Breaking the Cycle of Abuse
How to Move Beyond Your Past to Create an Abuse-free Future

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.

If you were emotionally, physically, or sexually abused as a child or adolescent, or if you experienced neglect or abandonment, it isn't a question of whether you will continue the cycle of abuse but rather a question of how - whether you will become an abuser or continue to be a victim. In this breakthrough book, Beverly Engel, a leading expert on emotional and sexual abuse, explains how to stop the cycle of abuse once and for all. Her step-by-step program provides the necessary skills for gaining control over emotions, changing negative attitudes, learning healthy ways of communicating, healing the damage from prior abuse, and seeking out support. Throughout, Engel shares many dramatic personal stories including her own experiences with abusive behavior. "Breaking the Cycle of Abuse" gives you the power to shatter abusive patterns for good and offers a legacy of hope and healing for you and your family.

Acknowledgments.

Introduction.

PART ONE: UNDERSTANDING THE LEGACY OF ABUSE.

1. What Will Be Your Legacy?

2. Assessing Our 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.

5. Learn to Identify and Manage Your Emotions.

6. Learn How to Identify and Manage Your Shame.

7. Managing Your Anger.

8. Coping with Fear.

PART THREE: ABUSE PREVENTION STRATEGIES.

9. How to Prevent Partner Abuse.

10. How to Prevent Child Abuse.

11. If You Have Already Become Abusive.

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.