Forbidden Grief
The Unspoken Pain of Abortion
by Theresa Burke, Ph.D., with David C. Reardon, Ph.D.
For more than 30 years, our nation has argued about abortion. In that time, over 30 million women have had one or more abortions.
It’s time to move beyond the politics of abortion.
While the political battle rages, little has been done to address the emotional needs of those who are struggling with trauma, depression, grief, pain or other problems after abortion. Instead, social taboos stifle discussion of abortion-related feelings. Women are left feeling isolated, and their recovery is inhibited.
Forbidden Grief (also available in Spanish) is a haunting review of Dr. Theresa Burke’s experience in counseling hundreds of women for abortion-related emotional problems. She discusses the pressure and coercion faced by many women before abortion, the ordeal of the abortion itself and the obstacles in the way of resolving and healing from the experience. She also reviews the full range and depth of post-abortion adjustment problems, and illustrates how we can create a more understanding and healing society where women will no longer be required to hide their pain.
It’s time to listen and help.
- Learn about the pain and trauma that is often revealed only to a therapist, but that everyone should understand.
- Understand how unwanted and/or traumatic abortion experiences can be reenacted through repeat pregnancies, multiple abortions, substance abuse, eating disorders, and broken relationships.
- Discover how to help loved ones — or yourself — take take steps toward healing after abortion.
Psychotherapist Theresa Burke, Ph.D., has specialized in treating women struggling with post-abortion issues through individual counseling and group therapy sessions since 1986. Many of the women she treated had been rebuffed by other therapists who would not believe their abortions had caused such trauma. Others came to her because their family and friends refused to acknowledge the reality of their pain and grief.
In Forbidden Grief, Dr. Burke explores the cultural and psychological obstacles to post-abortion healing. She examines why friends and families erect walls of silence around a loved one’s grief and reveals how we can and should listen to those who are struggling with past abortions.
Drawing on the experience and insights of hundreds of her clients, Dr. Burke shows how repressed feelings may be acted out through self-destructive behavior, broken relationships, obsessions, eating disorders, parenting difficulties, and other emotional or behavioral problems.
Forbidden Grief also explains how to help loved ones, or yourself, simply by better understanding the nature and origin of unresolved abortion issues — and what steps will help you find healing. You’ll also learn about the latest research on abortion problems, and the inside story of the fight within the psychiatric community over recognizing post-abortion trauma.
Order your copy today and find out how you can help bring healing, peace and hope to our nation!
Table of Contents
Get this book in Spanish
About the Authors
Theresa Burke, Ph.D., is a psychotherapist and founder of Rachel’s Vineyard, a post-abortion training and healing ministry that annually serves thousands of women and couples throughout North America and overseas.
David C. Reardon, Ph.D., is one of the nation’s leading researchers and authors on post-abortion issues and the founding director of the Elliot Institute.
Readers are raving about Forbidden Grief:
“I had an abortion when I was 16 and struggled with the aftermath for 19 years. This eye-opening book offers the general public a clear picture of the everyday realities of the post-abortion experience. Most importantly, it gives women permission to face and resolve their feelings of loss, ambivalence, guilt, or grief.” — Georgette Forney, post-abortion counselor
“Insightful…an astute integration of experience, research, and testimonies. Those of us who have faced this ‘forbidden grief’ can be thankful for Burke and Reardon’s beautifully written book. It lights the way for women and men who seek understanding, healing, and peace.” — Susan Stanford-Rue, Ph.D., psychologist and author of Will I Cry Tomorrow?
“A strong, thoughtful, and compassionate revelation.” — Dr. Laura Schlessinger, syndicated radio host
“Wonderfully and clearly written, full of stories that grip the attention…Forbidden Grief stands to become a classic on many levels: as a source of self discovery for the millions of women who have had abortions, as a learning experience for all the other lay readers, as a textbook for psychotherapists, and as a source of insight and research design for policy analysts who ponder the effects on society.”–Dr. Patrick F. Fagan, former Deputy Assistant Director, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
“Once in a while a rare book comes along that wrenches every nerve in our bodies and seeks out every crevice of our souls. This is one of those books, and it must be read from cover to cover.” — Diane Irving, Ph.D.
“An exceptional book. . .It is essential reading for social workers and other mental health professionals.” –Tim Brandyberry, MSSW
“An outstanding book . . .Highly recommended for those who counsel.” — Dr. Paul C. Vitz
“Every page of this book is filled with profound insights into the mind and emotions of those who have been wounded by abortion. . . . Every counselor, every member of the clergy, and every citizen concerned about how abortion is harming people needs to read this book.” — Fr. Frank Pavone
“As you read Forbidden Grief you cannot help but mourn with these women for their missing children. You cannot deny the aftermath of abortion, or the need for hope and healing.” — Serrin Foster, President, Feminists for Life
Table of Contents
Get the book in Spanish
Ordering Information
Price: $17.95 U.S. each plus 6.00 shipping for orders within the continental U.S.
Internet Special: Order 1 copy and get 25% off.
If you are a U.S. customer, visit our book page at TheUnChoice site to order a single copy online.
To order more than one copy, get information on bulk discounts, or to place an order from outside the U.S., send an email to elliotinstitute@gmail.com. We accept only credit card payments or international money orders for non-U.S. orders; we cannot accept checks. If you wish to order by email, we will send you an invoice through PayPal.
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