In this blog, we have collected a wide range of books related to working with the experience of male survivors of sexual abuse in therapy. We also feature the writing by Sarah Van Gogh who is running our next CPD training in March 2025.

Learn more about this topic in our online CPD workshop: *Effective Therapy with Adult Male Survivors of Sexual Violation*with Sarah Van Gogh on Monday 10th March, 6pm – 9pm.

Sarah Van Gogh – therapist, supervisor, author and trainer will be running our next CPD training *Effective Therapy with Adult Male Survivors of Sexual Violation*

1. Helping Male Survivors of Sexual Violation to Recover: An Integrative Approach – Stories from Therapy (2018)

Sarah van Gogh uses a pioneering integrative therapeutic approach to working with survivors of male sexual abuse. In a culture where to be male is often to be expected to embody strength, power and being in control, male victims of sexual abuse can be particularly challenging to help.

Sarah has been a therapist in private practice for over 25 years and spent seven years as a therapist and trainer for Survivors UK, a London-based charity that provides support to men who have experienced sexual violation. Her book has been described by Dr Graham Music as a work that ‘skillfully navigates neurobiology, trauma and dissociation, alongside both classic and innovative therapeutic approaches.’ More here or click to purchase.

2. Instrumental (2015)

Concert pianist James Rhodes’ first book, Instrumental, documents how he was raped as a child. The book reflects on the author’s time in a psychiatric hospital in the years following the abuse, which included several suicide attempts, and explains how classical music became his saviour during recovery. More here or click to purchase.

3. Victims No Longer: The Classic Guide for Men Recovering from Sexual Child Abuse (2004)

Mike Lew provides compassionate and practical advice to male survivors of sexual abuse, including anecdotes and statements provided by men who have experienced abuse. It gives insight and support around trust, intimacy and sexual confusion, and gives pointers on creating a support system.

Author Mike Lew is a psychotherapist who has worked with thousands of survivors of sexual abuse. More here or click to purchase.

4. Paper Cuts (2018)

Stephen Bernard, a visiting professor at Oxford, includes an account of how he was the victim of persistent sexual abuse as a child in his memoir.

His book explores how the experiences impacted his sense of self and his identity, and the mental health difficulties which followed, including reflection on his treatment with ketamine in which he experienced hallucinations about Margaret Thatcher. More here or click to purchase.

5. Joining Forces: Empowering Male Survivors to Thrive (2012)

Dr. Howard Fradkin is a supportive and practical guide designed to help male survivors of sexual abuse heal and build fulfilling lives. The book combines expert insights, survivor stories, and tools for self-discovery, emphasising resilience and the strength found in seeking connection and support.

Dr. Howard Fradkin is a psychologist, advocate, and co-founder of MaleSurvivor, with over three decades of experience in helping male survivors recover and thrive. More here or click to purchase. 

6. Healing the Man Within: Hope For Victims of Childhood Sexual Abuse (2015)

Randy Boyd offers hope and guidance for male survivors as they navigate the challenges of healing from childhood sexual abuse. Through personal insights and actionable advice, the book addresses feelings of shame, isolation, and emotional wounds while fostering a path toward recovery and self-acceptance.

Randy Boyd is a counsellor, speaker, and survivor dedicated to supporting men in overcoming the lasting effects of abuse and reclaiming their lives. More here or click to purchase.

7. Broken Boys, Mending Men: Recovery from Childhood Sexual Abuse (2002)

Stephen D. Grubman-Black provides a frank assessment of the level of sexual abuse towards men that exists in society, aiming to challenge the inaccurate perception that it is a rare phenomenon.

The book describes the pain that survivors often suffer, supported by candid first-person accounts of withdrawal, isolation, denial, the loss of security and impacts on self-esteem. Author and professor Stephen D. Grubman-Black also explores how society’s traditional view of masculinity can act as a barrier to recovery. More here or click to purchase.

8. Hush: Moving from Silence to Healing After Childhood Sexual Abuse (2007)

Nicole Braddock Bromley is a poignant memoir and guide that explores the journey from the trauma of childhood sexual abuse to the transformative power of healing and hope. Drawing from her personal experiences, Bromley candidly addresses the challenges of breaking silence, reclaiming one’s voice, and finding community support.

Nicole Braddock Bromley is an advocate for survivors, founder of the organisation OneVOICE, and a passionate speaker dedicated to spreading awareness and empowerment for those affected by abuse. More here or click to purchase.

9. Beyond Betrayal: Taking Charge of Your Life After Boyhood Sexual Abuse (2005)

Richard B. Gartner is a compassionate and empowering guide for male survivors of childhood sexual abuse. The book blends psychological insights, case studies, and practical tools to help survivors confront the impacts of abuse, rebuild self-esteem, and reclaim control over their lives.

Richard B. Gartner, Ph.D., is a leading psychologist, psychoanalyst, and author specialising in the treatment of male survivors of sexual trauma, with decades of experience in helping individuals heal and thrive. More here or click to purchase.

10. The Sexual Healing Journey: A Guide for Survivors of Sexual Abuse (Third Edition) (2012)

Dr. Wendy Maltz is a comprehensive guide that helps survivors navigate the path to reclaiming healthy sexuality after experiencing sexual abuse. Combining practical exercises, real-life stories, and expert insights, the book offers a sensitive, step-by-step approach to overcoming emotional and physical barriers to intimacy.

Dr. Wendy Maltz is a renowned therapist, educator, and author specialising in sexual recovery and relationship healing. More here or click to purchase.

11. Speaking Our Truth: Voices of Courage and Healing for Male Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse (1995)

Neal King offers a powerful collection of personal narratives from men who have endured and overcome the trauma of childhood sexual abuse. The book emphasises the strength in vulnerability, explores the complexities of male identity in healing, and provides a supportive resource for survivors and their loved ones.

Neal King is a writer and advocate dedicated to amplifying the voices of male survivors and fostering greater understanding and empathy in the journey toward healing. More here or click to purchase.

12. Evicting the Perpetrator: A Male Survivor Guide to Recovery From Childhood Sexual Abuse (2010)

Ken Singer offers a roadmap for male survivors to reclaim their lives by confronting and overcoming the lasting effects of abuse. The book provides practical strategies, therapeutic insights, and survivor stories to guide readers toward healing, empowerment, and a renewed sense of self.

Ken Singer is a licensed clinical social worker and therapist with decades of experience specialising in treating survivors of sexual abuse and advocating for their recovery. More here or click to purchase.

Upcoming Workshop with Sarah Van Gogh

Want to explore more? Join us for our upcoming workshop – Learn more about this topic in our online CPD workshop: *Effective Therapy with Adult Male Survivors of Sexual Violation* with Sarah Van Gogh on Monday 10th March, 6pm – 9pm.

This presentation includes an exploration of key aspects of working with adult male survivors of sexual abuse.

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