Thriving After Trauma

Stories of Living and Healing

By: Shari Botwin LCSW

Narrated by: Coleen Marlo

Often, those who live through trauma come away with feelings of shame, guilt, anger, and despair. These are common, even normal, responses in the immediate aftermath. Left unaddressed, though, those feelings may develop into substance abuse problems, eating disorders, depression, or anxiety. Learning how to move on, to pick up and live life again, takes effort and guidance. Botwin guides listeners through the stories of others who have gone on to live fulfilling, happy lives, and provides tips and tools for healing and moving on.

Letting go of the shame, guilt, anger, and fear associated with tragic events is crucial to reclaiming a full life. Strategies such as journaling, mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral restructuring, and healthy relationships to aid in recovery are explored and explained, so listeners can adopt those strategies that work best for them.

It is not the trauma itself that results in so many people developing self-destructive tendencies and life threatening illnesses. It is the lack of having a way to digest and make sense of the trauma-related feelings that can lead one to mental illness, disconnection, and in some cases, even death.

Contains mature themes.

©2019 Shari Botwin (P)2019 Tantor

Best Trauma Book I've Read

I'm so glad I listened to Shari Botwin's book Thriving After Trauma. I could relate to many of the patient stories Ms. Botwin chose to include. I know many others who could relate as well. This book opened up important conversations with my treatment team.

There is no sugarcoating of trauma recovery in this book. It is difficult and time consuming. Support from the right people is necessary. I believe that Ms. Botwin helped those who have never been to therapy understand the process. The fact that people may need to work with several therapist before finding the right fit was highlighted, as was the possibility that a client may need a higher level of care. I also liked how Ms. Botwin mentioned some clients leave therapy and return at a later date.

This book is so real. Ms. Botwin included personal information regarding her own journey and I trusted what she was saying even more because of that. I imagine it is not easy to share personal details in this format.

I appreciated all the suggestions that someone could choose to do on their own to start their healing journey.

I recommend this book to adults contemplating beginning their journey to healing, as well as those who are in the process of dealing with their own trauma.

I look forward to Ms. Botwin's future books.

The sensitivity & directness with which the story was written.

I could identify myself within the personal accounts & that truly helps to unravel & deal with hidden issues. Thank you