What Doesn't Kill Us - 9780465032334

Stephen (psychology, health and social care, U. of Nottingham) aims to correct an imbalance in how we appreciate trauma, usually seen in purely negative terms and an obstacle to growth, by showing how post-traumatic stress is part of how we adapt and grow. He argues that a "trauma industry" of counselors, psychiatrists, social workers and psycho-therapists have capitalized on adversity. In doing so, they have emphasized treatment frameworks that focus on the negative, creating self-fulfilling prophecies and a cultural expectation of non-recovery. He offers a counter-perspective that draws on research into post-traumatic stress and a counter-theory of post-traumatic growth that stresses flexibility and creativity. Though written for a general audience with particular relevance for therapists, this latter perspective resonates with neoliberal rhetoric about "creative destruction" and "disaster capitalism," making the book potentially of interest for those researching the roots of that cultural narrative. Included in the back are three appendices on post-traumatic stress, a questionnaire and seeking professional help. Annotation ©2013 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)