Joining Forces: Empowering Male Survivors to Thrive Paperback – 5 Nov. 2012

Amazing. I bought this book with high expectations after reading other reviews. This book has helped me start my healing journey. If you're looking for something to start with, get this book!

I have met Howard Fradkin in personal Therapy a number of years ago. I will carry him with me always as he taught me so much. This book for me today is like a breath of fresh air, the window looking over the ocean with the curtains blowing in the breeze! It's just what the doctor ordered for my soul to carry on with healing. I was once told, "it's important to take care of our mind", it opens up our soul and helps our spirit soar. This book helps me today in every healthy way. The new word for me to learn and put into practice is "Thrive". Ahhhh, the missing piece for me. So reading this book is heaven sent, and it's like being right there with Howard in person the way he writes it. Thank God for people like Howard whom pay it forward with such integrity. Today I am grateful I sought out this book, it is enhancing my life already and I'm not even finished. My husband is participating in some of the suggested readings and exercises. IT JUST DOESN'T GET BETTER THAN THIS......A MUST READ! HAPPY WITH MY PURCHASE ! I had purchased two, and so glad I did. Giving this book as a gift to someone I care about. GREAT BOOKFIND!

This is the most helpful book that I have found on the subject of male sexual abuse. It was well-written and easily read, but at the same time, it will stir the depths of ones heart, especially if the reader is a sex abuse victim. The book is written in a language that is easy to understand and provides helpful activities at the end of each chapter. The book was written with such compassion and desire to help all victims, especially men who were victimized as a child, teenager, or even as an adult, that it is obvious that Dr. Fradkin is writing from the heart and this is a ministry to him. Also, the chapter for love ones and support people of victims will help a victim's support team understand more about the male victim than previously known. I would say this book is a MUST READ for all male sex abuse victims and would probably be of help for female victims as well. This book gives hope for all male sex abuse victims.

This book gives clear advice for its target audience: male survivors of sexual (and physical) abuse. Because of some of the graphic content, it is difficult to read. However, like group therapy at its best, it is empowering and cathartic for those in need of a clear directive as to how to move through the lifelong problems associated with the trauma of abuse. As a licensed clinical psychologist, I highly recommend this book, not only to survivors but also to their families.

As a survivor, I have read many books over the years on this topic. I have always felt Mike Lew's books were the best for those beginning their journey in recovery. I now believe this would be the book to start with, then on to Mike's! This book, with survivor stories told through "Silence Breakers" is compelling and highlights in a sensitive way, the need for one to break the silence if you want to move forward, to thrive. Then the use of his "Red, Yellow and Green Light" philosophy on how to break your silence and, more importantly, to who, gives survivors a path to follow as they begin their journey. Sensitive and emotional and, without overwhelming you, his book will draw you into the mind and feelings of a survivor like none other I have read. There are many great books on this subject but none better to begin with. Peace to all on their journey, dare to thrive!