Undaunted Hope - by Claudia Black (Paperback)

About the Book

Inspirational stories told by men and women of varying ages, racial identities, religions, classes, backgrounds, and abilities. Each story is told in the alumnus's own words, revealing the origins of their struggles, the chaotic course of events leading up to treatment, what help entailed, and how their lives became richer, fuller, and more hopeful once they were willing to take the first step toward healing. Foreword by Bessel van der Kolk.

Book Synopsis

Claudia Black, along with over a dozen world-renowned psychotherapists including Pia Mellody, Peter Levine, Patrick Carnes, Richard Schwartz, Resmaa Menakem, and Tian Dayton, provides clinical, human-focused insights on healing, treatment, and recovery.

People today are struggling with an unprecedented rise in mental health concerns such as depression, eating disorders, substance abuse, behavioral addictions, suicide, and more. The greatest barriers to getting help are their shame, their self-loathing, and the belief that their situation is hopeless. Undaunted Hope destigmatizes these disorders and invites readers to take the first step to help: asking for it.

Through the narratives of twenty-one alumni from Meadows Behavioral Healthcare, world-renowned treatment facilities, readers may see themselves in parts of the stories--and ultimately find the courage to ask for help. Each storyteller reveals the origins of their struggles, the chaotic course of events leading up to treatment, what help entailed, and how their lives became richer, fuller, and more hopeful once they were willing to take the first step toward healing.

This urgent and timely book presents the stories of the therapeutic work that occurs in Meadows' facilities, recognizing that trauma is most often the underlying issue to people's struggles. The groundbreaking work at The Meadows has been validated by the landmark Adverse Childhood Experience Study (ACEs) carried out by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the past twenty-five years. These studies repetitively demonstrate the relationship of various traumas to mental health, substance abuse, and behavioral healthcare problems.

Review Quotes

"This book should be required reading for any mental health clinician, and it is a beacon of hope for any person who lives with or loves anyone living with the effects of trauma, addiction, or any other mental health challenge."--Bruce D. Perry, MD, PhD, Principal of The Neurosequential Network Author, with Oprah Winfrey, of the New York Times #1 Bestseller What Happened to You: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing

"If ever there was a comprehensive roadmap for how to easily understand and heal trauma, Undaunted Hope is it! Replete with complex stories from real people and commentary from top experts, the reader will find a true direction of what's required should they take the leap to unwind their emotional pain. Black's years of experience in the field of dysfunctional family systems, coupled with her intelligent and compassionate voice, accompanies the reader on this journey reminding us that, 'You are not your trauma . . . healing is possible.'"--Alexandra Katehakis, PhD, Author of Sex Addiction as Affect Dysregulation: A Neurobiologically Informed Holistic Treatment

"Undaunted Hope is an important work for anyone considering treatment, for clinicians of all ages, and for anyone who loves someone who has experienced trauma. In over twenty-five years of working with people who are hurting, I still thank Claudia for the groundbreaking way she unpacks adverse childhood events and the hope she has provided for so many."--Karen Odell-Barber, MS, CISD, Founder and Chairman, Neurologics, Inc.

"Dr. Claudia Black has made a tremendous impact on our field, and the powerful stories she shares in this book shine an inspiring light on the innovative work at The Meadows, further cementing her pioneering legacy and heart for those who suffer."--Miles Adcox, Chairman and Owner of Onsite

"Undaunted Hope serves as an exploration of inspiration, illuminating narratives that underscore the inherent resilience individuals possess, allowing them to courageously seek support, even in the depths of adversity. Despite life's intricacies and profound wounds, Claudia Black, a distinguished leader in our field, once again, contributes to fostering hope and healing."--Nanette Zumwalt, ICADC, CCJP, CIP, CEO of Hired Power

"In Undaunted Hope, Dr. Claudia Black has once again broken down potential barriers to seeking recovery. Whether you're contemplating pursuing help or are already in recovery, it is an informative and supportive guide. Dr. Black weaves together diverse individual stories of a variety of forms of compulsive behavior along with insights and impressions from experts in the field who help the reader to navigate the many tools for recovery. Undaunted Hope is a great resource to orient you to your options and illuminate whatever path you choose."--Nancy Sobel, PsyD, APC, Founder of Global Adolescent Project

About the Author

Claudia Black, PhD, is the clinical architect of the Claudia Black Young Adult Center at The Meadows. She serves as a Senior Fellow and has been a clinical consultant at The Meadows Treatment Center in Arizona since 1998. She is a renowned author and trainer internationally recognized for her pioneering and contemporary work with family systems and addictive disorders. Dr. Black is the author of the bestselling books It Will Never Happen to Me, Changing Course, and Unspoken Legacy.