For several decades, Desiree Leigh Thompson lived beneath the shadow of trauma and abuse. Having grown up in a violent, dysfunctional household and experiencing her first sexual assault at age twelve, she went on to suffer from several mental health disorders and self-destructive behaviours, forever trying to hide herself out of shame and self-loathing. As a result, she lost all sense of self-worth, self-identity, and belonging. However, all of this began to change when she found the bravery to begin psychotherapy and walk along the path to healing. Through a supported process of gaining awareness and letting go, she was able to emerge, at last, into self-love.

In Healing Worthlessness, a courageous book about trauma and recovery, Thompson shares her story in detail in hopes of helping other survivors find their own healing paths. She also addresses the global issue of intimate partner violence, the oppression of women under patriarchy, and the social and cultural reasons why society at large often suppresses and denies stories of abuse. She also overviews the research behind childhood trauma and its links to adult dysfunction, repeated victimization, and chronic health repercussions.

As Thompson herself discovered, it is never too late to escape the legacy of abuse and change your life; if, as a survivor, you have a desire to change—to heal your wounded relationship with yourself, and subsequently, your relationships with others—then what you need (and deserve) is encouragement and support to help you get there. Healing Worthlessness is a multifaceted restorative tool, a call to action, and an invaluable resource for helping survivors escape toxic patterns, push past their limitations, feel joy again, and connect deeply with themselves and those they love.