From Trauma to Transformation
A Path to Healing and Growth
About
God will not waste your pain
We have all heard of posttraumatic stress, but few of us think about the possibility of posttraumatic growth--the positive ways in which we can be transformed by our trauma. Yet this is precisely what can happen when we face our hurts, struggle through the rubble of our broken relationships, and unearth the ways God wants to use our trials to refine and mature us.
With compassion born from personal experience and insights gathered from years of counseling others, licensed marriage and family therapist Debra Laaser helps you stop asking "Why me?" and start asking "Lord, what would you have me learn from this?" She offers tangible steps you can take to move beyond daily survival toward a future in which you can thrive. With Laaser's expert guidance, you can experience positive life change not in spite of the hurt, loss, or betrayal you have undergone but because of it.
"Debra Laaser's latest book delivers a powerful and hopeful message--you can not only survive trauma but also thrive after trauma. This book is a blessing."--Daniel G. Amen, MD, author of Change Your Brain, Change Your Life
"Deb shares her intimate and powerful thirty-year personal journey in this book, filled with practical tools for anyone ready to take their next right step on their path from trauma to transformation!"--Tim Clinton, EdD, LPC, LMFT, president, American Association of Christian Counselors, and cohost, Dr. James Dobson's Family Talk
"This is no trite self-help. This is a deep dive, no-holds-barred, gentle journey with the Holy Spirit. I just wish it had been available when I first started working with my couples many years ago!"--Dave Carder, MA, MFT, author of Torn Asunder and Anatomy of an Affair
Endorsements
"Debra Laaser's latest book delivers a powerful and hopeful message--you can not only survive trauma but also thrive after trauma. What makes this book so special is that it goes beyond simply describing the important notion of posttraumatic growth and gives you gentle prompts and exercises to help you achieve it one simple step at a time. This book is a blessing for anyone who has suffered from trauma and is hoping to transform their life."
Daniel G. Amen, MD, author of Change Your Brain, Change Your Life
"Deb shares her intimate and powerful thirty-year personal journey in this book, filled with practical tools for anyone ready to take their next right step on their path from trauma to transformation!"
Tim Clinton, EdD, LPC, LMFT, president, American Association of Christian Counselors, and cohost, Dr. James Dobson's Family Talk
"From Trauma to Transformation takes the reader on a journey of learning how to maximize betrayal's chaos and pain as a stimulus for Spirit-led growth. Not because change is required or caused the spouse to make bad choices but rather because pain has opened a door, a chance to do things differently. While set in the arena of sexual betrayal, this book is going to prove helpful to all who are attempting to work through any trauma. Deb helps you learn to live daily with the tension of both/and as you practice 'the last of human freedoms--to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances' (Viktor Frankl). This is no trite self-help. This is a deep dive, no-holds-barred, gentle journey with the Holy Spirit. I just wish it had been available when I first started working with my couples many years ago!"
Dave Carder, MA, MFT, author of Torn Asunder and Anatomy of an Affair
"In From Trauma to Transformation, Debra Laaser masterfully leads her readers like a seasoned guide on a challenging journey. She does so with empathy, understanding, and integrity and has the courage to walk her own path while also helping light the way for others. Her ability to weave biblical, personal, and clinical dimensions of trauma, posttraumatic growth, and transformation provides orientation and stability to an often turbulent and frightening process. I can think of no more trustworthy guide for the journey than Debra Laaser!"
David E. Jenkins, PsyD, professor and clinical director of PsyD program at Liberty University
"Over the past twenty years, our friend and colleague Debbie Laaser has proven herself time and again to be one of the most important thought leaders and practitioners in our field. After reading From Trauma to Transformation, we're convinced that God has used Debbie to pen what will surely become a classic on how to move from merely surviving to truly thriving in posttraumatic growth. If you're hurting and searching for the kind of godly wisdom and practical insights that can transform your life, then we invite you to read this book and follow the caring, gentle voice of your new mentor."
Michael and Christine Leahy, co-CEOs of BraveHearts
"Debra writes from the heart. Readers will sense her compassion as she vulnerably weaves her story into a process of embracing betrayal trauma while gently encouraging growth amid the pain. She encourages readers to hold the perspective of a "gentle observer" as she outlines a path, "the next right step," to lead partners on a personal journey of growth as they draw closer to self and to God. As Debra states, 'become better, not bitter from betrayal.' Choose to read this book if you are looking for a way through the anguish of betrayal, and you desire to strengthen yourself and your spiritual life."
Marcus R. Earle, PhD, LMFT, clinical director of Psychological Counseling Services
"There is more to trauma than just surviving. In From Trauma to Transformation, Laaser focuses on helping readers thrive following traumatic events and other adverse life experiences. Laaser takes the concept of posttraumatic growth beyond a theoretical idea and makes it a tangible, transformative process. She does not dismiss the painful reality of trauma but delivers practical, faith-focused suggestions and exercises that lead to transformed relationships with yourself, others, and God following trauma and adverse life experiences."
Elizabeth Griffin, MA, LMFT, and David Delmonico, PhD
"Out of the crucible of her own pain and trauma, Debra gently leads the reader through wise insight and practical experiences along a path to transformation and empowerment."
Dr. Clifford and Joyce Penner, authors of The Gift of Sex and other resources that promote healthy sexuality within faith-based communities
The Author
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Steve Silverman Debra Laaser
Debra Laaser is a licensed marriage and family therapist and cofounder and director of Faithful & True. She was involved in recovery with her husband, Mark, for 30 years and is committed to helping couples find healing and transformation from the pain of...
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