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Freedom to Heal: A Christian Clinician's Guide to Treating Child Sexual Abuse, By Tammy Schultz and Hannah Estabrook and Adam David Dell alt

Freedom to Heal

A Christian Clinician's Guide to Treating Child Sexual Abuse

Christian Association for Psychological Studies Books

by Tamra Mae Schultz, Hannah Ruth Estabrook, and Adam David Dell

Freedom to Heal
Ebook
  • Length: 272 pages
  • Published: March 18, 2025
  • Imprint: IVP Academic
  • ISBN: 9781514007525
Other Formats:

A Practitioner's Guide to Caring for Survivors of Sexual Abuse

For adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse, there is no easy road to healing. Yet there is hope for true freedom—to thrive, to love others, and to love God.

Tammy Schultz, Hannah Estabrook, and Adam David Dell have written a go-to resource for faith-based practitioners caring for survivors of sexual abuse. Drawing from their personal experiences and work with survivors, the authors discuss the integration of theology and mental health practices and the healing pathways of the counseling journey. They also incorporate current research into each chapter, offering evidence-based, practical guidance. This book

  • reflects on biblical traumanarratives that show God's concern for survivors;
  • helps counselors and caregivers compassionately comprehend survivors' experiences;
  • suggests evidence-based therapeutic approaches and practices that address individualized needs;
  • addresses vicarious traumatization and sustainable practices for clinicians and caregivers; and
  • recommends interventions and resources to equip practitioners with next steps.

While every client's experience is unique, thereare common themes and challenges practitioners must understand as they craft personalized treatments. Freedom to Heal is an honest, compassionate guide for therapists, medical professionals, pastoral counselors, and others who endeavor to journey with trauma survivors.

REVIEWS

"This is a desperately needed book. As a male survivor of childhood sexual abuse—and now professor of theology and practicing therapist—this book is a double blessing of the highest order. The words on every page are pastorally sensitive, clinically wise, eminently researched, and brimming with survivor testimony. Too often, the topics of sexual abuse and trauma healing are either overlooked or sensationalized, rather than approached with God's kindness, bold care, and radical hope. This book does justice to the topics and should be standard reading for all faith-based caring professionals."
"Freedom to Heal is a must-read for Christian, faith-based therapists and others who seek to fuse evidence-based approaches and recognized best practices with a spiritually integrated, theologically informed perspective on therapeutic treatments of adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse (CSA). This book treats a range of major topics in clinical treatments of CSA with great sensitivity, care, and depth of insight. While acknowledging the profound damage CSA can cause, the authors invite readers to the possibility of healing, and even flourishing, as outcomes in the lives of people who have experienced CSA."
"Most pastors are not trained therapists, yet we often find ourselves operating in that role. Educating ourselves in a researched, trauma-informed way is vital to properly caring for hurting people, and Freedom to Heal is an incredibly powerful and practical resource for every pastor as we walk alongside others toward healing and wholeness."
"We each are much more than the worst thing that ever happened to us. Schultz, Estabrook, and Dell have applied this truth to childhood sexual abuse. Yes, people accept that they have been victimized. And they also practice leaning into the ands: and God has redeemed their suffering, and they are attached to God, and they have the possibility of forgiving and experiencing post-traumatic growth. The stories, examples, and clinical interventions of this book make itcome alive. A well-rounded approach to treatment!"
"As both a survivor and advocate, I found Freedom to Heal: A Christian Clinician's Guide to Treating Child Sexual Abuse to be a much-needed resource for both survivors and the faithful helpers who walk the healing road with us. Loaded with deeply researched tools and insights for clinicians, intertwined with the biblical story and drenched in empathy for survivors, Freedom to Heal covers the rugged ground associated with child sexual abuse while keeping readers on the middle path that can ultimately lead to freedom for those who have been victimized."
"With plenty of clinical 'chops,' Schultz, Estabrook, and Dell boldly delve into the holiness and humanity of healing from sexual trauma. Drawing on their personal experience on both sides of the process, the trio invites and supports the reader in honoring the spiritual components of freedom while providing sound scriptural support. This work serves as a validation for clinicians and clients longing for their souls to experience healing."
"It's rare for authors to take spiritual integration, research, and clinical expertise seriously. This combined with the sharing of their own personal stories make this a wonderfully informative read. I will certainly be recommending it to clients."
"The authors have taken an original approach to the critical work of healing childhood sexual abuse. They weave together contemporary psychoeducation, beautiful narratives, and thoughtful, practical interventions for every step of trauma recovery counseling. This is a book I'll return to again and again as I work with survivors of CSA."
"Freedom to Heal is a vital resource for anyone supporting survivors of childhood sexual abuse. This compassionate and evidence-informed guide integrates theological wisdom with clinical best practices, offering a practical path toward healing. The authors skillfully combine their personal experiences, extensive research, and therapeutic insights to provide a clear and hopeful approach to trauma care. It is a must-have for those committed to helping survivors move beyond recovery and toward a life of flourishing."
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CONTENTS

Introduction
1. Tamar: A Desolate Woman
2. Anguish Unvoiced
3. Cesspools of Shame
4. Trust and Treachery
5. Addiction: An Enslaving Solution
6. Complex Trauma, Complex Memories
7. Indomitable Hope
8. Attached to God: Prayer Practices in Therapeutic Settings
9. Hitting the Wall: Vicarious Traumatization
10. Flying Above the Fray: Forgiving Incalculable Suffering
11. Living Beyond Desolate: Forests of Flourishing
Epilogue
Appendix: Evidence-Based Practices and Clinical Practice Guidelines Recommendations for Clinicians Working with Clients with PTSD
General Index
Scripture Index

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ABOUT Tammy Schultz

Tammy Schultz

Tammy Schultz (PhD, Indiana State University) is professor of clinical mental health counseling and co-coordinator of the Trauma Certificate Program at Wheaton College. She is a licensed counselor and has coauthored numerous articles on trauma healing and other topics.

ABOUT Hannah Estabrook

Hannah Estabrook

Hannah Estabrook (MA, Grace College) is a mental health clinician with a focus on supporting individuals who have transitioned from the sex trade. She is the cofounder of Sanctuary Night, a pioneering harm reduction drop-in center for marginalizedwomen.

ABOUT Adam David Dell

Adam Dell

Adam David Dell (PsyD, Indiana State University) is board certified in clinical psychology, lectures nationwide, and provides therapy in hospitals and private practice. He is a veteran of the US Air Force, where he served as an active duty psychologist, and previous director of emotional well-being services at the Notre Dame Wellness Center.

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