The Power of Trauma: Conquering Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

by Ute Lawrence

On September 3, 1999, Ute Lawrence was involved in a horrific eighty-seven-car highway pile-up, the worst in Canadian history, that saw eight people killed. In The Power of Trauma , she draws on her mind-altering experience to develop a profound new perspective on life that has actually empowered her. Lawrence was nearly stopped in her tracks after staring death in the face, and her lengthy and successful career as a magazine publisher soon ended as she battled the haunting memories of that tragic day. Her intense struggle with post traumatic stress disorder and the lack of helpful and compassionate guidance and information inspired Lawrence to share her experience, and her powerful healing, with others. In this candid and illuminating guide, Lawrence details the symptoms of the disorder, the therapies and programs that eventually led her to a more balanced and fulfilling life, and interviews with the professionals who aided her along her journey from a paralyzing experience to a pilgrimage of self-discovery. The Power of Trauma will help those who suffer from post traumatic stress disorder to better understand and accept their symptoms. Trauma doesn't have to be a life sentence. This guide will help you take steps to heal and positively transform yourself.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help

116 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2008

Reviews

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars for what it is: a well-written first-person account of a thoughtful and successful recovery from trauma. That’s not a knock; I’m very glad I stumbled on this title. I found it insightful and helpful, like a conversation with a smart friend who had been through something I had been through, and that someone has a lot to offer.

I say it’s well-written because Lawrence has done more than her fair share of research, academic and experiential, and presented it all in an accessible way. (She was a magazine editor/publisher in her professional life at the time she experienced the trauma; since then she has founded an organization to help others understand and thrive after trauma.) Also, I love footnotes, and Lawrence includes a bunch, leaving plenty of breadcrumbs to follow for folks who want to learn more about specific studies and treatments.

I’m very grateful that I found this when I did, as I’ve been reading (very slowly) the weightier but also very good, The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk - which I almost certainly will also rate five stars, for what it is.

I highly recommend this short book for anyone who has been affected by trauma. There’s a lot of great insight in less than 100 pages, and it’s likely to lead to considerable comfort - even if you don’t know you need it.

[Joshua Lawson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Power of Trauma is a good primer for people who may be needing guidance or even permission to begin their healing journey. It would have been nice to hear more of the author's personal struggle to sort through the effects of her PTSD, though, because most of the content is fairly basic.

[Maria Iskander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ute is a storyteller of the ages. I can only imagine how hard it must have been to recount the details from arguably the most horrific cars pile-up in Canadian history! As a reader, I felt the distress of Ute in the accident and its' aftermath in her life. Hence, I appreciate her courage to be so candid about it all. All in all, it is a book of hope for all to heal; and even 'grow as a tree' (metaphor from the book) from whatever trauma they encounter.

[Charlotte · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nothing new here. I wanted more of her personal struggles with PTSD. It is a good book to begin with your learning on the topic but very simple.