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Girl, Groomed

A Therapist's Memoir of Trauma

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Pub Date 22 Apr 2025 | Archive Date 22 Jun 2025
She Writes Press | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles

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Description

Raw and riveting, “Girl, Groomed” is seasoned psychotherapist Carol Odell’s evolving story of coming to terms with the impacts of her own history of sexual abuse and violence at the hands of a predatory horse trainer who, for far too much of her young life, held all the reins. Set in the equestrian world of Virginia, this candid memoir details how, starting at ten years old, Carol falls under the spell of Clarentine, the charismatic—and explosively violent—owner of the stables just down the hill from her house. Carol is forced to confront how she blindly jeopardizes her marriage as a result of her past. Chapters toggle back and forth between scenes from her childhood growing up jumping horses on the show circuit and the therapy sessions she later undergoes as an adult.

Using her own journey as an example, Carol demonstrates in this insightful memoir how unintegrated trauma limits us and our connection with others—and how the work of uncovering and reintegrating “what we do with what happens to us” can become the very source of our liberation. 

Raw and riveting, “Girl, Groomed” is seasoned psychotherapist Carol Odell’s evolving story of coming to terms with the impacts of her own history of sexual abuse and violence at the hands of a...


Advance Praise

"A powerful, quietly moving memoir of abuse that encapsulates one woman’s incredible resilience."

—Kirkus Reviews 


"A powerful, quietly moving memoir of abuse that encapsulates one woman’s incredible resilience."

—Kirkus Reviews 



Available Editions

EDITION Paperback
ISBN 9781647428723
PRICE US$17.95 (USD)
PAGES 200

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Average rating from 11 members


Featured Reviews

Addressing how unprocessed trauma impacts adult relationships demonstrates the vulnerability required for genuine healing work.

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"Girl, Groomed" by Carol Odell, LICSW, is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that explores the complex and disturbing world of child grooming and exploitation. With sensitivity and expertise, Odell sheds light on the manipulative tactics used by predators, the devastating impact on victims, and the importance of awareness and prevention. This book is a powerful and important read, offering a nuanced and compassionate portrayal of survivors and the challenges they face. It's a must-read for those interested in social justice and human resilience.

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