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The Power Of Suffering
The Power of Suffering is psychologist David Roland’s personal investigation into the nature of human suffering. When our world is turned upside down, what does it do to us, how do we survive it, and, most importantly, how can we grow as a result? David takes the lived experience of eleven incredible people and follows them along each step of their journey from crisis through to acceptance and triumph. Within each story, David draws on his own experience of life-altering trauma and clinical research to offer insights we all can gain from.
Each life story examined is a moving testimony of the human spirit’s ability to rise and rise again – an executive tragically loses his family in a car crash and finds healing in the rehabilitation of wildlife, a teenage victim of domestic violence becomes a fierce advocate for abused women and brain-injured youth, a football superstar overcomes bigotry and dyslexia to forge a career in acting, a mother experiences the aching depth of love lost after her teenage child’s life is tragically cut short. These are but a few of the intimately told stories, all pointing to a path through the storm and beyond.
The Power of Suffering is a revelatory account of how the darkest night can lead to the most profound dawn.
Each life story examined is a moving testimony of the human spirit’s ability to rise and rise again – an executive tragically loses his family in a car crash and finds healing in the rehabilitation of wildlife, a teenage victim of domestic violence becomes a fierce advocate for abused women and brain-injured youth, a football superstar overcomes bigotry and dyslexia to forge a career in acting, a mother experiences the aching depth of love lost after her teenage child’s life is tragically cut short. These are but a few of the intimately told stories, all pointing to a path through the storm and beyond.
The Power of Suffering is a revelatory account of how the darkest night can lead to the most profound dawn.
- GenresPsychologySelf Help
Audiobook
Published February 24, 2020
21 people are currently reading
218 people want to read
About the author
David Roland
42 books15 followersDavid Roland brings a unique blend of warmth, humour and insight to his work as a writer, drawing on his lived experience as well as on his training as a psychologist. He lives in Australia where he swims in the ocean, walks in the forest, drinks coffee and dances salsa. He is the father of three independent daughters whom he describes as being like three different cuisines, cuisines that when you put them on the table work together exquisitely.
He is a graduate of the University of Sydney with a BSc (Hons) and gained his PhD in clinical psychology from the University of Wollongong with a research focus on performance anxiety in musicians.
For more than twenty years David worked as a clinical and forensic psychologist in the treatment and assessment of clients ranging from children to adults, for the Children’s Court Clinic and the Criminal Court. He is an Honorary Associate with the University Centre for Rural Health, University of Sydney, and a founding member of Compassionate Mind Australia.
David’s latest book The Power of Suffering: Growing through life crises (Simon & Shuster, 2020) draws together the real-life stories of 11 incredible people who survived their crises and grew in transformative ways. David not only narrates these stories, but he also examines them through the lens of posttraumatic growth. He details how to be an ‘expert companion’ to someone going through crisis.
His memoir How I Rescued My Brain: a psychologist’s remarkable recovery from stroke and trauma (Scribe) describes how David implemented his own rehabilitation plan using neuroplasticity, psychology and social connection. This book was shortlisted for an ABIA award in 2015 and it was selected by Reading Well (UK) as a prescription book.
The Confident Performer (NewSouth) came out of David’s PhD research and his work with hundreds of performers, public speakers and examination takers. It has been used worldwide in performing arts teaching institutions.
David is published in Best Australian Science Writing 2015. He has been featured in the Sunday Express, Rolling Stone, The Independent, The Sydney Morning Herald, Huffington Post, The Conversation, Wellbeing, on ABC Television and ABC Radio and podcasts worldwide. In 2015, he was awarded the Stroke Foundation’s Creative Award. He has academic publications in the fields of performance anxiety and vicarious trauma.
He is a graduate of the University of Sydney with a BSc (Hons) and gained his PhD in clinical psychology from the University of Wollongong with a research focus on performance anxiety in musicians.
For more than twenty years David worked as a clinical and forensic psychologist in the treatment and assessment of clients ranging from children to adults, for the Children’s Court Clinic and the Criminal Court. He is an Honorary Associate with the University Centre for Rural Health, University of Sydney, and a founding member of Compassionate Mind Australia.
David’s latest book The Power of Suffering: Growing through life crises (Simon & Shuster, 2020) draws together the real-life stories of 11 incredible people who survived their crises and grew in transformative ways. David not only narrates these stories, but he also examines them through the lens of posttraumatic growth. He details how to be an ‘expert companion’ to someone going through crisis.
His memoir How I Rescued My Brain: a psychologist’s remarkable recovery from stroke and trauma (Scribe) describes how David implemented his own rehabilitation plan using neuroplasticity, psychology and social connection. This book was shortlisted for an ABIA award in 2015 and it was selected by Reading Well (UK) as a prescription book.
The Confident Performer (NewSouth) came out of David’s PhD research and his work with hundreds of performers, public speakers and examination takers. It has been used worldwide in performing arts teaching institutions.
David is published in Best Australian Science Writing 2015. He has been featured in the Sunday Express, Rolling Stone, The Independent, The Sydney Morning Herald, Huffington Post, The Conversation, Wellbeing, on ABC Television and ABC Radio and podcasts worldwide. In 2015, he was awarded the Stroke Foundation’s Creative Award. He has academic publications in the fields of performance anxiety and vicarious trauma.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 6, 2021
Well worth reading. The stories throughout this and the analysis of post traumatic growth is quite inspiring. Provides a different lense to grief, trauma and life crises.
August 2, 2021
This has become one of the most important books I have read in recent times.
It is vital to educate ourselves on concepts we passively feel exist but don't have any proof they do outside of our minds. The concept of Post Traumatic Growth (PTG) was an example of this for me personally. I had always felt and understood that it was possible for people to grow and evolve through whatever trials they had overcome in their lives but the concept of PTG gave a name to this evolution, and an understanding to the mechanism by which it can occur.
David Roland does an excellent job highlighting the stories of people who have experienced deep levels of suffering with regards to their health, children or otherwise. These stories alone were powerful enough to put anything the average reader might be going through into perspective.
However what Roland did masterfully was to weave the narrative of his own journey through understanding suffering and PTG throughout his experience listening to the stories of those he met. It felt as though I as the reader was a fly on the wall in the same room, and at multiple times I almost felt personally connected to some of the stories.
Ultimately, I highly recommend this book to all so that we can understand how and why some people grow through their suffering and why. Suffering is something all human beings will experience at some point, it is important to be able to understand such a journey and how best to navigate its stormy seas.
It is vital to educate ourselves on concepts we passively feel exist but don't have any proof they do outside of our minds. The concept of Post Traumatic Growth (PTG) was an example of this for me personally. I had always felt and understood that it was possible for people to grow and evolve through whatever trials they had overcome in their lives but the concept of PTG gave a name to this evolution, and an understanding to the mechanism by which it can occur.
David Roland does an excellent job highlighting the stories of people who have experienced deep levels of suffering with regards to their health, children or otherwise. These stories alone were powerful enough to put anything the average reader might be going through into perspective.
However what Roland did masterfully was to weave the narrative of his own journey through understanding suffering and PTG throughout his experience listening to the stories of those he met. It felt as though I as the reader was a fly on the wall in the same room, and at multiple times I almost felt personally connected to some of the stories.
Ultimately, I highly recommend this book to all so that we can understand how and why some people grow through their suffering and why. Suffering is something all human beings will experience at some point, it is important to be able to understand such a journey and how best to navigate its stormy seas.
March 8, 2020
I read this book over a few sittings within a 24 hour period and found it to be a very practical and inspiring read. My heart literally sank several times at just how horrendous many of the traumas that the various subjects in the book have been through really are however their following experiences of “post traumatic growth” after the extreme suffering show amazing resilience. Trauma is a truly isolating and lonely experience so books like this one are extremely important in providing both practical advice (many of the traditional “self help” rules aren’t applicable in these cases and can be very frustrating to come across and increase the isolating feeling) and also relatable stories of real people who’ve made it out the other side and still lead very meaningful lives around the pain.
October 10, 2020
This books helps to understand the brain and how it works after a period of trauma. So helpful and I found parts of this book very comforting as David Roland explained how we all love our narrative and anything that threatens that can be very hard to deal with. Thank you to those who shared their stories in these pages
October 31, 2021
I appreciate how hopeful this book makes me feel about my capacity to channel my suffering and strive for change. It is a book that I could easily reccommend to the general audience.
June 11, 2021
Hi David,
I recently read your book "The power of suffering". First of all thank you for writing such a wonderful book. Each story was heart felt and very relatable. We recently lost our loved ones due to COVID and Cancer, and your book provided encouraging words and hope for future.
Thanks Again, and hope you keep writing more of these kind of encouraging books.
I recently read your book "The power of suffering". First of all thank you for writing such a wonderful book. Each story was heart felt and very relatable. We recently lost our loved ones due to COVID and Cancer, and your book provided encouraging words and hope for future.
Thanks Again, and hope you keep writing more of these kind of encouraging books.
May 13, 2020
I recently wrote the following on my Facebook page (The Library Within) as a reflection on 'The Power of Suffering'. It almost feels like you were prescient, David - this book seems made to guide and support us during this time of worldwise chaos.
Humanity is suffering, collectively. I fluctuate wildly between deep gratitude for my abundant blessings to the depths of despair for all those battling immense life and livelihood implications.
For those facing physical health struggles, I pray that you’re able to access the care you require. For those facing mental health struggles, please hold on and know that you are precious…needed…part of a greater whole.
A balm for all this upheaval came for me recently in the form of a book (of course!) – ‘The Power of Suffering’. I was never to know when it caught my eye on the ‘New’ library shelf how poignant and powerful it would feel in the midst of this chaos. It has absorbed and guided me – my only sadness comes from now knowing that I can’t return it to the library for it to be joyfully passed on.
In a exciting twist, I included this guide in a recent Community Newspapers article as a isolation reading recommendation. I was beyond thrilled when David Roland, the author, contacted me through Facebook to personally thank me for sharing details of his book. How gracious.
I have scribbled a multitude of notes to follow up from David’s work – here is wonderful little morsel. I’ll aim to share more.
“We open up to new possibilities, new people and new insights when our person-hood is assailed by suffering. There is a release before there is a gain. This is the positive work of suffering, to knock down the parapets of our assumptions about how life is. It’s a kneeling in the dirt, arms upraised in surrender. In this void, this space, the seeds of wisdom germinate.”
Humanity is suffering, collectively. I fluctuate wildly between deep gratitude for my abundant blessings to the depths of despair for all those battling immense life and livelihood implications.
For those facing physical health struggles, I pray that you’re able to access the care you require. For those facing mental health struggles, please hold on and know that you are precious…needed…part of a greater whole.
A balm for all this upheaval came for me recently in the form of a book (of course!) – ‘The Power of Suffering’. I was never to know when it caught my eye on the ‘New’ library shelf how poignant and powerful it would feel in the midst of this chaos. It has absorbed and guided me – my only sadness comes from now knowing that I can’t return it to the library for it to be joyfully passed on.
In a exciting twist, I included this guide in a recent Community Newspapers article as a isolation reading recommendation. I was beyond thrilled when David Roland, the author, contacted me through Facebook to personally thank me for sharing details of his book. How gracious.
I have scribbled a multitude of notes to follow up from David’s work – here is wonderful little morsel. I’ll aim to share more.
“We open up to new possibilities, new people and new insights when our person-hood is assailed by suffering. There is a release before there is a gain. This is the positive work of suffering, to knock down the parapets of our assumptions about how life is. It’s a kneeling in the dirt, arms upraised in surrender. In this void, this space, the seeds of wisdom germinate.”
June 20, 2020
I felt included while reading The Power Of suffering .
I liked the way David Roland measured the moments when he allowed Jane, Steve, Angela, Sandra, Prudence and the others to be with aspects of his own experience, not playing the psychologist ,just showing his tatoos to confirm his human presence.
He located himself well as a skilled professional and the respect he shows for his important peers came through as references for the science of neurobiological understanding.
David was able to stand compassionately with the individual who's story was being shared,offering their gaze to turn on his own story in small glimpses.He includes himself skillfully in the text
As David catches up at later points in the book with the people featured I see how trust and ease were established. I am curious about the description of financial instability running alongside decreasing mental health. At present others will relate to changing financial stability as a question of of self worth and assumptions about life.David's reevaluation of financial well being is a relevant theme at present. The people in the book are able to share their traumatic life experiences reflectively which emphasizes the healing power of story.
I am left with confidence that my story is powerful and entertaining to tell myself,to share with myself with tenderness,amusement and a distance that leaves my body safe from revisiting panic.This highlights the worth of story as a bridge between trauma and restoration. I share genuine pride in human recovery with writer and the circle of storytellers through this careful study of suffering,survival and growth.
I liked the way David Roland measured the moments when he allowed Jane, Steve, Angela, Sandra, Prudence and the others to be with aspects of his own experience, not playing the psychologist ,just showing his tatoos to confirm his human presence.
He located himself well as a skilled professional and the respect he shows for his important peers came through as references for the science of neurobiological understanding.
David was able to stand compassionately with the individual who's story was being shared,offering their gaze to turn on his own story in small glimpses.He includes himself skillfully in the text
As David catches up at later points in the book with the people featured I see how trust and ease were established. I am curious about the description of financial instability running alongside decreasing mental health. At present others will relate to changing financial stability as a question of of self worth and assumptions about life.David's reevaluation of financial well being is a relevant theme at present. The people in the book are able to share their traumatic life experiences reflectively which emphasizes the healing power of story.
I am left with confidence that my story is powerful and entertaining to tell myself,to share with myself with tenderness,amusement and a distance that leaves my body safe from revisiting panic.This highlights the worth of story as a bridge between trauma and restoration. I share genuine pride in human recovery with writer and the circle of storytellers through this careful study of suffering,survival and growth.
May 15, 2021
Daily we read about, we hear about, we watch, eavesdrop, observe voyeuristically the tragedies and horrors of the events and crises that affect, devastate and destroy the lives of ordinary people going about their ordinary and unexceptional lives. Ordinary people just like us as it happens. Car accidents, natural disasters, sudden health crises, random acts of violence - and all the time we think thank goodness it is not me/us, and then, how would I cope with such a trauma? Well, after reading this, I know that I would cope - eventually - and undoubtedly come out of it a different person, a changed person, maybe a better person.
The author, David Roland, is a psychologist but it is not until he himself goes through a major personal crisis that he turns his eye and his own recovery onto the stories of others. The eleven people he profiles in this book have gone through life changing and devastating happenings. He carefully narrates their stories, not just the traumas, but more importantly how their approach to life and living has changed as a result of learning to live on a daily basis with their various tragedies. In the process David Roland comes to terms with what has been going on in his own life, and learns to live again.
This book is an extremely personal narrative of many life journeys, incredibly intimate and a true privilege to be allowed to read. Also very humbling. I hope I may never be in the position of finding my life completely turned up on its end, but if it ever is, I will have this book to help me on my way, to reassure me that one day things will get better, change, improve. And it may also help me help others.
The author, David Roland, is a psychologist but it is not until he himself goes through a major personal crisis that he turns his eye and his own recovery onto the stories of others. The eleven people he profiles in this book have gone through life changing and devastating happenings. He carefully narrates their stories, not just the traumas, but more importantly how their approach to life and living has changed as a result of learning to live on a daily basis with their various tragedies. In the process David Roland comes to terms with what has been going on in his own life, and learns to live again.
This book is an extremely personal narrative of many life journeys, incredibly intimate and a true privilege to be allowed to read. Also very humbling. I hope I may never be in the position of finding my life completely turned up on its end, but if it ever is, I will have this book to help me on my way, to reassure me that one day things will get better, change, improve. And it may also help me help others.
October 16, 2021
This book was like therapy to me. A must-read.
Really helps you understand how to heal from trauma. Different phases of post-trauma growth. Proven techniques that have helped heal people from trauma. I really enjoyed the real-life stories mentioned and all the different ways that helped people move past from the pain of a life chnaging incident to growth.
Really helps you understand how to heal from trauma. Different phases of post-trauma growth. Proven techniques that have helped heal people from trauma. I really enjoyed the real-life stories mentioned and all the different ways that helped people move past from the pain of a life chnaging incident to growth.
December 13, 2020
This was a great collection of deeply personal stories of tragedy, adversity and resilience. Each character that Dr Roland interviewed provided an overview of their own struggles, whether they be related to being homosexual, being physically disabled or losing a loved one. All of the stories presented their own individual challenges and provided the reader with unique insights on how to galvanize the lessons and advantages from suffering. The focus of the book was centered on 'Post Traumatic Growth' and it is fair to deduce it does exist and prosper. Overall, I loved all of the stories and loved their stark differences but also their underlying similarities. I highly recommend this book!
April 8, 2020
David’s approach of sharing others stories and breaking it down psychologically with insights , made it relatable to me ,gave me language and helped define some of my own experiences
It is a brilliant read especially for those going through challenges or with a history of trauma
A book that I am sure I will be using as a reference tool when I need to process or understand past and future experiences
It is a brilliant read especially for those going through challenges or with a history of trauma
A book that I am sure I will be using as a reference tool when I need to process or understand past and future experiences
Read
May 4, 2020David tells the moving stories of everyday people who have endured suffering and found their way through those lows and onto growth and new possibilities. While documenting these, David deftly weaves in his own parallel story of suffering and growth. The book has a light almost conversational tone, easy to read yet the stories go deep and can pull at the heartstrings. A story of hope in these challenging times from one who has seen the highs and lows.
August 13, 2020
I found this book a very thought provoking read. Having been a witness of incredible suffering myself, I felt a connection to the developing thread throughout the stories David Roland retold in such a sensitive way. With the unfolding of each tragedy and the incredible growth that occurred over time for each one, David Roland’s book serves as an inspiration for anyone going through tough times. It is a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and to never ever give up.
May 11, 2020
Such a beautiful exploration of what suffering really is, and what growth can happen post trauma. This curious exploration of life could serve as an inspiring study for professional therapists in peer consultation who want to look deeper into vulnerability and compassion both in themselves and their clients. Bravo.
June 30, 2020
Thought-provoking and sensitively written.
A fascinating examination of Post-Traumatic Growth, following the question "Why do some people grow after life crises?" Roland has gathered a collection of life stories that will shock, amaze, confront, and encourage, showing how people can remake themselves after life as they know it changes forever.
A fascinating examination of Post-Traumatic Growth, following the question "Why do some people grow after life crises?" Roland has gathered a collection of life stories that will shock, amaze, confront, and encourage, showing how people can remake themselves after life as they know it changes forever.
July 13, 2021
It’s week 3 of a minimum 6-week stint at home with a broken foot for me. It’s been hard going as a single parent with no family, but nothing compared to the suffering of the people in this book. Lots to be learned about growth and becoming better after a crisis.
April 29, 2020
Very nicely written book that is full of unique and not so unique stories of suffering. It gives you a different perspective on suffering and a new appreciation of life.
May 12, 2020
This is an absolutely wonderful book full of touching and wonderful stories.
November 5, 2025
The Power of Suffering by David Roland is a profound meditation on what it means to endure and evolve through life’s darkest moments. With the precision of a psychologist and the vulnerability of a survivor, Roland explores how tragedy can shatter us, but also reveal the architecture of our resilience.
Across eleven deeply human stories, he guides readers through the unthinkable loss, trauma, and the long road back to wholeness. Each narrative is a quiet testament to the transformative potential buried within pain: a father who finds peace through wildlife rescue after devastating loss, a survivor who turns her scars into advocacy, a mother who learns to live in love after loss.
What makes this work exceptional is its honesty. Roland doesn’t romanticize suffering he translates it. Through personal reflection and clinical understanding, he illuminates how crises can fracture identity yet become the very forge of meaning and compassion.
The Power of Suffering belongs on the shelf beside The Body Keeps the Score and Man’s Search for Meaning. It is at once psychological literature and spiritual guidebook a reminder that the hardest experiences often open the deepest doors.
This isn’t just a book about surviving it’s about becoming.
Across eleven deeply human stories, he guides readers through the unthinkable loss, trauma, and the long road back to wholeness. Each narrative is a quiet testament to the transformative potential buried within pain: a father who finds peace through wildlife rescue after devastating loss, a survivor who turns her scars into advocacy, a mother who learns to live in love after loss.
What makes this work exceptional is its honesty. Roland doesn’t romanticize suffering he translates it. Through personal reflection and clinical understanding, he illuminates how crises can fracture identity yet become the very forge of meaning and compassion.
The Power of Suffering belongs on the shelf beside The Body Keeps the Score and Man’s Search for Meaning. It is at once psychological literature and spiritual guidebook a reminder that the hardest experiences often open the deepest doors.
This isn’t just a book about surviving it’s about becoming.
August 5, 2023
“Orientate towards people who align with your life purpose and values and you may be surprised who these people are. The reward of connection is contentment and joy.”
“People survive suffering better if they can find meaning in it, This might be a new life purpose, finding beauty or joy in spite of the suffering or by changing oneself, one's attitude, when the situation itself cannot be changed”
“In everyday life we have much that we could be more appreciative of: a blue sky, birdsong, friendships, conversation, being mobile, being part of a community, friendship, family, having a home, but if we haven't been threatened with the loss of these things, it's harder to appreciate their preciousness.”
“Our storytellers have shown us that we find comfort, support and guidance from people we didn't know could provide it.
Some people who we thought would be pillars of strength aren't.
Cultivate a range of relationships in different social contexts, and be careful about predetermining who we can connect with and who not. My recovery period showed me how much I'd narrowed my range of relationships; now this range is richer and broader, and less stereotypical.”
“People survive suffering better if they can find meaning in it, This might be a new life purpose, finding beauty or joy in spite of the suffering or by changing oneself, one's attitude, when the situation itself cannot be changed”
“In everyday life we have much that we could be more appreciative of: a blue sky, birdsong, friendships, conversation, being mobile, being part of a community, friendship, family, having a home, but if we haven't been threatened with the loss of these things, it's harder to appreciate their preciousness.”
“Our storytellers have shown us that we find comfort, support and guidance from people we didn't know could provide it.
Some people who we thought would be pillars of strength aren't.
Cultivate a range of relationships in different social contexts, and be careful about predetermining who we can connect with and who not. My recovery period showed me how much I'd narrowed my range of relationships; now this range is richer and broader, and less stereotypical.”
February 21, 2023
The fluidity of this book is amazing. A great reminder for every reader that life is suffering, that everyone suffers in different ways and, that life is a journey. The importance of self-reflection, introspection and evaluation in alignment with own goals and that identity is a construct that can be shaped, moulded and adapted as we evolve.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I read the book twice and listened to the audio book, making notes as I went.
Although the focus is on healing, and the positivity and opportunity for growth that can come from trauma; there is also an undertone of empowerment that we are not passive recipients of our lives. This book is a wonderful read, beneficial to all on how to be kind to ourselves and, to be mindful we do not know the suffering that goes on along the heroes journey. We’re all heroes, all supporters and all suffering and rebuilding, growing, re-growing.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I read the book twice and listened to the audio book, making notes as I went.
Although the focus is on healing, and the positivity and opportunity for growth that can come from trauma; there is also an undertone of empowerment that we are not passive recipients of our lives. This book is a wonderful read, beneficial to all on how to be kind to ourselves and, to be mindful we do not know the suffering that goes on along the heroes journey. We’re all heroes, all supporters and all suffering and rebuilding, growing, re-growing.
January 5, 2022
There is some gold in this book and some lovely moments. It's probably greedy to have felt that there was so much more to cover around the topic, that wasn't touched on. I particularly craved an Indigenous perspective somewhere. But a great topic to write on.
February 18, 2022
Fijn boek, meer om de persoonlijke getuigenissen dan om nieuwe inzichten.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews