From the Trenches

"This book is a shaking read, its controversial political statement putting forward the demand that readers accept the existence of conscious splitting of personality through treachery, deception, betrayal, torture, and violence. Beginning with the introductory poem, the book is an outcry about the significance of personal freedom as well as a blazing plea for commitment to making these abuses known and helping victims achieve safety and healing. The two authors present victims’ horrendous experiences in a rational, factual, and professional way, building a foundational knowledge regarding what mind control is, how it uses deceit and lies, and how through betrayal and attachment trauma the basis is laid for lifelong exploitation. The authors present the terrifying and horrible situations that children are exposed to as they are coerced into actions that go against their own beliefs and true natures. The cooperation of the two authors, client and therapist, based on mutual respect, serves as a model for every change process: solidarity, freedom, and equality." (Gaby Breitenbach, psychologist and psychotherapist, author of Inside Views from the Dissociated Worlds of Extreme Violence 2017-11-10)

"Wendy Hoffman and Alison Miller present essays and poetry on ritual abuse and mind control from the perspectives of survivor and clinician, revealing the challenges and rewards of their collaboration. This book will help therapists understand the experiences and needs of extreme abuse survivors." (Randy Noblitt, PhD, author of Cult and Ritual Abuse: Its History, Anthropology, and Recent Discovery in Contemporary America 2017-11-10)

"From the Trenches is an extraordinary example of a writing collaboration between therapist and patient. It gives the reader the rare privilege of a double insight: Wendy Hoffman and Alison Miller each reflect, honestly and accurately, on the devastation caused by the most extreme forms of abuse, and on the treacherous journey back into wholeness. It is a must-read for all therapists – those who treat survivors of extreme abuse and those who may find themselves doing so tomorrow." (Dr Adah Sachs, the Bowlby Centre, consultant psychotherapist at Goodmayes Hospital, and on the Board of Directors of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation)

Wendy Miller Hoffman