Therapist Recommended: Family scapegoating is an insidious form of "invisible" abuse that is difficult to recognize. It is therefore critical that adult survivors of dysfunctional or narcissistic family systems understand what type of abuse they are trying to recover from. In Rejected, Shamed, and Blamed, Licensed Psychotherapist and Family Systems expert Rebecca C. Mandeville uses her research findings on what she named 'Family Scapegoating Abuse' (FSA) to help survivors recognize and release the damaging 'scapegoat' narrative associated with the family 'identified patient' role. This 2nd revision includes additional recovery suggestions, and updated resources. Also suitable for concerned friends and clinicians.
In these pages you'll discover:
The FSA Self-Assessment Test
How to recognize and identify family scapegoating abuse (FSA) signs and symptoms
Why scapegoated individuals have difficulty recognizing they are being abused
How complex trauma (C-PTSD), betrayal trauma, and toxic shame impede FSA recovery
How intergenerational trauma and false narratives fuel family scapegoating dynamics
Why the family 'Empath' can end up scapegoated
Strategies to reduce fawn/submit behaviors and realign with your 'true self'
Recommended resources and therapy modalities for FSA recovery
From the Author: "Scapegoating in any social system is a dehumanizing process of 'othering'. When you are the target of scapegoating in your family-of-origin, the consequences to your mental and emotional health can be severe, including the development of complex trauma (C-PTSD) symptoms. This introductory guide's purpose is to help the reader determine if they are in the 'family scapegoat' role while educating on family scapegoating dynamics and the devastating consequences of being 'rejected, shamed, and blamed' by the people who were supposed to love and care for them the most."
Rebecca C. Mandeville is a licensed Marriage, Family Therapist, Certified Complex Trauma Professional, and recognized Family Systems expert. She has over 20 years experience in treating adult survivors of dysfunctional family abuse in both clinical and private practice settings. A recognized thought leader in family psycho-emotional abuse, she coined the term family scapegoating abuse (FSA) while researching family scapegoating's impact on the targeted child / adult child while Core Faculty at the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology. She is also a pioneer in identifying the overlapping symptoms of family scapegoating abuse (FSA), complex trauma (C-PTSD), betrayal trauma, and the devastating impact and effects of multigenerational trauma on adult survivors of dysfunctional, narcissistic, or abusive family systems.