Undaunted Spirits: Portraits of Recovery from Trauma

What separates people whose lives are forever shattered by catastrophic loss from those who are able to discover meaning and purpose in such loss? Psychotherapist Mary Baures answers this question by detailing 16 examples of individuals who experienced positive transformations after suffering an extreme trauma (e.g., injury, disease, death of a family member, criminal charges, imprisonment). Those interviewed, including Jeb Magruder, Elie Wiesel, Max Cleland, Andre Dubus and Mike Wallace, provide accounts of the devastating traumas they experienced with the hope that may serve as “blueprints” for other people who are trying to overcome adversity. Invaluable and inspiring reading for anyone who is trying to overcome a traumatic loss, as well as mental health professionals who work in trauma recovery.