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Healing at Work: A Guide to Using Career Conflicts to Overcome Your Past and Build the Future You Deserve
Did you grow up in a dysfunctional or chaotic childhood that made you feel uncertain, unloved, unsafe, anxious, never good enough? Are you shocked to discover that you’re still feeling that way now that you’re a professional adult? Are limiting beliefs getting in the way of the career success that you deserve? Do the stress and worry you suffer at work rob you of your joy and self-acceptance? You don’t have to be imprisoned by your past. No matter how bad it was. And you’re not alone! Healing at A Guide to Using Career Conflicts to Overcome Your Past and Build the Future You Deserve, by career experts Susan Schmitt Winchester and Martha I. Finney, gives you the skills and insights you need to thrive in your career and in life. Building on the principles that “damaged is not doomed” and “the rest of your life is yours,” Winchester and Finney incorporate world-class career advice, principles of positive psychology and the latest research in neuroplasticity to help you see how you can use your career and workplace experiences to build the life of happiness and success that you desire. In Healing at Work, you’ll learn how to create the life and career that you deserve, based on joy, optimism, meaning, and a healthy sense of being welcomed and appreciated. Joel Manby, Author of Love Works, 7 Timeless Principles of Effective Leaders. Former CEO, SeaWorld Entertainment and Saab Automobiles USA Featured in Undercover Boss “I picked up this book and could not put it down…. Healing at Work shows adult survivors of a damaged past how to reclaim their lives and use their work-life experiences to build a life of love, starting with themselves. This is a must-read for anyone who struggles with their past while trying to build a better future.” Joel Manby, Author of Love Works, 7 Timeless Principles of Effective Leaders. Former CEO, SeaWorld Entertainment and Saab Automobiles USA Featured in Undercover Boss Laurie Shakur, Head of People, Rakuten Advertising I picked up this book and could not put it down. It captivated me. I have led in business for 40 years and have seen first-hand that there are many ways to express and experience love in the workplace. Yet, the best way to start is through self-love, which comes from self-acceptance. But that’s not an easy task when you build a career with a wounded heart. Healing at Work shows adult survivors of a damaged past how to reclaim their lives and use their worklife experiences to build a life of love, starting with themselves. This is a must-read for anyone who struggles with their past while trying to build a better future. Dave Ulrich, PhD, Co-Author, The Why of How Great Leaders Build Abundant Organizations that Win Rensis Likert Professor, Ross School of Business, University of Michigan Partner, The RBL Group In Healing at Work, Susan and Martha shine a light on unconscious fears and ingrained responses that trap us in the past, rob our joy in the present, and limit our growth in the future. This is a courageous book—one I wish I had read 20 years ago. For anyone with an ASDP story, it is a compelling invi- tation to confront the pain in our past in a new, constructive way and a wonderful encouragement to use the workplace as our everyday training ground to practice the awareness, healing, and growth that brings freedom and joy. Shay Rowbottom Marketing Guru and Social Media Influencer With her gripping, and sometimes harrowing, stories, Susan courageously opens her soul to the vivid and life-damaging events that would have de- railed anyone.
261 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 25, 2021
26 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 26, 2026
A compassionate, eye‑opening guide to turning workplace pain into personal power
Healing at Work delivers a rare blend of emotional insight and practical strategy, showing how the conflicts we face on the job often trace back to deeper, unhealed patterns from our past. Instead of offering quick fixes, the author walks readers through a thoughtful process of self‑awareness, boundary‑setting, and growth that feels both empowering and doable. What makes the book stand out is its hopeful message: your career challenges aren’t signs of failure but invitations to heal and build a future that aligns with who you truly are. A meaningful, encouraging read for anyone ready to break old cycles and thrive at work and beyond.
Healing at Work delivers a rare blend of emotional insight and practical strategy, showing how the conflicts we face on the job often trace back to deeper, unhealed patterns from our past. Instead of offering quick fixes, the author walks readers through a thoughtful process of self‑awareness, boundary‑setting, and growth that feels both empowering and doable. What makes the book stand out is its hopeful message: your career challenges aren’t signs of failure but invitations to heal and build a future that aligns with who you truly are. A meaningful, encouraging read for anyone ready to break old cycles and thrive at work and beyond.
February 5, 2026
I found this book to offer a uniquely thoughtful approach to recentering and healing. When workplace-focused literature discusses “the work,” it is typically framed around interpersonal or intrapersonal skills as they relate to organizational function—effective communication, inclusivity, collaboration, or cultivating a strong ethos. Rarely is work examined as a site of healing. From the opening pages, that distinction set this book apart.
As I moved further into the text, I was deeply affected by the author’s account of her childhood. It was sobering and, at times, profoundly relatable, echoing elements of my own adverse childhood experiences. This narrative grounding served an important purpose: it centered the work, established mutuality, and fostered compassion before delving into the material itself. That sense of shared experience created a strong connective thread, making the journey of discovery especially illuminating.
Reading the book felt therapeutic. Each step alongside the author carried the warmth of a guiding presence—a reassurance that said, it’s okay, I’ve been there, and I can show you how I arrived where I am. One passage in particular offered not just understanding and recognition, but visibility. I vividly recall the first time I was told that I had endured severe trauma, and the immense relief that followed—the weight lifting from my chest as someone affirmed that I wasn’t imagining my pain, that what I experienced was real. Moments like these struck me deeply—emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually.
Both authors invite readers into their lives with openness and generosity, and what they share feels rooted in genuine love, compassion, and a sincere desire to see others heal. The result is a deeply resonant work. While the book includes a disclaimer that it may not be for everyone, I would encourage readers to at least begin with the introduction. If it speaks to you, sit with it. The journey it offers is truly worth taking.
As I moved further into the text, I was deeply affected by the author’s account of her childhood. It was sobering and, at times, profoundly relatable, echoing elements of my own adverse childhood experiences. This narrative grounding served an important purpose: it centered the work, established mutuality, and fostered compassion before delving into the material itself. That sense of shared experience created a strong connective thread, making the journey of discovery especially illuminating.
Reading the book felt therapeutic. Each step alongside the author carried the warmth of a guiding presence—a reassurance that said, it’s okay, I’ve been there, and I can show you how I arrived where I am. One passage in particular offered not just understanding and recognition, but visibility. I vividly recall the first time I was told that I had endured severe trauma, and the immense relief that followed—the weight lifting from my chest as someone affirmed that I wasn’t imagining my pain, that what I experienced was real. Moments like these struck me deeply—emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually.
Both authors invite readers into their lives with openness and generosity, and what they share feels rooted in genuine love, compassion, and a sincere desire to see others heal. The result is a deeply resonant work. While the book includes a disclaimer that it may not be for everyone, I would encourage readers to at least begin with the introduction. If it speaks to you, sit with it. The journey it offers is truly worth taking.
February 25, 2026
This book looked intriguing to me from the moment I saw its title. The overall premise of Healing at Work sounded like a particularly important — and, unfortunately, often overlooked — issue, but how would it relate to the corporate world? Unable to stifle my curiosity, I began reading, and authors Susan Schmitt Winchester and Martha I. Finney arrived quickly at the point.
One of the most important elements of this book is its rich assortment of key terms. When I learned the meaning of the acronym ASDP (adult survivor damaged past), I was shocked to find that over 67% of American adults meet the associated criteria. This is because each of these adults experienced at least one adverse childhood event (a traumatic event such as one of several types of abuse, neglect, food insecurity, etc. which a child might be continuously exposed to while under eighteen years of age). While this sounds terrible, if not entirely devoid of hope, the authors are quick to reassure any readers who happen to be ASDP’s that, while they cannot change the past, they can change whether and how those hurtful events affect their futures. As for what this all has to do with work: “You can use all your career experiences — negative and positive — to build healthy relationships with yourself and others.”
I recommend this book to all readers looking to change the paths they’re on in life based on difficult childhood experiences, particularly those who are simultaneously trying to be successful in the workplace. Because of the difficult subject matter, please take a look at content warnings.
One of the most important elements of this book is its rich assortment of key terms. When I learned the meaning of the acronym ASDP (adult survivor damaged past), I was shocked to find that over 67% of American adults meet the associated criteria. This is because each of these adults experienced at least one adverse childhood event (a traumatic event such as one of several types of abuse, neglect, food insecurity, etc. which a child might be continuously exposed to while under eighteen years of age). While this sounds terrible, if not entirely devoid of hope, the authors are quick to reassure any readers who happen to be ASDP’s that, while they cannot change the past, they can change whether and how those hurtful events affect their futures. As for what this all has to do with work: “You can use all your career experiences — negative and positive — to build healthy relationships with yourself and others.”
I recommend this book to all readers looking to change the paths they’re on in life based on difficult childhood experiences, particularly those who are simultaneously trying to be successful in the workplace. Because of the difficult subject matter, please take a look at content warnings.
July 24, 2024
I didn’t especially think I needed to be healing from anything at work—reminds me of the Christmas my Mom gifted me, a child, a copy of You Can Heal Your Life—but my workplace handed copies out, and I was curious.
This book didn't feel groundbreaking, but maybe it just wasn’t for me. If you’ve read self-help books on mental health, there will be a lot of repetitive info, like the common cognitive biases. I wanted some more practical/scenario-based content, which comes in the final 50ish pages.
The book is also written for ASDPs, aka Adult Survivors of a Damaged Past, and even though the author specifically says the content can still apply to those with… not-amazing-but-not-that-adverse-all-things-considered life experiences, a lot of the content still felt like it wasn’t really for me. And that’s fine! Just something to know going in.
This book didn't feel groundbreaking, but maybe it just wasn’t for me. If you’ve read self-help books on mental health, there will be a lot of repetitive info, like the common cognitive biases. I wanted some more practical/scenario-based content, which comes in the final 50ish pages.
The book is also written for ASDPs, aka Adult Survivors of a Damaged Past, and even though the author specifically says the content can still apply to those with… not-amazing-but-not-that-adverse-all-things-considered life experiences, a lot of the content still felt like it wasn’t really for me. And that’s fine! Just something to know going in.
February 26, 2026
Life-changing
At a time when so many things are changing around me, I have learned so much from this book. It really focuses on how our past can affect our lives now and how healing that past can change our future. So much of this resonated with me as an adult with a damaged past. I truly believe healing is possible and that one day I'll be able to help other people heal as well. I thought it was good to include both authors' background story because it's a great reminder that there are others out there who are also trying to heal from a damaged past. There are a lot of tips on how to relate to others knowing this. Fantastic book.
At a time when so many things are changing around me, I have learned so much from this book. It really focuses on how our past can affect our lives now and how healing that past can change our future. So much of this resonated with me as an adult with a damaged past. I truly believe healing is possible and that one day I'll be able to help other people heal as well. I thought it was good to include both authors' background story because it's a great reminder that there are others out there who are also trying to heal from a damaged past. There are a lot of tips on how to relate to others knowing this. Fantastic book.
February 4, 2026
Early life imprints and executive function
An eye opening exploration of how our past influences our professional present. This book helps you identify triggers and replace them with glimmers of growth. It moves beyond standard management advice, digging into the soul work required for true leadership. If you find yourself constantly battling the same office demons, this book offers the clarity and courage to finally change
An eye opening exploration of how our past influences our professional present. This book helps you identify triggers and replace them with glimmers of growth. It moves beyond standard management advice, digging into the soul work required for true leadership. If you find yourself constantly battling the same office demons, this book offers the clarity and courage to finally change
February 12, 2026
Not just a career book
This isn’t just a career book, because I think it’s a personal growth guide disguised as one. It helped me recognize patterns I’d been repeating for years. The focus on self-acceptance and neuroplasticity gave me real motivation to change how I show up at work.
This isn’t just a career book, because I think it’s a personal growth guide disguised as one. It helped me recognize patterns I’d been repeating for years. The focus on self-acceptance and neuroplasticity gave me real motivation to change how I show up at work.
May 22, 2022
A great book for people who carry various negative beliefs about themselves (likely instilled in them by a parent), and other potentially destructive behaviors that might interfere with their success and peace in the workplace.
October 14, 2024
This is a life-changing book. The author has compassion and gives safety to try new behaviors at work. This is the first book I have read that brings together how relationships at work are affected by childhood dysfunctional family dynamics and how to take back your power.
February 2, 2026
Adult Survivor of a Damaged Past.
Such an awesome resource for self-acceptance and understanding, the foundational principles for discovering your most joyful way to live. This was such a genius scenario to drive this point home, the connection between work life and routine.
Such an awesome resource for self-acceptance and understanding, the foundational principles for discovering your most joyful way to live. This was such a genius scenario to drive this point home, the connection between work life and routine.
February 12, 2026
I liked that this book felt hopeful. It reminds you that being damaged doesn’t mean you’re broken forever. The examples are relatable, and the guidance is gentle but firm. A great read for anyone who feels stuck at work emotionally.
February 13, 2026
Reassuring
I found this book deeply reassuring. It explains why work stress can feel so personal and offers tools to respond differently. The tone is respectful and encouraging, never preachy. It made me feel less alone in my struggles.
I found this book deeply reassuring. It explains why work stress can feel so personal and offers tools to respond differently. The tone is respectful and encouraging, never preachy. It made me feel less alone in my struggles.
February 17, 2026
Useful
Healing at Work connects emotional healing with professional growth in a way that finally makes sense. I appreciated how it blends psychology with real workplace situations. It doesn’t blame the past, but it doesn’t ignore it either. Very validating and useful.
Healing at Work connects emotional healing with professional growth in a way that finally makes sense. I appreciated how it blends psychology with real workplace situations. It doesn’t blame the past, but it doesn’t ignore it either. Very validating and useful.
February 18, 2026
Solid
This book hit closer to home than I expected. It helped me see how old wounds were quietly shaping my work reactions. The idea of using career challenges as healing opportunities felt empowering, not overwhelming. Honest, compassionate, and surprisingly practical.
This book hit closer to home than I expected. It helped me see how old wounds were quietly shaping my work reactions. The idea of using career challenges as healing opportunities felt empowering, not overwhelming. Honest, compassionate, and surprisingly practical.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews