Examining trauma from a new and encouraging perspective, author Geral Blanchard suggests that post-traumatic growth is possible after experiencing tragic events. Blanchard asserts that specific types of events do not, by themselves, determine if someone will be harmed by trauma. Whether a person has been terrorized by sexual abuse, a hostage situation, or a tornado, the victim's response to adversity is as impactful on recovery as the tragedy itself. The quality of the post-traumatic social environment plays a major role in determining whether trauma is the prelude to a breakdown or the initiation of a breakthrough. Transcending Trauma offers empirical evidence, practical guidance, anecdotes and case studies to help the helpers -- whether professionals, friends, or family members -- guide trauma survivors of all ages gently toward the resilient response necessary for successfully integrating the traumatic experience and growing, and even thriving, from it. |