Afraid of Dancing

A Healing Journey

In these pages, the author tells the story of surviving a childhood of traumatic abuse so severe that it led to the development of multiple personalities, or alters within one woman’s mind.

This life-affirming true story of healing and wholeness is told through the distinct voices of many of the author’s twenty-five unique alters. In their own words, these identities describe the traumatic events, their subsequent healing, and reintegration as one whole person as designed by a loving God. 

 Through riveting first-hand accounts readers will meet several alters as they write from different perspectives. The primary voice is that of the alter Gabrielle, a young adult woman who uses dissociation, or “floating away” to help herself and other alters cope with traumatic events. Other voices include John, an angry and protective sixteen-year-old male alter, Ruthie, a seven-year-old girl pretending to be a mother to the younger alters, and many more. 

After the author became a Christian and started growing spiritually, she sought healing as God revealed her brokenness. In these pages, readers will find a woman determined to celebrate the healing she eventually found in Him. Throughout the book are reminders that Jesus has redeemed the painful past to reveal the peaceful present.

This book uniquely emphasizes the essential presence of Christ’s healing mercy through the voices of the alternate personalities themselves. As an early reviewer stated, “Great things happen when people begin a line of thought that starts with, ‘Wow! If God can do that, maybe . . .’” 

Anyone who enjoys an inspiring story of overcoming adversity, who is curious about mental illness, or struggles with brokenness in their own or loved ones’ lives will benefit from reading this book.

Above all, this book is about one woman’s determination to live a full life of freedom in Christ.