Healing the Wounded Heart Book Launch
March 19, 2016
The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology
2501 Elliott Avenue, Seattle, WA
Who will be there:
The Allender Center and The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology are proud to host a book release celebration for Dr. Dan Allender, Professor of Counseling Psychology at The Seattle School and founder of The Allender Center. Join us as Dan shares about the central themes of his new book, Healing the Wounded Heart: The Heartache of Sexual Abuse and the Hope of Transformation, and what he has learned since his first work on the topic of sexual abuse recovery was released over 25 years ago. Dan will be joined in dialogue by Susan Kim and the evening will include a book signing to close out the night.
About the Book
If you are one of the millions of people who have suffered abuse you know that hope doesn’t come easy and healing can sometimes seem impossible. Dan Allender has been there–and he’s spent 25 years helping other survivors of sexual abuse walk the path toward wholeness. Never minimizing the pain or offering pat spiritual answers that don’t truly address the problem, Dan talks about universal subjects such as shame, grieving, hope, courage, loneliness, desperation and healing that is applicable to all.
In 1989, Dan released The Wounded Heart, which has helped hundreds of thousands of readers come to terms with their sexual past. But over the years, Dan has come to acknowledge a new age in sexual abuse: “I believe there is value in writing a twenty-five-year retrospective because so much new data and research have enhanced our understanding of the nature of the harm of abuse and trauma.”
“The reality of sexual abuse is dark and torturous terrain that many choose not to walk because too much is at stake. For victims of abuse, it is far easier to shrug it off, take the blame, and be more wary next time,” writes Allender. “Reentering terrain we have fenced off as forbidden is an act of profound courage. It requires learning to read our story with eyes that see as God sees. We grow in faith to the degree we do what seems counterintuitive: open our heart to remember, grieve, and ask God to engage our heartache with tenderness.”
The book will prove helpful and life-giving for the abused, their friends and family, and counselors. A 200-page companion workbook will be released simultaneously.
Endorsements
“For all those seeking healing, and those who bring healing to others, this is an immensely powerful book filled with wisdom, understanding, and experience–and above all filled with hope. I highly recommend it!” — John Eldredge, author of Wild at Heart and Beautiful Outlaw
“Through Dan’s skillful and tender writing, I’ve been given a vision for how to love and walk well with the members of my community whose stories have been marked by sexual abuse. I’m so very thankful for his gentle, prophetic voice, and for the many ways his words have been healing and life-giving for generations.” — Shauna Niequist, author of Savor and Bread & Wine
“Brilliant and accessible, Allender has given us this incredible gift: a book that not only helps us understand the potent impacts and effects of sexual abuse but offers hope and a roadmap to healing. Thank you! I am thrilled this book exists.”— Wm. Paul Young, author of The Shack, Cross Roads, and EVE
“This book is like Dan–compelling, liberating, and a gentle salve that will transform wounds into holy scars. This book will become a classic for generations.” — Dr. Dennis Rainey, president of FamilyLife