Shari Botwin, LCSW, has been counseling survivors of all types of trauma in her Cherry Hill, NJ private practice for over twenty-two years. Shari has conducted Keynote presentations for Universities and professional conferences throughout the country. She has given expert testimony on breaking stories related to trauma on a variety of international media outlets; including, NBC News, ABC News, CBS News, CTV News, CP-24 News, CNN and Radio Europe. Shari has also published feature articles in several online trade magazines including, Thrive Global, Huffington Post, The Associated Press, The Toronto Star, The Authority Magazine, Medium and the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Foreword: Stories of Living and Healing

Dr. Jo Anne White

Acknowledgments

Introduction



1 Trauma Defined

What Is Trauma?

Posttraumatic Stress Emerges

Trauma Goes Public



2 Facing the Trauma

Telling Your Story

Staying Grounded

Managing Flashbacks

Healing Strategies When Facing Your Trauma

Managing Flashbacks



3 How the Road Unravels When a Witness Is Present

Living Life without Re-creating Trauma

Learning to Trust Yourself and Others

Good-Bye Guilt

Banishing Shame

Healing Strategies to Rebuild Trust, Reduce Guilt, and Alleviate Shame





4 Confronting Anger

Hello, Anger

Conquering Anger

Healing Strategies to Greet Anger

Healing Strategies for Using Anger to Conquer Your World



5 Staying Present

Karen: Letting Go of Her Abuser

Mary: Letting Go of the Loss of Her Youngest Brother When She Was a Kid

Debbie: The Struggle to Let Go of a Lost Childhood

Brian: Letting Go of Being the Rescuer after Growing Up with Loss and Poverty

Healing Strategies to Let Go of the Past



6 Taking Time to Grieve

So Long Eating Disorder, Alcohol, or Drugs

Grieving with Others

Misconceptions about Grief and Grieving According to Helpguide.org

Healing Strategies for Coping with Loss and Grief after Trauma

Nurturing Your Hurt Self



7 Reaping the Benefits of Your Recovery

Greeting Intimacy

No More Fear

Trusting Love

Healing Strategies as You Reap the Benefits of Your Recovery



8 My Life in Recovery

Letting Go of the Wish

On Becoming a Mom

Going Public with My Story

Healing Strategies I Used during My Recovery



9 Survivor Testimonials

Jennifer Fox: Emmy- and Golden Globe-Nominated Director of the Film The Tale

Karen's Story: Suicide of Her Boyfriend

Tamie's Testimonial: Therapist, Eating Disorder Survivor, Life-Altering Back Injury

Janice's Story: Sexual Assault Survivor

Tyler

Notes

Resources

Treatment Facilities for Overcoming Eating Disorders, Addictions, and Trauma

Outpatient Trauma Programs

Resources for More Information or to Find a Therapist

Bibliography

Index

About the Author