Mary Beth Williams

Review by Family Resource Centre Volunteer, Jeannie:

Tell us what you thought about the book / title. How did the book make you feel? What did you learn?
This is a self-help comprehensive workbook. It defines PTSD as a “reaction to traumatic events that persists for a period of time over one month in duration, or if it occurs at least six months after the
event occurred. The impact and reactions experienced as a result are then described in great detail.It stresses the broad spectrum of this show more condition and how devastating it can be and highlights the varied reactions and triggers to it.

I found the book to be very eye opening and educating as I realized how complex an issue PTSD is. Also while reading it I could not read more than one chapter at a time as there is so much information
and interactive exercises that only so much could be absorbed at one time. It truly is a “workbook.” It is based in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and addresses specific traumas and how therapy can be
utilized in such a way that it specifically addresses the individual and their trauma. The explanations in each chapter are very detailed but clear and precise. It encourages completing the exercises manually after reading the details within each area.

It is a journey of self-discovery that would require a great deal of support from the reader’s therapist, family and friends. There is then a short area at the end of each chapter wherein the reader journalized what they have learned from that particular chapter.

What were some of your favourite parts in the book/title? What did you find the most useful? Why?
The layout is very good as it combines instructions and narratives in each chapter as well as very detailed exercises to be completed. The narratives identify and clarify PTSD and its various components and causes as well as the symptoms and the various tools that can be used in recovery. The exercises are very detailed and their purpose is to remember the trauma rather than avoid it. These exercises would be very therapeutic to a trauma survivor.

Each chapter is geared to a specific area of PTSD i.e. dealing with Category D symptoms; stress, trauma and the body and veterans returning from war to name a few, so it is very comprehensive. It is written by two authors who are experts in this area and who treat trauma survivors at world renowned treatment Centers, one based in the U.S. and the other in Finland so there is a worldwide perspective. Also the one who lives in Finland, Soili Poijula has actually developed post-trauma psychotherapy, thus the book has a high degree of credibility.

What was your least favourite aspect of the book/title? What do you think could have been better?
I would only recommend using this book if a person also has the support of a therapist. The authors actually state “you may need to find a therapist skilled in trauma treatment to help you do the work in this notebook and reestablish your sense of self.” I totally agree with this statement and would change the wording “you may need” to you will need.

Chapter three in particular deals with identifying and writing about what happened to you. In some instances this would trigger reliving the trauma and could further trigger a negative experience if not conducted in the proper safe environment or without intensive support.

I really feel that it would be too overwhelming for a person to tackle the exercises within the book on their own.

What inspired you to choose this title?
I had heard of PTSD but I knew very little about it. I realize now that it not only affects people having experienced war, but it also includes victims of sexual abuse, crime, accidents and other traumatic experiences. Also that individuals can react very differently to the same type of trauma. As a volunteer in the Family Resource Centre I wanted to educate myself on this topic to aid in recommending books on this subject to visitors.

How has your life (or the life of your loved one) been affected by reading this title?
I would say that after reading this book I am now better able to recognize the symptoms of PTSD in another person and also have a better understanding of what they may be going through.

What are some of your favourite quotes from the book / title?

• “Worry is a needless expenditure of energy that prevents happiness.”


• “Positive beliefs inspire positive emotions.”


• “You now know that the symptoms you experience in the present are related to the traumatic events you’ve experienced in the past.”


• “Nothing in recovery happens unless you make it happen. So what will happen if you continue to avoid? Nothing!”


• “When you learn to take more control over your triggers, the trauma loses some of its power and control over you. In controlling your triggers, it is important to plan ahead and find ways to deal with them before they occur.”

Would you recommend it to other visitors at the FRC?
Yes show less

Some of this book was very interesting particularly when it discussed complex ptsd but towards the end it was incredibly irritating. No, it won't help my recovery to ask a plant's permission to look at it and no, it won't answer me as the book suggests. Bullshit new age bollocks.

Workbook style manual with fill in the blanks exercises designed to help people recover from ptsd and trauma related illnesses.