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Synopsis and Reviews
​Every year millions of men and women develop addictions, eating disorders, depression, and related illnesses due to trauma. Trauma victims are more likely to suffer from drug or alcohol abuse, to smoke, or to engage in other self-destructive practices in an effort to avoid emotions they cannot handle and cope the hopelessness, despair, and painful feelings often associated with traumatic experiences. But it doesn’t have to be this way.


A change is finally happening. Society is talking about sexual assault and abuse, about PTSD and associated disorders. And as people begin to acknowledge the traumas they’ve endured, they seek assistance for overcoming their experiences so they may live full lives free from shame, guilt, and despair.


Thriving After Trauma discusses the many ways trauma victims have overcome the consequences of a wide-array of circumstances, including physical or sexual abuse, war-related injury, and loss due to tragedy, illness, and natural disasters. Real stories illustrate the many types of trauma people experience and the actions they took to help them survive, grieve, and move on. Letting go of the shame, guilt, anger, and fear associated with trauma is crucial to reclaiming a full life, and Shari Botwin provides insight into strategies such as journaling, bodywork, mindfulness, and using healing relationships, such as group therapy, to aid recovery. Any reader who has experienced trauma or knows someone who has will find comfort and hope in these pages, and a path forward to a full life.

REVIEWS OF Thriving After Trauma: Stories of Living and Healing
This book can be a kickstarter for anyone not ready or willing to tell/share their "trauma" story -- or for those working on processing their own trauma. Highly recommend. (Laura Farber, Director, "We Are Columbine')

Everyone who has endured trauma, or has a loved-one in trauma recovery, will benefit from the exceptional exploration, insight, and common-sense approach of Shari Botwin, the once victimized author, who now catapults other victims, not just into surviving, but thriving by regaining control, knowing they matter and having a voice. An important, healing, hopeful read. (Rosemarie Aquilina, Court Judge, Motivational Speaker, Law Professor, Author of "Just Watch Me")

Shari Botwin has written a book I longed for after a violent rape left me without the ability to feel safe and calm. Thriving After Trauma gives hope to readers, changing the conversation that trauma inflicts permanent, unwavering damage. Botwin shows the pathway out of emotional chaos, back onto an even keel of emotional health. I recommend it highly. (Nancy Hogshead-Makar, Olympic Champion, civil rights lawyer, CEO, Champion Women)

A beautifully-written, inspirational account of courage and resilience, Thriving After Trauma is a book I will recommend again and again! (Jenni Schaefer, Author of "Life Without Ed," "Almost Anorexic," and "Goodbye Ed, Hello Me")

Shari Botwin brings her passion and hard-won wisdom to a deeply complex subject. The ways trauma manifests are as varied and unique as the person whose experience she describes. Ms. Botwin has done a masterful job of weaving her patients’ stories, her story, her skill as a therapist and her power as an activist into a readable, compelling work. She paints intimate, compassionate portraits of the devastation caused by trauma and the careful and deliberate process of healing. Her message of hope for living fully comes alive on every page.
— Elizabeth N. Kuh, M.D., Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist, Specializing in treating traumatized and maltreated children


As the collective understanding and acceptance of the impact of psychological trauma exploded in recent years, Shari Botwin was at the public forefront narrating it in newspapers and TV. Now she brings it all together in a series of real life accounts of despair and how to overcome it. Sharing her gift of translating the language and culture of psychological trauma to plain English, Botwin, a survivor herself, blends her personal anguish with the painful experience of others she counseled through the years. At its finest points this book not only informs but opens the soul.
Bob Stewart, Freelance Journalist, New York Daily News, Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia Daily News, Spirit Newspaper, Daily Beast, PhiladelphiaNeighborhoods.com (Covered Cosby trials for NYDN)


As a survivor of childhood abuse, Shari Botwin brings a deep understanding and empathy to traumatized folks lucky enough to have crossed paths with her - either in her writings, her workshops, her talks, or her individual therapy sessions. I was a domestic abuse victim until Shari guided me as I worked to become first a domestic abuse survivor and now a domestic abuse thriver. Readers of this book will learn that they are not alone as they meet some of Shari’s patients who have experienced trauma and worked to overcome it. Moreover, each chapter ends with ideas readers can use on their own journey to living a full life unencumbered by the residue of the trauma that has followed them like a shadow through their lives. No matter how long ago the trauma occurred, you can begin today to reclaim your right to happiness and fulfillment. Thanks for everything
— Suzanne Dobkin, PhD

Thriving After Trauma pulled at my heartstrings as this author brought such authenticity to life throughout this book. The true stories of her patients, as well as herself, give the reader a deep view into the world of those who struggle after trauma and abuse. The techniques and educational value of this read will be a great help to many people out there who continue to struggle alone. Embrace the Journey!
— Lisa Zarcone, Lisa Zarcone, Author of "The Unspoken Truth: A Memoir", Massachusetts National Ambassador for NAASCA advocating for child abuse and mental health


Shari has delicately woven together the nuances of treating trauma. Through examples from patient stories and the impacts of our shared cultural traumas, she provides strategies to effectively manage PTSD symptoms and guides the reader to understand how deep healing from horrific experiences can occur.
— Melissa Spann, PhD, CEDS-S, Executive Director, Oliver-Pratt Centers, Monte Nido and Affiliates

Shari’s book was a blessing to my survivor life. She immediately drew me and kept hold of me throughout the entire read. I loved how she so skillfully intertwined her own story with the story of others and how she used her gift of being a helper of the suffering to show us all that any and every emotion can stop to visit trauma survivors and that each one of them is normal.

“It is in speaking and understanding that people can go from surviving to thriving after trauma.”

Yes! When we speak and are heard we heal. When we speak and understand our own-selves as well as others, we heal. When we give ourselves room to speak our truth we truly learn how to thrive and not merely survive.

It is my honor to know this brilliant, compassionate, talented lady and I highly recommend this read!
— Michelle Stolleis Denault, Blogger, Educator Sexual Abuse Survivor and Advocate


Shari Botwin’s book is a must-read for trauma survivors. She weaves her expertise as a mental health professional with her personal story of trauma to provide a compelling “how to” for healing. Thriving After Trauma is a powerful testament to the human ability to heal from trauma, however long and difficult the road may be. Her authentic story of reclaiming her life and becoming a fierce advocate for trauma survivors is revealing and empowering.
— Caroline Heldman, PhD, Politics Department, Occidental College; Executive Director, the Representation Project

​GOODREADS REVIEWS: www.goodreads.com/book/show/44901959-thriving-after-trauma
Donna Hines rated it really liked it

As a survivor of abuse to another I simply will say, Thank you for telling your story!
In helping others heal it's important we all share our stories and never remain silent and I'm sorry you've endured such pain.
While many repress those memories resulting in anxiety, depression, PTSD, disassociation, and so much more it's important to remember you are not to blame.
Never feel silenced and never live in fear!
In order to thrive after abuse and trauma one must resort to setting boundaries, self love, self care, and most importantly no contact with the toxicity.
It's not easy when the perpetrator is often someone close to us but knowing how to let go, forgive, and heal for our own sake is crucial to moving forward.
It's a power and control issue that affects not only our ability to trust but to love and hold unto our power.
We are warriors, we are survivors, we are ONE!
Shame, guilt, threats, intimidation, bullying, manipulation, mind games is not who we are it's who they are and the problem does not reside within us.
Say a prayer they get the help they need as I have and find useful ways to channel that built up emotions to make yourself better never bitter.
Journal, tell your story, find extra supportive systems, recheck your inner circles, and make sure you know your value and your worth.
A fab read for anyone looking to heal in life after trauma. (less)

​ Laura Farber rated it it was amazing
Wow!
Sooo many feels, relatable moments and things to remember. Love when memories are described and how they relate to the present moment. The helpful healing strategies following each chapter are like a mini self-help workshop.
I could really feel Botwin's strength, courage, and humility throughout... as well as everyone else featured.
This book can be a kickstarter for anyone not ready or willing to tell/share their "trauma" story -- or for those working on processing their own trauma.

AMAZON REVIEWS:
Top reviews from the United StatesJZ
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
Reviewed in the United States on November 14, 2019
Verified Purchase
If you read one book on healing after trauma, let it be this one. Botwin does a phenomenal job of diving into an area that is so difficult for so many. Her willingness to share her own experiences andher own vulnerability, immediately engage the reader and make them feel heard.
When discussing trauma, there is a delicate balance that needs to be made between healing and processing vs a retriggering of emotions. The author walks this line beautifully. Her story is one of hope and healing without needing to go into the horrific details of the trauma that her patients experienced. I will without question refer this book to my colleagues, patients and friends. 5 STARS!!!
3 people found this helpful
SP
5.0 out of 5 stars Thriving after Trauma is real and possible
Reviewed in the United States on October 20, 2020
Verified Purchase
Thriving after Trauma is engaging, educational, and filled with stories of hope. As a parent of a young adult who has been living with the effects of trauma, I highly recommend this book to any parent whose loved one has suffered from trauma. Helping your traumatized loved one can be overwhelming and hope seems impossible to imagine. Shari Botwin allows you to see through her experience and her patients experiences that hope is possible and that you can live a fulfilling life after trauma. Thank you Shari for sharing your story, your patients stories, and for giving your practical tips that will lead to healing. Thriving after Trauma has helped me become a better support person to my young adult and has given me hope that in time, she will thrive.
One person found this helpful

michelle carlamere
5.0 out of 5 stars Acknowledging trauma and providing hope
Reviewed in the United States on August 26, 2020
Verified Purchase
Shari beautifully writes about trauma, her own experiences, the experiences of her patients and hope. Such a powerful resource for us as therapists, social workers, parents, and human beings. The book is understood and relatable, highly recommended!!!!! Reminds me of why I’m in this field and the importance of creating space for all of us to speak our truth, while being mindful and grounded, the importance of supports, and using various healthy coping skills to continue to thrive. Thank you, Shari Botwin!!!!🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
JC
5.0 out of 5 stars Empowering!!
Reviewed in the United States on October 23, 2020
Verified Purchase
Shari Botwin is a skilled and insightful clinician. Her book combines both her personal experience and clinical examples to help the reader understand the path of recovery after trauma. Despite the difficult subject matter the author creates a flow that is easy to read and very hopeful. Thriving After Trauma is empowering to abuse survivors as well as clinicians. I highly recommend this book!
One person found this helpful
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Brave and triumphant!
Reviewed in the United States on June 11, 2020
Verified Purchase
I found Shari Botwin’s book Thriving After Trauma riveting. The author bravely shares her own traumatic history and brings the reader along her journey as she moves from identifying her childhood abuse to her recovery and finally to her work healing others. I think this book would be helpful for clinicians as well as individuals who are struggling with the effects of trauma. Ms. Botwin is triumphant!
Jeremy Schafer
5.0 out of 5 stars 5 stars must read
Reviewed in the United States on December 27, 2020
Verified Purchase
This is a difficult topic but Botwin explores healing from trauma in a way that gives the reader not just hope, but tools too. Her vulnerability and willingness to share her experiences make this book unique. Her personal stories coupled with her professional experiences make this book a must-read. 5 stars for sure!
One person found this helpful
Jane McFarland
5.0 out of 5 stars Great tool for a deeper understanding of trauma
Reviewed in the United States on August 25, 2020After hearing a portion of Shari’s story during an interview, I rushed to by her book Thriving After Trauma: Stories of Living and Healing. The stories she shares, hers as well as those of others, are tough to digest emotionally and sensitive in nature but are so important. Trauma affects everyone – the victims, the survivors, the perpetrators, and all of their families.

As someone who never really experienced trauma, but did witness it, I was able to find something relatable in each of the stories. I've been battling depression and suicidal ideation for almost 3 decades, and the takeaways Shari provides with each story are great tools.

Botwin provides her patients with a kind, gentle and safe space to open up about their experiences and does so without pressuring them. It’s repeatedly reinforced, and important to remember, that everyone heals at a different pace and there is no time limit to when someone does it.

Her own traumatic experiences, though sad to read, provide her with an ability to help others heal that goes beyond psychology and what can be found in a text book or course.

I’d recommend this book to anyone who’s experienced trauma or known someone who has, as it provides an opportunity to increase your understanding of how impactful trauma can be.