What Doesn't Kill Us: A guide to overcoming adversity and moving forward

Research has shown than anywhere from 30 to 90 per cent of people confronted by tragedy, horror and adversity emerge as wiser, more mature and more fulfilled people, sometimes despite great sadness. Relationships become stronger. Perspectives on life change. Inner strengths are found. For the past twenty years, Stephen Joseph has worked with survivors of trauma and sufferers of posttraumatic stress. In this groundbreaking book, he boldly challenges the notion that trauma and its aftermath devastate and destroy the lives. His studies have shown that a wide range of traumatic events - from illness, separation, assault and bereavement to accidents, natural disasters and terrorism - can act as catalysts for positive change, strengthening relationships, changing one's perspective and revealing inner strengths. In What Doesn't Kill Us, Stephen Joseph shares the six steps we can all use to manage our emotions and navigate adversity to find new meaning, purpose and direction in our lives.

About the Author :
Stephen Joseph is a professor of psychology, health and social care at the University of Nottingham, where he is the cluster co-ordinator for counselling and psychotherapy training in the School of Education. Previously he was co-director of the university's Centre for Trauma, Resilience and Growth and an honorary consultant psychologist in psychotherapy in the Nottinghamshire NHS Trust. He worked with survivors and bereaved families of the Herald of Free Enterprise tragedy and was consulted by the media during the Chilean mining crisis. He is a registered health and counselling psychologist and a senior practitioner member of the British Psychological Society register of psychologists who specialise in psychotherapy. He is on the editorial board of several leading journals; has published more than two academic papers and written or edited ten books; and been a keynote speaker at numerous conferences.

Review :
We live in a world in which suffering is endemic. In this book, Stephen Joseph sounds a hopeful note. Suffering need not destroy What Doesn't Kill Us indeed does and can make us stronger as brilliantly presented by Professor Stephen Joseph and lived throughout my every day Convincingly challenging, highly enlightening, and compulsively readable, What Doesn't Kill Us is thoroughly recommended for both those who have and have not experienced trauma. A transformational new perspective What Doesn't Kill Us is a book of wisdom - both for those who have undergone great stress as well as for those who love and treat them. It is psychology as its best: honest, hopeful, helpful, and based on sound, serious research In this fascinating book, Stephen Joseph maps out the rarely explored positive consequences of trauma, reminding us that growth is possible even in the most adverse circumstances. Although essential reading for clinicians working with traumatised patients, What Doesn't Kill Us is so accessibly written that it should appeal to anyone interested in the human condition Stephen Joseph's book is inspirational and, not just for the lay reader but also for all therapists, regardless of their theoretical orientation, as trauma is an inherent part of their work. It goes far beyond the narrow confines of current clinical approaches to working with trauma and posttraumatic stress and challenges all clinicians to think about what we actually say and do in the consulting room . . . To say that it is essential reading would be an understatement. It is essential as a survival guide to life Professor Stephen Joseph] has ably blended his many years of research and clinical practice into an enlightened story of posttraumatic growth. This is a book that should be read by all who encountered trauma and those who love and treat them What Doesn't Kill Us is an invaluable guide for anyone wanting to know to cope with trauma With decades of experience and knowledge, Joseph presents the wonderfully complex world of posttraumatic growth in an accessible and personable way. Not only does the book provide the most up-to-date research, What Doesn't Kill Us offers tangible approaches to developing growth after trauma; a feat that will be valued by many In an area beset by wishful thinking, Stephen Joseph makes the scientific case for how difficult times can lead to personal growth. What Doesn't Kill Us is a well-argued and well-evidenced challenge to the idea that trauma is necessarily a curse It is a rare feat to produce a book that will appeal and be useful to the general public, as well as scholars and practitioners. Joseph has done so Beautifully written, drawing on cutting-edge scientific research to reveal one of humankind's noblest qualities: the capacity to find meaning and growth in the face of near-unbearable suffering This is a caring and thoughtful account, arguing for normality or posttraumatic stress as a process of adaptation. Professor Joseph presents a personal and positive perspective, showing how people can come through painful experiences and live fulfilling lives Despite the upbeat message, Joseph is no Pollyanna - thankfully, he never seeks to diminish the very real distress and terror experienced by those who have suffered PTSD. In the end, he makes a compelling, honest and hopeful argument in favour of Nietzsche's dictum that what doesn't kill us, does indeed make us stronger