What Doesn'T Kill Us: The New Psychology Of Posttraumatic Growth

What Doesn'T Kill Us: The New Psychology Of Posttraumatic Growth

Surviving a traumatic experience is difficult and takes time to move on from, but this book makes the argument that with proper care and understanding, survivors can grow and reshape their lives in a positive way. For the past twenty years, pioneering psychologist Stephen Joseph has worked with survivors of trauma. His studies have yielded a startling discovery: that a wide range of traumatic events-from illness, divorce, separation, assault, and bereavement to accidents, natural disasters, and terrorism-can act as catalysts for positive change. Boldly challenging the conventional wisdom about trauma and its aftermath, Joseph demonstrates that rather than ruining one's life, a traumatic event can actually improve it. Drawing on the wisdom of ancient philosophers, the insights of evolutionary biologists, and the optimism of positive psychologists,What Doesn't Kill Us reveals how all of us can navigate change and adversity- traumatic or otherwise-to find new meaning, purpose, and direction in life.ReviewDonald Meichenbaum, PhD Distinguished Professor Emeritus, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada and Research Director of the Melissa Institute for Violence Prevention and Treatment of Victims of Violence, Miami, Florida"Traumatised individuals have a story to tell, as well as re-author. Professor Stephen Joseph is compassionate, attentive listener and a sensitive and scholarly conveyer of this narrative process. He has ably blended his many years of research and clinical practice into an enlightened story of post traumatic growth. This a book that should be read by all who encountered trauma and those who love and treat them. Kudos to Professor Joseph for providing a needed new direction for the treatment of those who experience [posttraumatic stress disorder] and related challenges. This book is a clarion call for a Constructive Narrative Perspective to psychotherapy, filled with pathos and hope."Dr Gill Hicks MBE, survivor of the London Bombings, July 7, 2005"What Doesn't Kill Us ? indeed does and can make us stronger as brilliantly presented by Professor Stephen Joseph and lived throughout my every day."Dr Kate Hefferon, Senior Lecturer, University of East London and author of Positive Psychology: Theory, research and applications"This is the book we have been waiting for Stephen Joseph to write. With decades of experience and knowledge, Joseph presents the wonderfully complex world of posttraumatic growth in an accessible and personable way. Not only does the book provide the most-up-to-date research,What Doesn't Kill Us offers tangible approaches to developing growth after trauma; a feat that will be valued by many."Dr Nigel Hunt, Associate Professor in Health Psychology, University of Nottingham"This is a caring and thoughtful account, arguing for the normality of post-traumatic stress as a process of adaptation. Professor Joseph presents a personal and positive perspective, showing how people can come through painful experiences and live fulfilling lives.... His THRIVE model provides a coherent approach to helping traumatised people."Elaine Iljon Foreman, author of Fly Away Fear: Overcoming Your Fear of Flying?Convincingly challenging, highly enlightening, and compulsively readable,What Doesn't Kill Us is thoroughly recommended for both those who have and have not experienced trauma.