20 Ways to Break Free from Trauma - by Philippa Smethurst (Paperback)

About the Book

How can we understand and recover from traumatic experience? This concise, accessible guide explores twenty different ways that trauma can affect our lives -- and how we can break free from it. With stories, poetry and reflective exercises, this will help you to move beyond pain, shame, anger and discover a path to strength and resilience.

Book Synopsis

'An important and insightful contribution to the mental health literary landscape.' - Alastair Campbell

Trauma is a wound - one that we often hide from ourselves and others.
Philippa Smethurst - a psychotherapist with decades of experience - has written this compassionate and practical guide to help you to understand, process and move beyond trauma. The book explains twenty common ways that trauma can show itself - from dissociation and anger to brain hijacking and trust issues - but also how you can move on from them.
Drawing on the latest brain- and body-based research, this book uses stories, poetry and reflective exercises, to give you the guidance and tools you need.

Review Quotes

I took great meaning from some of the poems and felt a lot of the questions for reflection were on point and would be useful for those who've experience trauma or for those around them. It's these people I believe would benefit most from this book, but I'd recommend it as a revealing read for any clinician.--New Psychotherapist

The best friend of any therapist working with trauma.--Alaa Safi, founder of Counselling Without Borders

Very relevant for professionals working in the health and care sector. She has managed to communicate what can be a complex topic in a very accessible manner in this book. Highly recommended reading.--John Deviapram

An important and insightful contribution to the mental health literary landscape.--Alastair Campbell

Filled with insightful anecdotes and practical strategies for healing. Helpful for both victims and therapists.--Diane Foley retired family nurse practitioner and mother of beheaded American journalist James W. Foley,

Quite simply the most accessible, comprehensive and humane book I have read on trauma in my 25 years as a psychotherapist. In language that is warm and inclusive Philippa Smethurst makes this difficult and daunting subject approachable. She offers a wealth of practical exercises that will bring insight and relief to anyone living with the symptoms of unresolved trauma.--Susan Holliday, psychotherapist and author or Hidden Wonders of the Human Heart - How to See Through You Sorrow

One of the best books on trauma that I've read for a long time because it's clear, explicit, and it takes us through the stages one by one. It's a book that I'd strongly recommend--Sir Terry Waite, Human rights activist and author

This is a clear and compassionate book geared towards those suffering the results of trauma, as well as those trying to help: family, friends and yes, therapists. Smethurst has managed to combine academic research into trauma with an accessible writing style that readers will find both informative and comforting. This book deserves a wide readership.--Dr Marie Adams Author of The Myth of the Untroubled Therapist

In this book, Philippa has distilled her extensive clinical experience into practical guidance on which in which we can understand and manage trauma. She turns a complex topic into an engaging read making this book a key text for practitioners and lay audiences alike.--Professor Vicky Karkou, Edgehill University

These kind, practical chapters shed new understanding of trauma and its impact, as well as offering exercises to manage a new way of being. I am living proof that what Philippa writes works.--Daphne Clifton, Business Performance Coach

Philippa captures so brilliantly the link between the behaviours we see, and the deep-seated trauma people have faced. In this book Philippa shares her wealth of experience, stories and questions we can all use when working with people who have experienced trauma and multiple disadvantage.--Simon Hewett-Avison, CEO of Homeless Oxfordshire

A very well researched book that will bring the reader up-to-date with the comprehensive therapeutic interventions available today for PTSD. It is highly practical, with case studies and exercises that are extremely helpful on an ongoing basis.--Philip Robinson, CEO of the Yellow Heart

Written for sufferers and their supporters, this accessible book opens the door to the world of trauma and its effects. With clear explanations, creative images and case studies, it guides the reader through to the other side by means of practical exercises and reflections.--Miriam Taylor - psychotherapist, trauma consultant, author and international trainer

About the Author

Philippa Smethurst is a counsellor, psychotherapist and supervisor with thirty years' experience. She has two private practices, in Central London (Wimpole Street) and The Banbury Therapy Centre, Parson's Street, Banbury, Oxfordshire.