Healing from Hidden Abuse by Shannon Thomas / Book Review

Healing From Hidden Abuse Book Review

 by: Heidi Suydam

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The thing about hidden abuse is, it’s hidden. Sometimes even from the person being abused. You see things can seem so “normal” and when they don’t the abuser is an expert at explaining away anything that seems out of order or wrong.

​Shannon Thomas is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in helping people recover from hidden abuse. Hidden abuse is frequently (and mostly) 

​experienced with people who are severe narcissists. It can be emotional, financial,  or mental but it is all psychological abuse - this is why it is so often hidden.

“Why is psychological abuse also referred to as hidden abuse? The behavior of the abuser(s) involves chronic and repetitive secret games being played by one individual, or a group of people against a target. These actions are so well disguised that their venom frequently goes unnoticed.

By the time these outward signs of dysfunction reveal themselves the targets of the abuse are usually very devastated. They  have been successfully manipulated to wonder if they are the problem, perhaps even the actual toxic person in the relationship.”

Healing From Hidden Abuse / Shannon Thomas, LCSW

These abusers are experts at gaslighting - which in a very simple explanation is a specific type of manipulation designed to make an individual or a group of people doubt their memory, their perceptions or even their own reality*.

When the abused finally starts to realize what is happening and break free from their abuser, there is usually slandering involved - especially when the abuser’s actions start to be noticed and shared with others. 

In her book “Healing from Hidden Abuse”, Shannon Thomas first explains what psychological abuse is and the “Who, What, Where, When, How and Why” this happens.

The tone of her writing is easy to read and understand as she dives deep into the healing process introducing the “6 Stages of Recovery”.

As a survivor of psychological abuse myself I can say this book helped me through my healing process and as a result has helped me in life and business.

Do you think you may be in a relationship like this either at home, work, in your extended family or even church?

​I highly recommend picking up a copy of this book hard copy, audible or both!

You can order a copy of Healing from Hidden abuse here:

soft cover book version

Healing from Hidden Abuse: A Journey Through the Stages of Recovery from Psychological Abuse

Audible Version

Healing from Hidden Abuse: A Journey Through the Stages of Recovery from Psychological Abuse

If you enjoyed this book review on #thesosblog you may also enjoy these posts:

• Blue Like Jazz Book Review
• Midlife Muddled
• Mindfulness ​

Let me know what you think of Healing From Hidden Abuse! I also recommend following Shannon Thomas on Instagram** for encouraging  posts, helpful tips and information pertaining to Mental Health!

*NBCnews.com
**I am not affiliated with Shannon Thomas in anyway and am not being compensated by her or anyone affiliated with her to promote her book.

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