Too Close to Remember is an unsettling story of courage and healing in the face of a flood of memories that point to sexual abuse by one's own bloodline.
At forty-five years old, Hazel's life is far removed from her dreams and aspirations: She is in a dead-end job with a final written warning hanging over her head; she has been devastated by failed IVF attempts, and she is depressed. Hazel volunteers at an Old Age Home where she meets Louise. Thus, Hazel's healing journey begins.
Through unconventional therapy sessions with Louise, the dark secrets of Hazel's past are revealed. Strange dreams and experiences that left Hazel with anxiety and self-doubt become clearer, as she reconnects with her soul. Piece-by-piece, Hazel reclaims her life.
Weeks after Hazel confronts her abuser, her son is expelled from pre-school for inappropriate sexual behavior. She uses the lessons learned through her own healing to bravely follow an intuitive path of healing for her son. She meets people who enable her to obtain deep insights into sexual abuse, to grow psycho-spiritually, and to find her life purpose.
The book has two voices: that of the occupational therapist, Louise, and her client, Hazel. It focuses on Hazel's psycho-spiritual journey of healing from incest through creative techniques used in her therapy sessions. Hazel's therapeutic paintings and writings are included, enabling the reader to be a part of the healing journey in a visceral way.
Interspersed with Hazel's story are Louise's reflections on Hazel's progress, linking her experiences to the theory and acting as an objective witness to the therapeutic process. Louise's chapters end with a reflection encouraging the reader to embark on their own journey of psycho-spiritual growth.
This book is based on true events and can help to provide hope and facilitate the healing of others affected by sexual abuse. It can also assist other therapists in using clients' intuition as a map for psycho-spiritual healing.
