Baffled by Love: Stories of the Lasting Impact of Childhood Trauma Inflicted by Loved Ones

The sub heading of this book is Stories of the Lasting Impact of Childhood Trauma Inflicted by Loved Ones. The author is a therapist specializing in treating such trauma and a victim of trauma herself. Her personal stories are the most powerful, although she writes the stories of her patients. When she asked permission from one of her patients, the patient felt it was a gross violation. I can empathize with that reaction. I wonder what it must feel like to have your personal story retold by your trusted confidant. It makes this reader a little squeamish. There is value, however, in hearing her approach and insights into healing the initial violation of trust. Her approach is unique to my experience. Kahn loves her patients and expresses that love to them. Generally, therapists keep their distance.

The stories about the sexual and physical abuse that this book relates are sure to help those who felt that they were all alone or somehow to blame for their trauma. Kahn writes well, although it is difficult to track which patients are telling their story.