Post-Traumatic Thriving: The Art, Science, & Stories of Resilience - by Randall Bell

Book Synopsis

Turn Trauma into Your Fuel to Thrive

Trauma doesn't discriminate. It can happen to anyone, anytime. And in all likelihood, COVID-19 has traumatized each and every one of us to some degree. Everybody hits a low point once in a while, and ultimately, the quality of our lives depends on our ability to process heartbreaks and catastrophes successfully. So how do we do that?

In Post-Traumatic Thriving: The Art, Science & Stories of Resilience, world-renowned expert on disasters and trauma Dr. Randall Bell interweaves science and academic research with stories of people who have not just survived but have used their trauma as their fuel to thrive. Dr. Bell sits down with survivors of the Holocaust; murder-victim's families; crime victims; suicide survivors; and those who've experienced homelessness, disasters, addictions, depression, death, divorce, disabilities, defeats and disease to explore the rare mindset of the post-traumatic thriver.

Review Quotes

Praise for Post-Traumatic Thriving

"Once you start reading Post-Traumatic
Thriving you won't want to put it down, as it truly offers something
for everyone. I give it Two Thumbs Up and Ten Stars."

--Maryel McKinley, PhD, Producer & Host of
KABC's "Back-Talk"

"After witnessing trauma victims recover and show incredible resilience in the face of darkness, Randy Bell felt compelled to write this book to give others hope and information about how others can do the same. . . . [A] useful read for everyone, because no one escapes this earth without experiencing some sort of trauma or knowing someone else who has."

--Erica Berman, PhD, Psychotherapist, Healthy Life Lessons Blog

"Never dry nor clinical, Bell traces the paths towards healing of twelve individuals, injecting research and science along the way. Besides providing fundamental tools on how to navigate trauma and heal, Post-Traumatic Thriving is a book of great hope and that is the book's greatest accomplishment and for his readers, their greatest gift."

--Cindy Ross, Author, Walking Toward Peace: Veterans Healing on America's Trails

"Post-Traumatic Thriving is a masterful analysis of what it takes to
survive trauma... a must-read not only for experienced professionals who treat
those affected by traumatic events but those who have experienced it as well."

--Mitchell Goldstein, MD, Editor in Chief of
NEONATOLOGY TODAY

". . .a well-researched, relatable and surprisingly raw view of how we as people experience, process, deal and move forward from traumatic events."

--Fred Varley, Freelance Journalist (London)

"Post-Traumatic Thriving: The Art, Science & Stories of Resilience is a must read for those who cannot break past the barrier of suffering through your own traumatic experiences."

--Marie Parachutist, Blogger, Esthetician and Freelance Writer

"An authoritative and extremely timely look at resilience and wellbeing. Rooted in the science and packed with great anecdotes and guidance, this is an invaluable book for anybody who wants to understand the issues and put them into practice in their own and other people's lives."

--Mark Eltringham, Publisher, Workplace Insight

"Bell's stories and philosophy of resilience are not only an inspiration for those recovering from trauma or who have hit rock bottom, but a practical guide to a more fulfilling life for all of us."

--Joshua Siskin, Marriage and Family Therapist

"Dr Randall Bell's work with victims of trauma has earned him the nickname "The Master of Disaster", but the message in this book is that there's always hope, and that it is possible not just to survive but thrive. His insights are of relevance to every one of us, since nearly everyone has been stressed or tormented at some point in life. This is a very important testimony to the resilience of some people, and a tool to help all of us deal with the traumas which we will all, sooner or later, face."

--Geraldine Comiskey, Freelance Journalist (Ireland)

"Dr. Bell does a great job breaking down what happens to us when we are affected by a trauma. Then, he explains how to begin the healing process so that we can live a life without our trauma weighing heavily on us. I recommend his book, Post-Traumatic Thriving: The Art, Science, & Stories of Resilience, to anyone who has suffered and wants to thrive in their life post-trauma. It can be done, let Dr. Bell be your guide."

--Sarah Bowen, Retired Elementary School Teacher, Creator of "My Service Dog Tails" Blog

"Dr. Bell follows the journey from the depths of the initial shock to the pinnacle of ultimate healing and growth. It was a wonderful read, with a great flow and complete with great suggestions to try to help ourselves. I love the grounding exercises. I now use them all the time."

--Carol Duff, MSN & Contributing Author of Veterans Today

"Dr. Bell masterfully explains how to thrive in the face of adversity. You will know how to empower yourself when trauma rears its ugly face. Through the use of real-life examples and scientifically backed advice, Dr. Bell provides clear cut direction on how you can navigate through anything. Dr. Bell provides clarity in a time of chaos and uncertainty!"

--John Poehler, Published Author, This War Within My Mind, Award-Winning Mental Health Advocate and Blogger

"Dr. Bell uses the stories of real people to document the science of happiness. He follows remarkable stories of people completely turning around their lives."

--Kate Borsay, BBC's Times Radio

"Dr. Bell weaves the theory and science of trauma and the detailed processes of recovery, healing, and ultimately thriving throughout the stories of eleven persons ... His grounding in science, his clearly illustrated diagrams of process, and the detailed experiences of the trauma victims, including his own trauma, will provide hope for many ..."

--Walter Schumm, PhD, Professor of Applied Family Science, Kansas State University

"Dr. Bell's book, Post-Traumatic Thriving uses real-people stories and offers effective methods and advice for learning how to move on, how to be better, and mostly how to thrive. Bell emphasizes the need for communication, the differences between guilt and shame, and forgiveness versus forgetting. Post-Traumatic Thriving is a must read for anyone who has had 'life happen.'"

--Chelle Cordero, Author, Courage of the Heart

"Dr. Bell's research has been vast ... 50 states ... seven continents ... Nicole Brown Simpson ... Jon Benet Ramsey ... Sandy Hook ... Hurricane Katrina ... he has had some challenges in his own life... he was born with congenital heart defects and underwent surgery at age 10. He is a person who wants to instill confidence and ... examine the idea of strength."

--Dr. Alan Campbell, NPR's Watching America

"It's an insightful, thought-provoking read that inspires and gives hope to anyone who reads it, that you can overcome what life deals you and thrive."

--Kelly McFarland, Editor of CelebMIX

"Never has there been a more impactful book at a more needed time than this one. Post-Traumatic Thriving offers the latest information on the science of trauma, how to overcome traumatic events, while offering real life stories of resilience from survivors. While we all experience trauma in one form or another, this book will teach you not only how to survive life, but how to thrive!"

--Marianne Pestana, Former Producer at PBS, Host of Moments with

Marianne, iHeart Radio

"No one can avoid traumatic events, anyone can thrive again, you need character. Dr. Randall Bell shows how you can learn. Connect with others but always stay who you are."

--Patrick van Schie, Director of Telders Foundation (Holland)

"Once you start reading Post-Traumatic Thriving you won't want to put it down, as it truly offers something for everyone. I give it Two Thumbs Up and Ten Stars."

--Maryel McKinley, PhD, Producer & Host of KABC's "Back-Talk"

"Randall Bell's Post-Traumatic Thriving effectively shows real people struggling against the lasting effects of past events to legitimize trauma. Easy-to-understand graphs and techniques offer hope to

overcome even the worst crises. Clear, concise and comforting."

--Meyla Bianco Johnston, Editor, Alpaca Culture Magazine & Turn of Phrase Writing and Editing

"The inspiring stories here, coupled with psychological science, will serve as beacons of hope for many who have experienced trauma. This book d ispels the common misconception that trauma always leads to weakness. In fact, it can lead to strength!"

--Dr. Wendy Walsh, Host of The Dr. Wendy Walsh Show, iHeart Radio;

Assistant Professor of Psychology, California State University

"This book could not have come at a better time--offering a lifeline of hope to a world facing trauma. This is a must read."

--Eleisha Foon, Radio New Zealand

"With the current news cycle being pumped into our daily lives, this is the book all Americans need to read in order to begin healing. Dr. Bell shows us how to use our traumatic experiences to our advantage. Inspiring, encouraging, enlightening!"

--Thalia Hayden, NBC Television

"Written with both frankness and compassion, Dr. Bell's guide is simultaneously scientific and holistic, lending readers a path not only for getting through trauma, but also achieving their highest potential because of it."

--Vicki Pepper, Radio Host & Reporter, KFRG-FM

A power filled book of stories that can heal or help to bring restoration to anyone that takes time to connect. It is so masterful to read how others are impacted by the world today.

--Cassandra McCann, Blogger, Cassandra M's Place