This book can be a kickstarter for anyone not ready or willing to tell/share their trauma story -- or for those working on processing their own trauma. Highly recommend. -- Laura Farber, Director, We Are Columbine'
Everyone who has endured trauma, or has a loved-one in trauma recovery, will benefit from the exceptional exploration, insight, and common-sense approach of Shari Botwin, the once victimized author, who now catapults other victims, not just into surviving, but thriving by regaining control, knowing they matter and having a voice. An important, healing, hopeful read. -- Rosemarie Aquilina, Court Judge, Motivational Speaker, Law Professor, Author of Triple Cross Killer
A beautifully-written, inspirational account of courage and resilience, Thriving After Trauma is a book I will recommend again and again! -- Jenni Schaefer, Author of Life Without Ed, Almost Anorexic, and Goodbye Ed, Hello Me
Shari makes use of her unique and incredible journey to show the world what it truly means to be a survivor and masterfully uses that insight, as well as the accounts of other amazing survivors, to guide those who are suffering now on their own paths to surviving. Shari's narrative will give others strength through her deeply personal and traumatic but ultimately inspirational story of overcoming tragedy. Her tireless efforts to help others overcome seemingly impossible obstacles truly shines through the pages. -- M. Stewart Ryan, Attorney at Laffey, Bucci, and Kent Law Firm, Former Assistant District Attorney
Shari Botwin brings her passion and hard-won wisdom to a deeply complex subject. The ways trauma manifests are as varied and unique as the person whose experience she describes. Ms. Botwin has done a masterful job of weaving her patients' stories, her story, her skill as a therapist and her power as an activist into a readable, compelling work. She paints intimate, compassionate portraits of the devastation caused by trauma and the careful and deliberate process of healing. Her message of hope for living fully comes alive on every page.
-- Elizabeth N. Kuh, M.D., Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
As the collective understanding and acceptance of the impact of psychological trauma exploded in recent years, Shari Botwin was at the public forefront narrating it in newspapers and TV. Now she brings it all together in a series of real life accounts of despair and how to overcome it. Sharing her gift of translating the language and culture of psychological trauma to plain English, Botwin, a survivor herself, blends her personal anguish with the painful experience of others she counseled through the years. At its finest points this book not only informs but opens the soul. -- Bob Stewart, Freelance Journalist, New York Daily News, Philadelphia Inquirer, and Philadelphia Daily News
As a survivor of childhood abuse, Shari Botwin brings a deep understanding and empathy to traumatized folks lucky enough to have crossed paths with her - either in her writings, her workshops, her talks, or her individual therapy sessions. I was a domestic abuse victim until Shari guided me as I worked to become first a domestic abuse survivor and now a domestic abuse thriver. Readers of this book will learn that they are not alone as they meet some of Shari's patients who have experienced trauma and worked to overcome it. Moreover, each chapter ends with ideas readers can use on their own journey to living a full life unencumbered by the residue of the trauma that has followed them like a shadow through their lives. No matter how long ago the trauma occurred, you can begin today to reclaim your right to happiness and fulfillment. -- Suzanne Dobkin, PhD, Domestic Abuse Warrior
Thriving After Trauma pulled at my heartstrings as this author brought such authenticity to life throughout this book. The true stories of her patients, as well as herself, give the reader a deep view into the world of those who struggle after trauma and abuse. The techniques and educational value of this read will be a great help to many people out there who continue to struggle alone. Embrace the Journey! -- Lisa Zarcone, Author of The Unspoken Truth: A Memoir, Massachusetts National Ambassador for NAASCA
Shari has delicately woven together the nuances of treating trauma. Through examples from patient stories and the impacts of our shared cultural traumas, she provides strategies to effectively manage PTSD symptoms and guides the reader to understand how deep healing from horrific experiences can occur. -- Melissa Spann, PhD, CEDS-S, Executive Director, Oliver-Pratt Centers, Monte Nido and Affiliates
Shari's book was a blessing to my survivor life. She immediately drew me and kept hold of me throughout the entire read. I loved how she so skillfully intertwined her own story with the story of others and how she used her gift of being a helper of the suffering to show us all that any and every emotion can stop to visit trauma survivors and that each one of them is normal.
It is in speaking and understanding that people can go from surviving to thriving after trauma.
Yes! When we speak and are heard we heal. When we speak and understand our own-selves as well as others, we heal. When we give ourselves room to speak our truth we truly learn how to thrive and not merely survive.
It is my honor to know this brilliant, compassionate, talented lady and I highly recommend this read! -- Michelle Stolleis Denault, Blogger, Educator Sexual Abuse Survivor and Advocate
Shari Botwin's book is a must-read for trauma survivors. She weaves her expertise as a mental health professional with her personal story of trauma to provide a compelling how to for healing. Thriving After Trauma is a powerful testament to the human ability to heal from trauma, however long and difficult the road may be. Her authentic story of reclaiming her life and becoming a fierce advocate for trauma survivors is revealing and empowering. -- Caroline Heldman, PhD, Politics Department, Occidental College; Executive Director, the Representation Project
Shari Botwin has written the book I longed for after a violent rape left me without the ability to feel safe and calm. Thriving After Trauma gives hope to readers, changing the conversation that trauma inflicts permanent, unwavering damage. Botwin shows the pathway out of emotional chaos, back onto an even keel of emotional health. I recommend it highly.
-- Nancy Hogshead-Makar, Olympic Champion, civil rights lawyer, CEO, Champion Women
