Get Past Your Past: How Facing Your Broken Places Leads to True Connection

by Jason VanRuler

Your brokenness is not the end of the story. It's time to heal. Any of us can get stuck in our struggle. Jesus came to set us free and give us life-- abundant life--but while we believe it for everyone else, it's hard to accept his forgiveness and grace for ourselves. We continue in our old ways, living as one with no hope because we're afraid of failing if we try to get better. But what if brokenness--the array of behaviors and symptoms that show us that all is not as it should be with us--isn't all there is? What if we can change? As a licensed therapist and a man who's dealt with his own problems--including childhood trauma, alcohol abuse, drug use, and bouts of depression--Jason VanRuler understands what you're going through. In Get Past Your Past , he offers empathy, grace, and a hand to hold as he shares from his own places of brokenness and his professional knowledge to help The life you dream of isn't that far away. But you can't stay where you are. It's time to embark on your journey toward healing. Let Get Past Your Past be your guide along the way.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction

208 pages, Paperback

Published October 10, 2023

Reviews

[Lydia Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jason VanRuler you really opened my eyes. I have dealt with alcoholism, depression, anxiety and abuse since I was a child. I have kept that inner broken child inside of me as I grew up. Now I know I can let go of that broken child. I have found so many ways to fix myself since reading your book. Thanks so much. Highly recommend.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accessible, relatable, and helpful, this book will be taking a permanent place on my shelf for reference and for lending out. VanRuler encourages change without veering into preachiness and is open without pulling the focus toward himself.

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’d recommend this book to just about anyone, it’s really great :)

[Amber Privett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jason Van Ruler did a wonderful job making steps toward healing from your past so tangible to the average reader. The stories that he told, while weaving in therapeutic techniques and biblical perspectives, added depth and purpose to each reflection question set at the end of each chapter. I think that so much of what he’s describing and sharing here could be life-changing, especially when done in tandem with therapy. Overall, a good read that I’ve already recommended to a few therapy clients and would recommend to clinicians as well.

[Vanessa Verdun-Morris · Rating 2 out of 5]

Book is Christian focused but not in an zealotry way. Definitely talks about faith in god. Would be a good read for people who have had difficulties with the United States adoption process, which wasn’t something I was expecting to hear about. It’s peppered with lots of his life and his trials and how he feels it helps other people, but again it’s not too didactic and is a quick read with lots of interesting situations.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a heartfelt book! Although the author is a therapist, the book reads more like you are brunching at a coffee shop. He doesn’t share much about what led to his own feelings of brokenness, but he shares personal anecdotes to foster concepts throughout the book. The layout of the work is well thought out and the flow is smooth. My only complaint is the tiny bit of virtue signaling that takes place. It must surely be hard to write about real people in your life without hurting or offending them. To avoid this dilemma, the author overly praises everyone. However, in this case, I kinda believe that this author speaks this way as part of his nature. In fact, throughout the book, he encourages expressions of love. Therefore, even though it felt a bit cringie for me, it was believable and felt true. Since the book is short and I dislike putting spoilers, I am hesitant to discuss the specifics. It suffices to say that the book is true to the blurb on the back: the lies of brokenness, overcoming brokenness, the courage of vulnerability, the role that love plays in all of it. Lastly, the author did an amazing job including faith-based teaching, which he acknowledges from the very beginning. After each chapter, the author offers questions for further introspection, if needed. It is a quick read, but it says so much. I recommend this book.

[Mitchell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this book can be helpful to some but I think the over all theme is very repetitive. The theme of the book is about connection and connecting with people even when it is hard to do so. I agree and like this premise but the way the chapters all blend together gets very repetitive and doesn’t offer a whole lot of new information after around chapter 10. I think where the book is very impactful and interesting is when the author speaks about his own past and how he over came hardships especially with the passing of his child. Moment like this in the book are what I think will stick with me the most. Overall this is not a bad read but I feel like it is lacking something that I can’t quite figure out

[Kathy Troyanek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jason VanRuler has written an incredible book that helps us accept who we are, heal hard places, and be courageous in developing connection. Jason writes with grace and truth, grace and authenticity. He shares his own experiences coupled with clinical wisdom. I was encouraged, challenged, and changed.

[Dan LaRock · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provides both real life scenarios which have been experienced and overcome by VanRuler. It does a good job of showing how some of those scenarios are deeply rooted in things, thoughts, ideas or traumas which will prevent us from enjoying the richness of life & relationships … unless we get past the past. Good stuff. Glad I read this book!

[MaryKay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like the discussion in Chapter 11 about attributes of safe people.
1. Good listeners
2. They don't try to fix you
3. They give you space to grow
4. They validate you, but are also willing to challenge you
5. They are willing to help and have experience to draw from

[Angela Richter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found Jason on Instagram and love his feed. He is a counselor and gives wonderful advice on relationships and trauma and more! The book was a wonderful addition to all I have learned from him!

[Tyson Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for anyone interested in being emotionally healthy and spiritually mature.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Relatable, good short read :)