Michelle Stevens has a photo of the exact moment her childhood was stolen from her- She's only eight years old, posing for her mother's boyfriend, Gary Lundquist-an elementary school teacher, neighborhood stalwart, and brutal pedophile.
Dr. Michelle Stevens, a psychologist, is the founder and director of Post-Traumatic Success, a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating and inspiring those affected by psychological trauma. She studied writing at New York University before earning her doctorate in psychology from Saybrook University, where her thesis was honored as the Dissertation of Distinction. Stevens has presented her research to the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation and the Los Angeles County Psychological Association, where she also received an award for Outstanding Research. She works with survivors around the globe, encouraging them to heal, grow, and fight for better lives.
“In Scared Selfless, Dr. Michelle Stevens takes readers on a
remarkable journey. Her account of childhood trauma—told with
candor and, yes, even wit—and how she found the strength and
resilience to ultimately recover and triumph is an inspiration not
just to other survivors, but to us all. The book is a guide for
anybody seeking to overcome challenges and lead a richer and fuller
life.”—Arianna Huffington
“Scared Selfless is a riveting memoir that takes readers on a
roller coaster ride from the depths of hell to triumphant
success. Michelle’s extraordinary life story
and diligent, compassionate work as a therapist teaches us
that, with true-grit determination, it’s possible to overcome the
worst adversity. Scared Selfless offers courage,
strength, and resilience to anyone who desires a better
life.”—Dave Pelzer, author, A Child Called 'It'
"Scared Selfless is a compelling read about choosing your path
in life and owning that decision.” –Dr. Phil
“A beautifully written book…with honesty [and] humor…Through grit
and hard work, what begins as Grand Guignol finishes with a big
Hollywood ending.” --Vanity Fair
"A testament to hope."—People
“Some books should be read. Dr. Michelle Stevens book must be read.
Prepare to cringe, to sob, and to rejoice. This is a captivating
yet harrowing read of innocence denied, a childhood obliterated,
parental indifference, grotesque and serial predation, psychopathy,
and institutional inadequacies. But one has to exhale to be
fair, because that is not all. This is a story about the
psychological legacy of abuse, the struggle to survive a troubled
mind, the challenges of finding elusive help and about finally and
triumphantly finding redemption through the most unapologetic
example of personal grit I’ve ever read. I could not put this book
down and neither will you, not if you care about others, not if you
care about children. There are heroes and there are giants in this
world: Dr. Stevens is both.”—Joe Navarro, Special Agent
(Ret.) and author of Dangerous Personalities
“Michelle Stevens has written a fierce, honest account of her life
that will stay with any reader long after the last page has turned.
This book does more to explain what it feels like to live with the
effects of trauma than anything I've ever read. It's the rare book
that's both personal and clinical. It should be a resource and an
inspiration not just to survivors but to those who love and seek to
understand them.”—Sara Corbett, co-author of A House in the Sky
“What an astonishing and extraordinary book! I wasn't planning to
read the whole book in one sitting, but I literally couldn't put it
down. In a few brief hours I experienced shock, dismay, and
eventually hope as Michelle Stevens shared her remarkable journey.
Then I told five friends, 'You have to read this book.' Now I am
telling you—'You have to read this book.' It is a story that
has to be told. I celebrate Michelle Stevens for having the courage
to write it. It will mesmerize you, confound you, and eventually
inspire you—as you realize that anything, no matter how
horrific—can be overcome.” —Jack Canfield, coauthor of the
bestselling Chicken Soup for the Soul series and The
Success Principles: How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want
to Be
“Courageous and insightful, Stevens' book is not only important for
the light it sheds on some of the effects of extreme sexual abuse.
It also provides hope to survivors that living "a successful and
satisfying life" is absolutely possible. A raw and powerful account
from a survivor of unspeakable abuse.”—Kirkus Reviews
“Occasionally, a book comes along that absolutely takes my breath
away. Scared Selfless is such a book…I could. Not. Put. It. Down…It
is as harrowing as it is deeply engrossing. What I hadn’t prepared
myself for was this: a tale that, in the end, would leave me in the
presence of such unrelenting beauty, grace, and hope. Dr. Stevens
is not only a remarkable storyteller, she is also an extraordinary
healer. Her greatest balm is that of her unflinching personal
truth, laid bare on these pages.”—Michelle Burford, coauthor with
Michelle Knight of Finding Me
“Powerful.” –GoodHousekeeping.com
 |
Ask a Question About this Product More... |
|
