The Science of Stuck - by Britt Frank (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A research-based tool kit for moving past what's holding you back--in life, in love, and in work.

We all experience stuckness in our lives. We feel stuck in our relationships, career paths, body struggles, addiction issues, and more. Many of us know what we need to do to move forward--but find ourselves unable to take the leap to make it happen. And then we blame and shame ourselves, and stay in a loop of self-doubt that goes nowhere.

The good news is you're not lazy, crazy, or unmotivated. In this empowering and action-oriented guide, you'll discover why we can't think our way forward--and how to break through what's holding us back. Using an eclectic approach and a customizable plan that's as direct or as deep as you want, this life-changing guide empowers you to:

break old habits and patterns

gain perspective on pain and trauma from the past

free yourself from the torturous "why" questions

take control of your choices to create the life you want

Bringing together research-backed solutions that range from shadow work to reparenting, embodied healing, and other clinical practices, along with empowering personal stories, this book is a hands-on road map for moving forward with purpose, confidence, and the freedom to become who you're truly meant to be.

Review Quotes

"In this lively, well-written book, Britt Frank adds her compelling voice to this movement toward listening to rather than avoiding or fighting with what is making you stuck. To use one of her great metaphors, what if anxiety isn't an annoying feeling to ignore or medicate and instead is a warning light on your mind's dashboard, indicating that something inside you needs attention? Frank's has been quite a journey and I'm so glad she's courageous enough to share it, and the wisdom it brought her, with us."
--Richard C. Schwartz, PhD, creator of the evidence-based Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapeutic model, and faculty member at Harvard Medical School

"In The Science of Stuck Britt Frank provides insights that enable individuals to move from the rigidity and predictiveness of being stuck to flexibility, curiosity, and social accessibility. Through relatable examples, we can develop skills to feel safe enough to venture into relationships and novel experiences and learn that being stuck is not a lifelong destiny."
--Dr. Stephen W. Porges, PhD, originator of The Polyvagal Theory, founding director of the Kinsey Institute Traumatic Stress Research Consortium at Indiana University, professor of psychiatry at the University of North Carolina, and a co-founder of the Polyvagal Institute

"This book is relevant for our modern, complicated lives and necessary for when we need to get our lives back on track. This book will give you the information you need to spark your curiosity with enough room to engage the necessary inward journey of self-reflection. You might just replace that stack of self-help books on your bedside table with this one essential guide."
--Arielle Schwartz, PhD, author of The Complex PTSD Workbook, The Post-Traumatic Growth Guidebook, and other books on trauma recovery

"With down-to-earth language, enlivening inner-exercises, vivid humanness and humor, Britt Frank invites you to explore the gap between your own inertia and momentum. The Science of Stuck provides the precise compass you need to navigate your way to freedom."
--Nancy Levin, author, Setting Boundaries Will Set You Free

"The Science of Stuck will give readers a new perspective, a deep understanding of anxiety, and a way out of anxiety. A book that is much needed in our post-pandemic world."
--Milagros Phillips, author of Cracking the Healer's Code and Finding Wholeness

"Britt Frank gives us an exceptionally wholehearted explanation for why it's so important to reframe anxiety. With researched clarity, she invites us to reconsider the 'anxiety disorder' paradigm and invite anxiety to the table. Britt's kind direction asks us to pull up a chair beside our fears and become friends. I will be sharing this book with clients and colleagues."
--Kelly McDaniel, LPC, NCC, author of Ready to Heal and Mother Hunger

"If you feel stuck in your life, you can't afford not to read this book. In her powerfully engaging and relatable style, Britt takes you on a practical journey through understanding the practical neuroscience of stuck and what it's going to take for you to get your life moving on your own terms. Highly recommended."
--Alex Howard, founder and chairman of The Optimum Health Clinic, creator of Therapeutic Coaching, and author of Decode Your Fatigue

"Britt has done a tremendous job pulling together a book which forces one to reflect on their life, relationships, weaknesses, and strengths. She drives home the points that we all have the opportunity to take control, we all have the right to succeed, and that it is ok to not be perfect, but bottom line--we must take accountability for our results. Reading this book will make you uncomfortable, but it will give you the tools and the confidence to get unstuck."
--Dennis Huber, President of MJH Consulting and former Executive Vice President at CenturyLink

"Britt Frank expertly, concisely, and humorously clarifies what 'stuck' really is, and how we can all wrench ourselves free--to step into who we are meant to be."
--Meredith Atwood, author of The Year of No Nonsense

"Staying stuck is one of the greatest obstacles to growth. Britt Frank explodes through the barriers of confusion and resistance to help us use the power of anxiety to get unstuck. Once we do, we'll see more clearly, think with an open mind, feel more positively, and act with clarity and conviction."
--Bob Rosen, PhD, founder of The Healthy Leader and author of eight books on leadership

"There is nothing wrong with us. That's just one of the many takeaways I have from The Science of Stuck. As someone who's struggled with an anxiety disorder most of my life, Britt's relatable writing coupled with science is exactly what all of us need when we're feeling stuck, lost, and even broken."
--Andrea Owen, author of Make Some Noise and host of the Make Some Noise podcast

"Using research, theory, and her own experience as a therapist, Britt Frank compassionately reminds us that our painful experiences have roots and meaning, and that even when we feel broken, there is always a way through. As a therapist I appreciated her research and examples of resilience, and as a human being I felt soothed by her reminders that I could trust and honor all parts of myself. I will return to the wisdom of this important book again and again, and I look forward to sharing it with clients and friends."
--Cathy Cassani Adams, author of Zen Parenting and host of Zen Parenting Radio

"The Science of Stuck is a must-read for anyone looking to identify and overcome the barriers that keep them from moving forward in life, feeling happy and fulfilled, and enjoying meaningful relationships. Britt brilliantly steps readers through several practical, evidence-informed techniques proven to help combat chronic stuck-ness in relationships, and she gives us all hope that we can break out of old patterns to have the connections we yearn for."
--Dr. Jennifer Sweeton, PsyD, forensic psychologist and author of The Trauma Treatment Toolbox

About the Author

Britt Frank, MSW, LSCSW, SEP, is a clinician, educator, and trauma specialist. She received her B.A. from Duke University and her MSW from the University of Kansas, where she is an award-winning adjunct professor. Frank speaks and writes widely about emotional wellness and healing.