Empowering Narratives: Our Phoenix Foundation's Published Books on Male Survivorship and Healing

”We all need each other.
We need to talk about this and stand up for each other.”

Beating the Odds, p. 11 (Charlie and Kevin, age 13, 15)

”I find most of the time that I’m my own worst critic.”

Beating the Odds, p. 24 (Gary, age 19)

”I didn’t know how deeply he was betraying me.”

Secret Doors, p. 32.

”I have the power to assert my needs and wishes
without fuming about life’s unfairness.”

Beating the Odds, p. 71 (Carter, age 28)

”I can do this. I’m going to be okay.”

Beating the Odds, p. 83 (Kyle, age 29)

”I didn’t know disclosing would
lift such a stone off my heart.”

Secret Doors, p. 72

”If what you want is real happiness,
you have to be true to yourself.”

Beating the Odds, p. 118 (Stephen, age 34)

”Family doesn’t have to be about blood; it does have to be about safety.”

Beating the Odds, p. 173 (Michael, age 39)

”I didn’t know my therapist’s job
is to help me find ways to thrive.”

Secret Doors, p. 75.

”There is a pathway toward peace, and I am on it.”

Beating the Odds, p. 187 (Donald, age 44)

”It all makes a difference.”

Beating the Odds, p. 207 (Pedro, age 48)

”I didn’t know I would stop
feeling like a victim of my own life.”

Secret Doors, p. 78.

”My journey is just that — my journey.”

Beating the Odds, p. 220 (Alex, age 56)

”Disclosure released me from the loneliness of thinking
I was the only person in the world who felt like this.”

Beating the Odds, pp. 277-78 (David, age 62)

”I didn’t know I would ever find peace.”

Secret Doors, p. 79.

”I realized my life didn’t have to be a train wreck. I had genuine options.”

Beating the Odds, p. 306 (Hunter, age 67)

”If you want to know what’s on the other side of a river,
first you have to swim across, and then you’ll find out.”

Beating the Odds, p. 354 (Simon, age 87)

Secret Doors: A Workbook for Male Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse

Very few recovery workbooks for survivors of childhood sexual abuse specifically address the needs of male survivors, and those that do can quickly become confusing and overwhelming. Secret Doors adopts a more supportive and reassuring approach by inviting the survivor to review statements from other male survivors, each of which finishes the sentence: “I didn’t know….” These statements come from all over the world, representing diverse ethnic, religious, cultural, and national communities, different age groups and sexual orientations, and varied social and economic backgrounds. The reader is not asked to comment upon or assimilate these statements, but rather just to mark the ones that speak to him personally. Completing the workbook at his own pace, step by step, and then reviewing his results, will help him identify his own path for dealing with his experiences, issues, and challenges. Along the way he will also find numerous opportunities to speak out himself with whatever he needs to say.

Price: $24.99 (FREE shipping!) see reviews

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Secret Doors: A workbook for male survivors of childhood sexual abuse - for recovery and healing

Review by Taura Edgar, TalkHongKong

This book is a favorite of TALK organizers, attendees and therapists. We will use portions of it in the support group.

Secret Doors: A Workbook for Male Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse is an exceptional resource that fills a critical gap in the literature on healing from childhood sexual abuse. Larry Conrad’s compassionate and practical approach, combined with the interactive workbook format, makes this book a powerful tool for male survivors seeking to reclaim their lives. It provides a safe space for self-reflection, validation, and growth, guiding survivors towards a path of healing, resilience, and empowerment. Secret Doors is an essential read for male survivors, their loved ones, and professionals working in the field of trauma recovery.

Secret Doors is an workbook specifically designed to support male survivors of childhood sexual abuse on their journey of healing and recovery. Authored by Larry Conrad, this book provides a unique and empowering resource that addresses the specific needs and experiences of male survivors in a compassionate and practical manner.

One of the standout features of Secret Doors is its emphasis on active engagement and self-reflection. Through a series of thought-provoking exercises, journaling prompts, and activities, Conrad guides readers on a deeply personal exploration of their experiences, emotions, and healing process. This interactive approach allows male survivors to engage with their own stories, emotions, and memories in a safe and structured way, fostering self-awareness and facilitating growth.

Conrad tackles the complexities of male sexual abuse with sensitivity and understanding. He acknowledges the unique challenges faced by male survivors, including societal expectations, cultural stereotypes, and the often-invisible nature of their experiences. By doing so, he helps readers feel seen and validated, providing a much-needed space for healing and growth.

The author also recognizes the interconnectedness of trauma and its impact on various aspects of survivors’ lives. Secret Doors delves into the psychological, emotional, and physical effects of childhood sexual abuse, exploring issues such as trust, intimacy, self-esteem, and relationships. Through practical exercises and insightful guidance, Conrad assists survivors in understanding the multifaceted ways abuse may have influenced their lives, allowing them to work towards healing in a holistic manner.

Also, Secret Doors offers a roadmap for reclaiming one’s own narrative and identity. Conrad helps survivors challenge the shame, guilt, and self-blame often associated with their abuse, empowering them to build resilience and develop a healthier sense of self. The book provides strategies and tools for cultivating self-compassion, self-care, and self-acceptance, equipping survivors with the necessary resources to navigate their healing journey.

Another strength of the book is its validation of the diversity of male survivors’ experiences. Conrad recognizes that survivors come from various backgrounds, cultures, and identities, and he approaches their stories with cultural sensitivity and inclusivity. By incorporating diverse narratives and perspectives, Secret Doors acknowledges the complexity of survivorship and fosters a sense of belonging for all readers.

Look for the companion book BEATING THE ODDS: Male Survivors Talk about Recovery from Childhood Sexual Abuse too.

-Taura Edgar

Beating the Odds: Male Survivors Talk about Recovery from Childhood Sexual Abuse

Reliable research estimates that at least one in six boys experiences sexual abuse before the age of 18, which means that there are in excess of 25 million male survivors of all ages and backgrounds in the United States alone. If almost any other issue were to occur at such a scale there would be continual national outrage until effective steps were taken to address it. But most men and boys remain silent, deterred by personal doubts and more general obstacles in society, and despite the recurring scandals our communal institutions — family, school, social, and spiritual and government bodies, both here and abroad — lack the will or skills needed to take effective action.

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Beating the Odds: an empowering collection of survivor stories on male csa themes and recovery

Phoenix Foundation Publications

Empowering Through Literature:
Our Books for Male Survivors

Secret Doors: A Workbook for Male Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse

Beating the Odds: Male Survivors Talk about Recovery from Childhood Sexual Abuse

Publish With Us

Phoenix Foundation Publications

Empowering Through Literature: Our Books for Male Survivors

Secret Doors: A Workbook for Male Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse

Beating the Odds: Male Survivors Talk about Recovery from Childhood Sexual Abuse

Publish With Us

Empowering Through Literature:
Our Books for Male Survivors