Book review: What it takes to thrive: techniques for severe trauma and stress recovery

Steve McCarthy-Grunwald, University of Cumbria, reviews the book 'What it takes to thrive: techniques for severe trauma and stress recovery' by John Henden (World Scientific Publishing Co Ltd, 2017, ISBN 9789813230217). Within the eye of a global pandemic it could be said that there is no better time to consider ways of reducing stress, anxiety, and experiences of trauma (Hagger et al., 2020). Although this book was initially published in 2017, its value today seems even more prudent for many individuals across the globe. The opening passages clearly identify how the book has been developed from a person centric position, offering advice and self-help tips and techniques for the reader to contemplate trying. This genre of book in particular faces much criticism as to how effective they really are for readers seeking advice and guidance at a time of personal conflict and have been suggested to giving a potential false sense of an alternative to seeking professional help Bergsma (2008). Interestingly, Bergsma’s study which analysed 57 best-selling psychology selfhelp books in the Netherlands identified that the primary aim of them all was not to alleviate the symptoms of psychological disorders, but to enhance personal strengths and functioning. Considering Henden book, he clearly notes that the design was specifically for ‘survivors and practitioners alike’ (Henden, 2017), and offers a jargon-free and solution-focused guide with the hope of inspiring change