must be shared outside the one-to-one therapy environment. This will be an essential resource for beginning or established therapists and practitioners working with clients who have been victims of sexual violence.

Author Biography

Tim Donovan is a registered mental health social worker, an experienced practitioner passionate about assisting people in living their lives in their preferred way. With graduate qualifications in social work and narrative therapy, Tim is committed to person-centred practice in supporting individuals, families and groups who have experienced acts of oppression.

Dale Johns is a survivor of childhood sexual violence who has devoted his life to Pastoral Care and Advocacy, working with the lonely, homeless and drug affected. Dale hopes his story brings freedom to other survivors through gaining a deeper understanding of shame, and teaching mental health professionals showing care and compassion is a vital component of effective counselling.