Level Up

Level Up: Healing Mode Activated is a bold, no-holds-barred guide for adolescent boys (ages 12-14) who have experienced sexual abuse-and for the parents and caregivers who want to help them heal. Written in a direct, teenage-friendly voice and packed with relatable metaphors ("shame is like carrying someone else's trash," "your feelings are a group chat with 100 unread messages"), this book breaks every silence and shame barrier that keeps survivors stuck in the past. Across ten compassionate, action-packed chapters, readers will: Name and normalize their pain ("What exactly is sexual abuse?" "Why am I feeling so guilty?") and learn how physical reactions don't mean consent. Find courage to speak out ("Breaking the Silence") and reclaim control over their own narrative. Shatter self-blame ("It Was Not Your Fault") and reframe shame as the abuser's burden, not theirs. Rebuild identity and self-worth through healthy definitions of masculinity, emotional honesty, and goal-setting. Ditch destructive coping ("Why Acting Out Doesn't Help") in favor of proven strategies-journaling, movement, breathwork-that truly aid recovery. Reconnect mind and body with simple self-care routines for sleep, nutrition, movement, and grounding. Develop resilience skills for handling anger, anxiety, and sadness without shame or self-harm. Map out healthy relationships built on respect, consent, and clear boundaries, learning how to date safely when the time is right. Set a forward-looking plan ("Moving Forward - Your New Beginning") with personalized goals, a trusted support network, and confidence-building practices. Every chapter offers "Power Moves," real-life workbook pages, and quick "Cheat Sheets" for both boys and their caregivers-making it easy to turn insight into action. Whether read solo or shared between parent and child, Level Up equips survivors with self-compassion, practical tools, and the unwavering message: Healing is not forgetting. Healing is choosing to level up.