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Matt brings his years of experience working in the sexual violence field to a new audience. His understanding of the intricacies of working with those affected by sexual violence as well as his knowledge will be helpful to counselors and anyone who wants to support victims and survivors of sexual violence.

- Jennifer McLaughlin, Sexual Assault Specialist for the Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

I have to admit, I was skeptical. I'm not used to a male being the kind of person who could really understand this. But I had been to therapist after therapist, and none of it was helping. Matt's methods worked--boy, did they work!--and I can't imagine I could have found the same recovery using any other way. This man knows his stuff. He really gets it. And what he's written is SO true and it really answered my questions.

- Andi, survivor

I read almost the whole thing in one long night. And I just cried and cried, but this was a good kind of cry. The "I never believed in hope before now" kind of cry. And it has taken years for anything to give me any kind of hope like this.

- Anonymous DailyStrength.org contributor

There is no way to describe how much this book has meant to me. I am trying to gather and absorb as much as I can. I have struggled many years with what happened to me, and sometimes I feel like I have gone nowhere. But, when someone like Matt, who knows what kind of work this actually is, recognizes the effort, it makes me proud of what I have accomplished.

-Leitha Brogan, survivor

I am a rape survivor and it is in my role as such that I have come to know Matt Atkinson. Matt is one of those rare individuals who brings to his work not only a tremendous intellect and vast knowledge of this subject matter, but more importantly a depth of compassion for and understanding of the experiences of rape survivors, the likes of which exist in no other individual I have ever encountered. This community is lucky to have Matt serving as an advocate and therapist for those who have often felt forgotten, betrayed, weak, misunderstood, or even worthless. I know this because I have felt each of those and more. However, it is by way of Matt's patience and unwavering kindness that I am now able to see myself not as any of those things, but as a survivor. I will know this now for the rest of my life.

- Victoria, Federal Attorney

I'm half way through it, and so far it's like, "finally, finally something tangible in my hands, something that I feel will help me through this, finally somebody gets it and gets it all." Finally, something that doesn't make me feel bad and helps me understand why I've done some of the things I've done..." We should have "Matt Akinsons" in every city. Thank you so much for this wonderful work.

You get out of this what you put into it. You do the work; your therapist holds up the road map for you, so absorb and take in everything. With Matt...Well, the first time I met him I was intimidated and scared. I did not want a male therapist, but I decided to give him a chance and after a few days I let my guard down and realized he was on my side. On this journey I have learned so much about myself and have let go of so much guilt and shame I was carrying around for years. I have beaten my rape. I still have to keep myself going in the right direction and it will be tough, but I now trust myself that I will make it. I'm ready to go and live my life. You can do it!

-Kayla, 19-year-old survivor

I received your book in the mail and started reading it this evening; I couldn't put it down... I was in group counseling and one on one therapy for about 18 months. I was aided by therapy to a degree but honestly got the feeling that they had no idea what to do with me. I have read everything I can get my hands on concerning rape recovery. It is inspiring to read how others have overcome rape but I couldn't find the tools I needed in them. Your book is the first that is giving me what I need - explanations and instructions. Your writing style is accessible and your exercises geared toward self discovery are as empowering as they are enlightening. I feel hopeful that this book will be joining my yoga practice as a significant part of my healing...thank you!

-Sharon

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