Breaking the Cycle of Abuse

Those who perpetuate the cycle of neglect and abuse do so because they are out of control and feel they have no other options. Breaking the Cycle of Abuse shows you those options, giving you the power to break abusive patterns for good and offering a legacy of hope and healing to you and your family.
Throughout the book, Engel shares many dramatic personal stories, including her own experiences with abuse and abusive behavior. She also addresses the sensitive topic of sexual abuse and how to avoid becoming an abuser if you were sexually abused yourself. Engel explains why abusive patterns are established and presents both short-term and long-term strategies for gaining control over emotions while offering alternative ways to react to stress, anger, fear, and shame—significant factors in continuing the cycle of abuse. Her step-by-step program provides the skills needed to:
- Stop negative behavior before it becomes habitual and causes significant harm to your loved ones
- Heal the damage you experienced from prior abuse or neglect
- Change negative attitudes and beliefs that create a victim or abuser mentality
- Learn healthy ways of communicating needs and resolving conflicts
- Learn parenting skills that will help prevent you from passing on what was done to you
- Repair damage that has already occurred to your relationships, including those with your children
- Seek out further assistance and support
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Book History
- Hard cover published by John Wiley and Sons, 2004
- Publisher’s Weekly review