How to overcome trauma and find yourself again: 7 steps to grow from pain

by Jessamy Hibberd

How to grow from painful experiences and find meaning in life

FREE YOURSELF FROM PAIN, UNDERSTAND YOUR TRAUMA AND FIND INNER PEACE IN THIS LIFE-CHANGING GUIDE, FROM THE AUTHOR OF  THE IMPOSTER CURE

So many of us experience trauma throughout our lives. Trauma can be debilitating. Left unaddressed, it can have a long-term impact on our physical, mental and emotional health, restricting our personal growth and leaving us feeling empty and unfulfilled.

In this book Dr Jessamy unriddles the effects of trauma. Using a combination of psychology, neuroscience and her own experiences, Dr Jessamy brings a tough subject to life and opens up the space for healing. This book centers on the concept of 'Post-traumatic growth' - a term used to describe the remarkable way that painful experiences can lead to a valuable re-assessment of life, a renewed discovery of meaning and a fresh perspective.

Through her programme, readers will learn how to process past events and move forward with greater purpose and self-acceptance. Dr Jessamy examines common trauma responses and provides us with the building blocks to make sense of our pain in order to reach a deeper level of self-awareness and appreciation. Ultimately Dr Jessamy will help you find meaning when life feels meaningless and remain hopeful even in the face of adversity.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Psychology

304 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2023

About the author

Dr Jessamy is a chartered clinical psychologist, author and mother of three. She lives in Hove by the sea and loves spending time on the beach with her family, as well as cycling in the South Downs.

In her books Dr Jessamy explores what’s really going on beneath the surface of our everyday lives, writing about the thoughts and feelings we all have - but don’t always say out loud.

Through expert advice and real-life examples from her clinic, Dr Jessamy will help you understand yourself better and most importantly teach you the strategies and techniques to feel your best more of the time. Drawing on more than twenty years of clinical experience – as well as her personal experience of trying to navigate life (and frequently falling short).

Jessamy's motto is: 'What we do every day makes the biggest difference. It’s small steps that lead to the greatest changes.' Something she puts in to practice (you guessed it) every day. She shared this message, as well as her personal and professional experience of how to find happiness, in her TEDx talk ‘Adventure of a Lifetime.’

For more on Dr Jessamy, you can visit her website: https://www.drjessamy.com
Or follow her @DrJessamy on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok

You can watch her TedX talk here: https://www.ted.com/talks/jessamy_hib...

Reviews

[John Smyth · Rating 5 out of 5]

For such a complex issue that can be so different for each individual this book is surprisingly easy to read. Dr Jessamy offers 7 steps to getting back control of your life after experiencing trauma. Steps that are not necessarily tackled in sequence but that need, each, to be recognised for getting back control of your life. To illustrate the approach described in the book 6 examples of individuals' experiences are set out in some detail, and the lessons that can be drawn from them.
Well done Dr Jessamy!

[Faith Tydings · Rating 5 out of 5]

This may be the best book on trauma that I’ve read so far. There are stories from trauma sufferers but they are not horrific and retraumatizing to the reader. They are well written stories with profound lessons learned and tangible recovery suggestions. Hibberd reiterates the strengths and strategies and adds her own wisdom to the recovery process. This book was also manageable with short chapters, key takeaways, and concise strategies. There are journal prompts and questions that you can work with immediately as well as a strategy toolkit at the end of the book that is also valuable for healing. I highly recommend this book if you have trauma, know someone who does, and want to heal yourself or help others to heal.

[Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you suffered a trauma -physical or otherwise, this is a wonderful book describing how you can mentally recover from and move on with your life. I suffered a physical issue and have to have periodic treatments for the rest of my life. The processes and stories described in this book were very helpful in identifying non-helpful behaviors and thought processes, while providing solid advice on how to live with, not look back, and move on. In other words, how not to become depressed by your situation. The stories were especially inspiring and provide positive role models on how courageous people adjusted and moved on with their lives...

[Machka · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. On page 262, Jessamy Hibberd asks, "when you read this book, which ideas resonated most with you?"
For me, the chapter on exercise and especially cycling, resonated the most. Cycling is how I've gotten through most things. However, getting through the acute portion of a recent trauma took running, and occasionally screaming while running. Running wore me out which I felt I needed.
Sometimes I wonder about telling my story -- it would be a book.
And the last chapter offered many interesting questions to contemplate.
Lots to think about.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is ideal for anyone who is after something that covers post-traumatic growth. Dr Jessamy Hibberd has weaved together an interesting and highly detailed exploration of trauma as a determining factor in life. The book itself is clear and well laid out. I found the section on coping with trauma, and 'David's Story' in particular, a very powerful read. Highly recommended.

[Jessica Taschner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably my favourite self help book by far. The personal stories were so inspiring. Lots of great tools on how to move though it. I need to go back and do some exercises. Listened to the audiobook which was great but recommend the book to be able to pause and do the necessary work to move forward

[Anima · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and accessible book on trauma and tools to help reclaim your story and life.

[Richard Fowler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book. Accessibly, empathetically yet authoritatively written, it offers some great guidance.