Within the Heart of PTSD: Amazing Stories of Gentle Psychotherapy and Full Trauma Recovery Paperback – August 1, 2015

This title is so relevant, revealing that real-life stories are described. The tone is intimate without ever falling into voyeurism. We feel the privilege of reading about what takes place behind closed doors of therapy. We discover the basic principles of a relation providing real support combined with the experience of a specialized therapist. We can only be amazed at the efficacy of such therapists and at the creative potential of human beings to transcend their suffering and thus transform in exceptional ways. From reading this book, I am struck at how the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. Within the Heart of PTSD, one is not alone anymore; one knows that help exists if one needs it and one can look for it knowing what to look for. Linda, South Shore of Montreal.

I’m someone who is not a psychologist nor do I know anyone with PTSD. In fact, the only experience I’ve had with anything resembling a traumatic event is a minor car or bicycle accident that shook my nerves for a week or two – an experience typical to many. I normally would not be inclined to read a book about trauma but it was given to me by a friend, and I am very pleased she did so.”Within the Heart of PTSD” is book of truly “amazing stories” of ordinary people struggling with the effects of a traumatic event in their life and their road to recovery. What was interesting for me is that the traumatic events were situations that could happen to anybody – such as a robbery, assault, or severe injury – and that each road to recovery was an unfolding of the victim’s life history and personal struggles with themselves that related to their choices in life. The road to recovery was often related to becoming autonomous.The book gave me a snapshot of how psychotherapy works no only to cure PTSD but also to help people understand who they are and why they do what they do. More importantly, psychotherapy seems to be a human relationship and a journey with the therapist, and by far not without challenges. This is not a book of scientific jargon but a book of human stories told by an extraordinary psychologist who has a unique capacity for explaining complex situations in clear, simple terms. The stories touched me on many levels, and I was astonished how some of the stories were quite relevant to my life. I learned something about myself and grew as I read each story. Anyone who liked the film “Good Will Hunting” will surely enjoy this book.

As someone who has undergone therapy, I was incredibly moved by the stories told in this book. It so artfully shows the love between psychologist and patient that developed through recovery, and how that love can always be present even for years after the last session. It also very clearly shows that with loving practices, people with intense PTSD can become symptom free. Even if you have no interest in psychology, these stories are still very enjoyable to read as they are full of love and life and you connect with the people/characters so much in such a short time that it moves you. Definite read.

“Your book touched me deeply. I could see myself in the person in therapy as well as in the therapist. I also realized how I have misunderstood some people at times, how I should have been more cautious.” - Ardella Nathanael, author of The Butterfly Dance

Wow! I have never suffered from trauma and I not a therapist, but these stories are so wonderful. I was moved by them all. I teared up seeing how these people freed themselves of so much pain, and how they were remembered so tenderly by the author, with love.-Raul Francisco

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I would recommend it to anyone who has suffered trauma, is interested in real psychology, or wants to read real, touching human stories.