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Reclaiming Sanity: Hope and Healing for Trauma, Stress, and Overwhelming Life Events
"Laurel Shaler speaks with the authority of a professional counselor and the kindness of a caring friend." -Holley Gerth, bestselling author Your suffering is real, but you are not going crazy. With a girlfriend's companionship and a professional counselor's expertise, Dr. Laurel Shaler walks readers through personal stories and biblical insights that shed light on daily and traumatic stress. In Reclaiming Sanity, she showsHow to find freedom from the pastFive myths about anger and how to overcome themThe antidote for nagging worry and sleepless nightsWays to rebuild trust in othersHow Christ gives true strength Offering effective action steps toward reclaiming sanity, Dr. Shaler guides readers through the healing process, whether they are dealing with a one-time traumatic event or years of hidden pain. You don't have to do this alone. Hope starts here.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2017
75 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 6, 2019
The answer? Easy. Read Reclaiming Sanity.
Look, I didn’t know what to expect with this book, but I was determined to get something out of it.
Oh, me of little faith.
Dr. Shaler writes a straightforward, compassionate book for anyone dealing with past or present trauma in his or her life. I’ve had some pretty traumatic things happen in my life, but I’ve never been diagnosed with PTSD, and from her examples of what you might experience if you were someone dealing with that disorder, I don’t fit the criteria at all.
But I can see that Reclaiming Sanity has a lot of information that would help anyone who lives in this fallen world. And it’s not chock-full of psychobabble.
What it does have is Scripture applied where appropriate. Not once did I feel like it was “stretched to fit” the situation in that obnoxious “proof-texting” way that many authors are tempted to do. Hey, I tend to do it with myself sometimes, so this was particularly awesome.
While I did disagree with her use of one Scripture, it’s one universally misapplied (in my opinion and understanding) by people everywhere. You see it plastered on journals, t-shirts, and wall plaques. I kind of can’t complain about it, you know? And even though it is misapplied and stretched, it doesn’t mean that the words aren’t true. It just means it isn’t a “promise” to us specifically as we tend to treat it.
I digress.
Like most non-fiction books, the middle part is the BEST.
Have you ever noticed that? In fiction, if an author isn’t careful, the middle of the book can drag and be boring, but with non-fiction, it’s like authors do the old college essay format.
This is what I’m going to teach you.
I teach you.
This is what I taught you.
That middle part just seems to have the most meat in all of my favorite books. This one is no different.
In fact, the middle part of this book is so good that I will be recommending it to everyone I know.
It deals with anger and it’s a brilliant look at it. Biblical, straightforward, compassionate, but packs a punch, this section has workbook-style questions and really digs into anger. It shows how destructive it is, how you can address it, and the truths and lies we tell ourselves about it.
And when you consider how PTSD holds hands with anger (understandably so), learning to deal with it is an important part of the healing process.
Reconciliation is also a part of the middle of Reclaiming Sanity, and it’s beautiful.
One of the most impactful things I read had to do with a story about a woman’s relationship with a previously abusive mother. I loved how Dr. Shaler showed that reconciliation for this woman included spending some time with her mother, but setting boundaries that are both Biblical and health-giving. It was one of the few times I’ve ever seen someone talk about boundaries as a means of improving a relationship instead of protecting self alone.
The last third of the book—equally strong.
Unlike that “old college try,” this section also has quite a bit of helpful information for anyone, but it does go back to the more traumatic situations.
Dr. Shaler takes the time to show you how to create your own “mini retreat” for the purpose of walking through these issues and “reclaiming sanity” in the process. I expected to find this section more fluffy, but it wasn’t. The advice is solid, helpful, and yet not overwhelming in intensity.
What will you find in the pages of Reclaiming Sanity?
Common sense, for one. Spiritual encouragement and mentoring. Realistic psychological help rooted in the truths of Scripture.
And stories. You know how I love my stories. Dr. Shaler uses actual cases (and sometimes composite ones) to illustrate what she means. Not once did I feel like I was getting one of those cheesy “created-for-illustrative-purposes” stories. Instead, I found myself wanting to pray for the people involved.
That’s a pretty good feeling.
Recommended for people who have endured trauma that still affects their ability to cope with life. Also, if you have any anger problems at all, this book right here—so awesome. I can attest that many of the things she talks about are what I did the day I realized I was getting upset and yelling at my kids when I didn’t like or want to be that person. I was able to stop it. Cold. And I think Reclaiming Sanity would help others gain control as well.
Look, when I got my review copy, it came as a PDF. I was fine with that, but I wasn’t once I started reading… not so fine. I immediately went and dropped a paperback in my Amazon cart. Then I went and bought the Kindle copy while it was .99. This is one I want to own. I’ve no doubt that I’ll be sharing it. Often. And yes, I’m off to read her next book, too. Because I must (name that movie reference!).
Look, I didn’t know what to expect with this book, but I was determined to get something out of it.
Oh, me of little faith.
Dr. Shaler writes a straightforward, compassionate book for anyone dealing with past or present trauma in his or her life. I’ve had some pretty traumatic things happen in my life, but I’ve never been diagnosed with PTSD, and from her examples of what you might experience if you were someone dealing with that disorder, I don’t fit the criteria at all.
But I can see that Reclaiming Sanity has a lot of information that would help anyone who lives in this fallen world. And it’s not chock-full of psychobabble.
What it does have is Scripture applied where appropriate. Not once did I feel like it was “stretched to fit” the situation in that obnoxious “proof-texting” way that many authors are tempted to do. Hey, I tend to do it with myself sometimes, so this was particularly awesome.
While I did disagree with her use of one Scripture, it’s one universally misapplied (in my opinion and understanding) by people everywhere. You see it plastered on journals, t-shirts, and wall plaques. I kind of can’t complain about it, you know? And even though it is misapplied and stretched, it doesn’t mean that the words aren’t true. It just means it isn’t a “promise” to us specifically as we tend to treat it.
I digress.
Like most non-fiction books, the middle part is the BEST.
Have you ever noticed that? In fiction, if an author isn’t careful, the middle of the book can drag and be boring, but with non-fiction, it’s like authors do the old college essay format.
This is what I’m going to teach you.
I teach you.
This is what I taught you.
That middle part just seems to have the most meat in all of my favorite books. This one is no different.
In fact, the middle part of this book is so good that I will be recommending it to everyone I know.
It deals with anger and it’s a brilliant look at it. Biblical, straightforward, compassionate, but packs a punch, this section has workbook-style questions and really digs into anger. It shows how destructive it is, how you can address it, and the truths and lies we tell ourselves about it.
And when you consider how PTSD holds hands with anger (understandably so), learning to deal with it is an important part of the healing process.
Reconciliation is also a part of the middle of Reclaiming Sanity, and it’s beautiful.
One of the most impactful things I read had to do with a story about a woman’s relationship with a previously abusive mother. I loved how Dr. Shaler showed that reconciliation for this woman included spending some time with her mother, but setting boundaries that are both Biblical and health-giving. It was one of the few times I’ve ever seen someone talk about boundaries as a means of improving a relationship instead of protecting self alone.
The last third of the book—equally strong.
Unlike that “old college try,” this section also has quite a bit of helpful information for anyone, but it does go back to the more traumatic situations.
Dr. Shaler takes the time to show you how to create your own “mini retreat” for the purpose of walking through these issues and “reclaiming sanity” in the process. I expected to find this section more fluffy, but it wasn’t. The advice is solid, helpful, and yet not overwhelming in intensity.
What will you find in the pages of Reclaiming Sanity?
Common sense, for one. Spiritual encouragement and mentoring. Realistic psychological help rooted in the truths of Scripture.
And stories. You know how I love my stories. Dr. Shaler uses actual cases (and sometimes composite ones) to illustrate what she means. Not once did I feel like I was getting one of those cheesy “created-for-illustrative-purposes” stories. Instead, I found myself wanting to pray for the people involved.
That’s a pretty good feeling.
Recommended for people who have endured trauma that still affects their ability to cope with life. Also, if you have any anger problems at all, this book right here—so awesome. I can attest that many of the things she talks about are what I did the day I realized I was getting upset and yelling at my kids when I didn’t like or want to be that person. I was able to stop it. Cold. And I think Reclaiming Sanity would help others gain control as well.
Look, when I got my review copy, it came as a PDF. I was fine with that, but I wasn’t once I started reading… not so fine. I immediately went and dropped a paperback in my Amazon cart. Then I went and bought the Kindle copy while it was .99. This is one I want to own. I’ve no doubt that I’ll be sharing it. Often. And yes, I’m off to read her next book, too. Because I must (name that movie reference!).
January 30, 2019
I was really surprised to read the author say, " Trauma is one of the world's leading epidemics." I know things happen to people everyday and sometimes it is very traumatic. Trauma can be having been in a car accident, losing a loved one, an illness or being in a natural disaster. The list is endless and for some people those events can cause trauma that is hard to get over. I did like the first chapter because it goes into a bit more detail about trauma and has a quiz at the end of the chapter for you to take. After reading the first chapter, I was happy to see the author stressing that there are answers to the way we feel going through trauma.
I'm sure many of us have felt like we are losing our mind. The good news is, we aren't. We just need tools to help us cope with the trauma going on in our lives.I very much agree with the author that trust comes in to play after a traumatic event. The choice we make is important in dealing with trauma. I like that the author uses scriptures to emphasize her statements throughout the book.
I was anxious knowing that chapter four was coming next in my reading. I have PTSD and that is exactly what this chapter deals with. The author discusses that support groups may be helpful for some, speaking to a therapist and sometimes taking medication. I know what works best for me, but everyone must choose what they feel comfortable with. I never liked groups sessions because I was uncomfortable around people. It was always a trust issue for me and the thought of sharing my trauma with others scared me. I loved the scripture the author used to remind us about peace. " Peace I leave you; my peace I give to you." ( John 14:27) I have to remind myself of this scripture daily as anxiety tries to take over.
The book has subjects that really get to the heart of trauma and how to overcome it. I like the chapters where the author has included questions for readers to answer about your family life growing up. That is a hard one for me to fill out. I still have a long way to go, but I am a work in progress. The author writes a book that has great advice and examples of how to overcome what has kept us trapped. It may not be an easy road, but God is right there to help you. I did enjoy the book and know this one will be one I will reread many times.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion
I'm sure many of us have felt like we are losing our mind. The good news is, we aren't. We just need tools to help us cope with the trauma going on in our lives.I very much agree with the author that trust comes in to play after a traumatic event. The choice we make is important in dealing with trauma. I like that the author uses scriptures to emphasize her statements throughout the book.
I was anxious knowing that chapter four was coming next in my reading. I have PTSD and that is exactly what this chapter deals with. The author discusses that support groups may be helpful for some, speaking to a therapist and sometimes taking medication. I know what works best for me, but everyone must choose what they feel comfortable with. I never liked groups sessions because I was uncomfortable around people. It was always a trust issue for me and the thought of sharing my trauma with others scared me. I loved the scripture the author used to remind us about peace. " Peace I leave you; my peace I give to you." ( John 14:27) I have to remind myself of this scripture daily as anxiety tries to take over.
The book has subjects that really get to the heart of trauma and how to overcome it. I like the chapters where the author has included questions for readers to answer about your family life growing up. That is a hard one for me to fill out. I still have a long way to go, but I am a work in progress. The author writes a book that has great advice and examples of how to overcome what has kept us trapped. It may not be an easy road, but God is right there to help you. I did enjoy the book and know this one will be one I will reread many times.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion
January 30, 2019
Here is my review of Reclaiming Sanity : Hope and Healing for Trauma, Review for Celebration Lit:
Reclaiming Sanity Hope and Healing for Trauma, Stress and overwhelming Life Events by Dr. Lauren Shaler
This book addresses the trauma and struggle people go through after a loss of various kinds. Dr. Shaler is a social worker, author , counselor , professor, speaker. She has wonderful experience and examples of people that have gone through post traumatic stress and uses their examples to teach others how to handle their stress. She used to work for the Department of Veteran Affairs as a counselor and specialized in trauma. Her book is written in several parts. She first explains what it is to have PSTD. In the second part she tells the reader how to get their life back .She also addresses the myths we have about how we handle our losses and how to look at the myths differently. She also teaches specific coping mechanisms for those going through PSTD. She ends with how to get your peace back. This book has a positive helpful approach for people who have been through life altering losses. This book will prepare people for any future PSTD situations they will be facing.Stress and overwhelming LIfe Events by Dr. Lauren Shaler
Reclaiming Sanity Hope and Healing for Trauma, Stress and overwhelming Life Events by Dr. Lauren Shaler
This book addresses the trauma and struggle people go through after a loss of various kinds. Dr. Shaler is a social worker, author , counselor , professor, speaker. She has wonderful experience and examples of people that have gone through post traumatic stress and uses their examples to teach others how to handle their stress. She used to work for the Department of Veteran Affairs as a counselor and specialized in trauma. Her book is written in several parts. She first explains what it is to have PSTD. In the second part she tells the reader how to get their life back .She also addresses the myths we have about how we handle our losses and how to look at the myths differently. She also teaches specific coping mechanisms for those going through PSTD. She ends with how to get your peace back. This book has a positive helpful approach for people who have been through life altering losses. This book will prepare people for any future PSTD situations they will be facing.Stress and overwhelming LIfe Events by Dr. Lauren Shaler
June 23, 2022
A Fresh Look at Mental Health
We all experience hard times. However, not all hard things can be classified as trauma and even fewer develop into PTSD.
Have you ever heard someone say, “Trust Jesus to make you happy.” or “He has a demon in him.”? While both of these can be true, we should never discount the value of therapy and medications.
Mental illness is like any other medical condition. Finding a good Christian counselor &/or psychiatrist and proper medications can make all the difference in how one recovers from trauma.
Prayer and support from fellow believers are also vitally important.
I received this book FREE from the author, publisher, distributor, or other source. My only obligation is to provide a fair and honest review.
We all experience hard times. However, not all hard things can be classified as trauma and even fewer develop into PTSD.
Have you ever heard someone say, “Trust Jesus to make you happy.” or “He has a demon in him.”? While both of these can be true, we should never discount the value of therapy and medications.
Mental illness is like any other medical condition. Finding a good Christian counselor &/or psychiatrist and proper medications can make all the difference in how one recovers from trauma.
Prayer and support from fellow believers are also vitally important.
I received this book FREE from the author, publisher, distributor, or other source. My only obligation is to provide a fair and honest review.
February 1, 2019
This is an interesting nonfiction read. This gives a few good ideas on helping you survive a trauma or stress. I picked up a few good tips while reading this book. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
January 27, 2023
this really helped me
35, three teens, almost five years since I filed for divorce and while it was my decision I never really took time to unpack the trauma wrapped up in the emotional, mental and sometimes physical abuse I endured until trying to help my teenage boys and preteen daughter navigate this split life. This book really helped me to put some things in perspective and really start the healing journey. It’s a long road but I’m determined to see it through.
35, three teens, almost five years since I filed for divorce and while it was my decision I never really took time to unpack the trauma wrapped up in the emotional, mental and sometimes physical abuse I endured until trying to help my teenage boys and preteen daughter navigate this split life. This book really helped me to put some things in perspective and really start the healing journey. It’s a long road but I’m determined to see it through.
January 31, 2019
Whether you are a victim of stress, trauma, or just overwhelming life events, or are someone wanting to support someone in your life, Reclaiming Sanity: Hope and Healing for Trauma, Stress, and Life Events has something to offer.Dr. Shaler writes from a person, compassionate and first-hand knowledge about the subject. The book was easy to read and contained a wealth of knowledge, insight and more. I appreciated how she was able to differentiate between the types of trauma and stress while recognizing the lasting effects any of the above might have on a person’s life.
I love her Biblical examination of anger and other situations found in life. One of the most relevant pieces of the book to me is her discussion about forgiveness. Forgiveness is not necessarily for the sole benefit of the one being forgiven. A lack of forgiveness provides the potential for long-term and even unnoticed effects on the one that needs to grant forgiveness.
I also love how in the last part of the book she describes how to have your own mini retreat. Truly, everyone at one time or another may benefit from experiencing a mini-retreat. The details and suggestions in this suggestion The options include everything from calming breaths to progressive muscle relaxation, to a Reclaiming Sanity retreat. Reclaiming Clarity, Reclaiming Me, Reclaiming peace, and Reclaiming Sanity all play a role. It is a matter of going through the steps and searching our hearts for God’s wisdom and knowledge.
So if you are looking for a book about taking back your life or helping someone else take back their life from stress, hard life happenings, or other traumatic events, check out this book for yourself.
I love her Biblical examination of anger and other situations found in life. One of the most relevant pieces of the book to me is her discussion about forgiveness. Forgiveness is not necessarily for the sole benefit of the one being forgiven. A lack of forgiveness provides the potential for long-term and even unnoticed effects on the one that needs to grant forgiveness.
I also love how in the last part of the book she describes how to have your own mini retreat. Truly, everyone at one time or another may benefit from experiencing a mini-retreat. The details and suggestions in this suggestion The options include everything from calming breaths to progressive muscle relaxation, to a Reclaiming Sanity retreat. Reclaiming Clarity, Reclaiming Me, Reclaiming peace, and Reclaiming Sanity all play a role. It is a matter of going through the steps and searching our hearts for God’s wisdom and knowledge.
So if you are looking for a book about taking back your life or helping someone else take back their life from stress, hard life happenings, or other traumatic events, check out this book for yourself.
February 2, 2019
This book is one that I will keep going back to. The content is difficult - in a good way. It challenges you to take ownership, to self-examine. It may be a needed kick in the teeth, and it doesn't shy away from tough topics. It may challenge you to walk back through some hurtful things, too - I know it did for me.
It may feel like a long book - especially because there is so much to process. Don't rush it. Go slow. Read, journal, go do something else, come back to it. Again, don't inhale your steak dinner.
Reclaiming Sanity gets into a lot of great Scripture and some theory, but it is easy to read and very practical as well. My favorite part was the "mini-retreat" chapter at the end, which walks you through some of the exercises mentioned for managing stress and emotions.
Also, Dr. Shaler does a really good job with the biblical studies throughout the book. This is an area where many books in the self-help space fall short. This book is loaded with Scripture, but it isn't proof-texting. It's appropriately contextualized and interpreted. She also cites great sources (including one of my favorite professors!). You can tell the strength of a nonfiction book by the source material. This one is a strong one.
I received a review copy of this book; all opinions are my own.
January 25, 2019
Dr. Laurel Shaler has written an amazing resource on a truly sensitive subject. Mental illness is a topic not many want to talk about, especially those who are suffering from trauma. With honesty, sensitivity, and sincerity the author attempts speak to the heart of the reader and provide help and support for those who greatly need it. She was able to masterfully achieve calling out trauma while not getting into specific triggering content. As she says in her writing, the book is hopefully a support but is not intended to take the place of individual professional help. This is a great resource for anyone who has dealt with trauma in the past or who is trying to walk alongside someone who has. I give this book a resounding 5 stars, and it's worth every one of them and more!
*I received a copy of this book from the author through CelebrateLit. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
*I received a copy of this book from the author through CelebrateLit. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
January 28, 2019
This nonfiction book offers helpful methods for dealing with the feeling that you’re going crazy (or maybe are already there). People with out-of-control anger issues or Past Traumatic Stress will also find the material offers answers for their situations too. Eighteen easy-to-read chapters walk you through the evaluation and healing process. The author brings God into the work and shares stories of those who have worked through their troubles to offer encouragement to those in need of assistance. Her experience and wise counsel. As the book states, this “if a self-guided journey,” where you can work at your own pace. The four divisions the book covers are: “Reclaiming Clarity,” “Reclaiming Me,” “Reclaiming Peace,” and “Reclaiming Sanity.” I think the book could be useful used individually, discussed in a group, or with a counselor. She also shares how to conduct your own mini-retreat and includes resources in the back. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.
January 31, 2019
I found "Reclaiming Sanity: Hope and Healing for Trauma, Stress, and Overwhelming Life Events" by Dr. Laurel Shaler a helpful book. It is a book filled with practical ideals and suggestions for overcoming life events. The author shares examples from personal experiences from her own life and her clients. I recommend this book to anyone that needs to heal from trauma, stress, and overwhelming Life Events and to anyone that wants to help them heal.
This book is really easy to follow and is not technical at all and clearly points to Jesus.
There are chapters on forgiveness and anger and those two chapters are worth the read alone even if you don't read the entire book, but I must warn you are losing a great deal of healing if you don't read the whole book.
I was given a complimentary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit. These are my own opinions.
This book is really easy to follow and is not technical at all and clearly points to Jesus.
There are chapters on forgiveness and anger and those two chapters are worth the read alone even if you don't read the entire book, but I must warn you are losing a great deal of healing if you don't read the whole book.
I was given a complimentary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit. These are my own opinions.
February 1, 2019
Reclaiming sanity
The book discusses emotional healing. Starts out discussing PTSD and how you know you have it. The book has different sections, part 1 and part 2 is called reclaiming me. Part 3 is reclaiming peace. Then the last section is reclaiming sanity. The book does have some real life stories in it.
A couple of quotes from the book, “ the reality is that our past, our whole past, affects our present.” “ Only you can control yourself “.
There is a couple of chapters on being angry. A lot of good points on controlling your angry. I like the one about getting angry while driving at other people when running late. Not the other person fault that your running late.
I received an complimentary book from Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write an positive review. This is my own opinion.
The book discusses emotional healing. Starts out discussing PTSD and how you know you have it. The book has different sections, part 1 and part 2 is called reclaiming me. Part 3 is reclaiming peace. Then the last section is reclaiming sanity. The book does have some real life stories in it.
A couple of quotes from the book, “ the reality is that our past, our whole past, affects our present.” “ Only you can control yourself “.
There is a couple of chapters on being angry. A lot of good points on controlling your angry. I like the one about getting angry while driving at other people when running late. Not the other person fault that your running late.
I received an complimentary book from Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write an positive review. This is my own opinion.
January 12, 2019
With great attention to definition, explanation, observation and practice, Reclaiming Sanity definitely has its place as a valuable tool to aiding individuals seeking to recover peace in their relationships with themselves and others. Written from a Christian worldview, the author includes exercises for self-examination as well as practice of the skills shared in each chapter.
Highly recommended as a well-written, thorough and accessible resource for understanding the whys and hows of beginning the process of healing from emotional trauma. Included is a chapter of additional resources for further study and practice.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book. A favorable review was not required, no compensation was received, and all views expressed are my own.
Highly recommended as a well-written, thorough and accessible resource for understanding the whys and hows of beginning the process of healing from emotional trauma. Included is a chapter of additional resources for further study and practice.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book. A favorable review was not required, no compensation was received, and all views expressed are my own.
January 8, 2020
Excellent book if you are going through something and could use a little no fluff, faith based guidance. I found this book VERY helpful and useful. This wasn't just another "feel good" book. The writer offered very useful, practical and therapeutic tools to wade through some very difficult emotional related issues.
September 10, 2020
For those interested in personal growth books written by experts that make psychological principles easier to understand (like Brenee Brown's books or Anita Kuhnley's books), I definitely recommend this book. Dr. Laurel Shaler unpacks trauma and offers helpful tips and lenses for understanding it along the way. I highly recommend this book!
May 11, 2022
Biblical healing
Biblical self help book on how to overcome trauma and stress in life. In the first, The book explained more on medical things of trauma, in the end was the solutions on how biblically solved all of these things.
Biblical self help book on how to overcome trauma and stress in life. In the first, The book explained more on medical things of trauma, in the end was the solutions on how biblically solved all of these things.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews