How We Grow Through What We Go Through: Self-Compassion Practices for Post-Traumatic Growth

Clinical psychologist Willard (Harvard Medical Sch; Growing Up Mindful) shows that while trauma often continues through lived experiences, one can still grow from and get through it, in what is called “post-traumatic growth,” or PTG. The author details how the body and mind are connected and that using breathing and body exercises, mindfulness, and reshaped thoughts can change one’s responses to situations. Although many of the topics in this book have been covered before in other self-help books, there are some good sections on mindless versus mindful eating, and an interesting grounding exercise that uses sounds. The book’s message and exercises for self-compassion are provocative and valuable strategies for those who either have or are currently experiencing trauma and want to learn how to handle the aftermath. Featuring a table of contents and a citation by chapter section, the book’s format is easy-to-read. It feels like a personal therapy session, with its conversational tone and examples about relatable experiences from Willard’s previous clients.