Praise for "Push Back the Dark"

Now Featured in the Patheos Book Club
Push Back the Dark:
Companioning Adult Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse
By Elizabeth M. Altmaier

"Push Back the Dark challenges us to understand childhood sexual abuse in order to empathize and walk as companions with those who have been victimized. It is an intensely personal account, supplemented by data and psychological science. It speaks directly to the church, imploring Christians to listen and help. It speaks to therapists, facilitating understanding of the particular issues faced by Christian clients."

—Mark Stanton, Psychologist; Provost, Azusa Pacific University

"Push Back the Dark is a most important and inspirational book, primarily for Christians, but applicable to people of all faiths for the truths it tells. With courage born of walking through the darkness, Dr. Altmeier uses her own history to accomplish the many objectives of this book. Her anger is palpable when describing the personal, pastoral, and institutional denial and betrayal that await most victims who disclose or otherwise exhibit symptoms. Yet, understanding and deep faith also shine through and provide a model for a faith-based restoration of self. This book belongs in the hands of all who work in pastoral and church settings. It sets a standard for what ought to happen to help those who have been most injured to overcome their shame and fear and to heal in connection to caring others."

—Christine A. Courtois, Licensed Psychologist, (retired); Author of Healing the Incest Wound: Adult Survivors in Therapy

"This book is essential reading for clergy and lay people working to help survivors of childhood sexual abuse within the church. The author provides a courageous and well-integrated blueprint of psychological research, Biblical truth, and practical recommendations to assist the global Church in this mission."

—Donald F. Walker, Tidewater Child and Family Behavioral Health; Coauthor of Spiritually Oriented Psychotherapy for Trauma