July 29, 2010

Dear Dr. Stern,

Last night, I completed reading Denial.

In your book, you had mentioned that one of your goals in writing it was to help others with similar experiences. I hope this finds you, to inform you that you have indeed helped me, tremendously.

I am a criminal lawyer. In said capacity, I represent rapists, murderers, drug dealers, gang members, and so forth. I was sexually assaulted when I was young. I have also survived war. I was born in the Middle East, and eventually immigrated to the U.S. My childhood memories are filled with abuse and sounds of war. Consistent with what you describe in your book, I, too, have a complete non-reaction to fear or what most “rational” or “normal” individuals would characterize as threatening situations. I had PTSD for a very long time. Perhaps I still do.

Your book shed light on many things for me—things I had suspected all along, but never truly gained insight into, despite extensive therapy and my strong desire to connect the dots. I am very grateful for your courage and altruism in having written this book.

Thank you!

** 5 of 7

(Read Previous)     (Read Next)