Every year millions of men and women develop addictions, eating disorders, depression, and related illnesses due to trauma. Trauma victims are more likely to suffer from drug or alcohol abuse, to smoke, or to engage in other self-destructive practices in an effort to avoid emotions they cannot handle and cope the hopelessness, despair, and painful feelings often associated with traumatic experiences. But it doesn't have to be this way. A change is finally happening. Society is talking about sexual assault and abuse, about PTSD and associated disorders. And as people begin to acknowledge the traumas they've endured, they seek assistance for overcoming their experiences so they may live full lives free from shame, guilt, and despair. Thriving After Trauma discusses the many ways trauma victims have overcome the consequences of a wide-array of circumstances, including physical or sexual abuse, war-related injury, and loss due to tragedy, illness, and natural disasters. Real stories illustrate the many types of trauma people experience and the actions they took to help them survive, grieve, and move on. Letting go of the shame, guilt, anger, and fear associated with trauma is crucial to reclaiming a full life, and Shari Botwin provides insight into strategies such as journaling, bodywork, mindfulness, and using healing relationships, such as group therapy, to aid recovery. Any reader who has experienced trauma or knows someone who has will find comfort and hope in these pages, and a path forward to a full life.
Foreword: Stories of Living and Healing Dr. Jo Anne White Acknowledgments Introduction 1 Trauma Defined What Is Trauma? Posttraumatic Stress Emerges Trauma Goes Public 2 Facing the Trauma Telling Your Story Staying Grounded Managing Flashbacks Healing Strategies When Facing Your Trauma Managing Flashbacks 3 How the Road Unravels When a Witness Is Present Living Life without Recreating Trauma Learning to Trust Yourself and Others Good-bye Guilt Banishing Shame Healing Strategies to Rebuild Trust, Reduce Guilt,and Alleviate Shame 4 Confronting Anger Hello, Anger Conquering Anger Healing Strategies to Greet Anger Healing Strategies for Using Anger to Conquer Your World 5 Staying Present Karen: Letting Go of Her Abuser Mary: Letting Go of the Loss of Her Youngest Brother When She Was a Kid Debbie: The Struggle to Let Go of a Lost Childhood Brian: Letting Go of Being the Rescuer after Growing up with Loss and Poverty Healing Strategies to Let Go of the Past 6 Taking Time to Grieve So Long Eating Disorder, Alcohol, or Drugs Grieving with Others Misconceptions about Grief and Grieving According to Helpguide.org Healing Strategies for Coping with Loss and Grief after Trauma Nurturing Your Hurt Self 7 Reaping the Benefits of Your Recovery Greeting Intimacy No More Fear Trusting Love Healing Strategies as You Reap the Benefits of Your Recovery 8 My Life in Recovery Letting Go of the Wish On Becoming a Mom Going Public with My Story Healing Strategies I Used during My Recovery 9 Survivor Testimonials Jennifer Fox: Emmy- and Golden Globe-Nominated Director of the Film The Tale Karen's Story Janice's Story: Sexual Assault Survivor Tyler Notes Resources Treatment Facilities for Overcoming Eating Disorders, Addictions, and Trauma Outpatient Trauma Programs Resources for More Information or to Find a Therapist Bibliography
