Trauma doesn’t discriminate. It can happen to anyone, anytime. And in all likelihood, COVID-19 has traumatized each and every one of us to some degree. Everybody hits a low point once in a while, and ultimately, the quality of our lives depends on our ability to process heartbreaks and catastrophes successfully. So how do we do that?
In Post-Traumatic Thriving: The Art, Science & Stories of Resilience, world-renowned expert on disasters and trauma Dr. Randall Bell interweaves science and academic research with stories of people who have not just survived but have used their trauma as their fuel to thrive. Dr. Bell sits down with survivors of the Holocaust; murder-victim’s families; crime victims; suicide survivors; and those who’ve experienced homelessness, disasters, addictions, depression, death, divorce, disabilities, defeats and disease to explore the rare mindset of the post-traumatic thriver.
Post-Traumatic Thriving: The Art, Science, & Stories of Resilience
Turn Trauma into Your Fuel to Thrive
Trauma doesn’t discriminate. It can happen to anyone, anytime. And in all likelihood, COVID-19 has traumatized each and every one of us to some degree. Everybody hits a low point once in a while, and ultimately, the quality of our lives depends on our ability to process heartbreaks and catastrophes successfully. So how do we do that?
In Post-Traumatic Thriving: The Art, Science & Stories of Resilience, world-renowned expert on disasters and trauma Dr. Randall Bell interweaves science and academic research with stories of people who have not just survived but have used their trauma as their fuel to thrive. Dr. Bell sits down with survivors of the Holocaust; murder-victim’s families; crime victims; suicide survivors; and those who’ve experienced homelessness, disasters, addictions, depression, death, divorce, disabilities, defeats and disease to explore the rare mindset of the post-traumatic thriver.
About the Author
Randall Bell, PhD, is a sociologist and economist who specializes in disaster recovery projects.
No stranger to how harsh the world is, Dr. Bell has consulted in more tragedies around the world than anyone. He was retained for the World Trade Center, Flight 93, Sandy Hook, BP Oil Spill, Hurricane Katrina, the Bikini Atoll Nuclear Test sites, the BP Oil spill, the Northridge earthquake, OJ Simpson, Jon Benet Ramsey, Heaven's Gate, and hundreds of other cases. He has been retained by the Federal Governments of the United States, Canada, and Australia to help resolve numerous crises, and his work has generated billions of dollars to rebuild damaged communities.
Dr. Bell’s investigations have taken him to 50 states, and seven continents. Having met with countless victims, he earned the nickname of Master of Disaster. In every case, Dr. Bell observed the emotional consequences and how some fared better than others. He was inspired to put his unique research skills to work and study the cycle of trauma.
A frequent guest of the media, Dr. Bell is the featured expert in Topic’s “Distressed Real Estate” documentary series directed by Jason Stefaniak. His career has been profiled by NBC's Today Show, Rolling Stone Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, People Magazine, ABC's 20/20, Hallmark’s Home & Family, and many others.
Dr. Bell is the author of MeWeDoBe and the founder of Core IQ, a non-profit educational foundation that provides free online training on life skills. He is certified through the Insight Prison Project to facilitate
group discussions with victims and offenders at San Quentin Prison. He has been active in jail ministries and a volunteer in homeless shelters.
In Post-Traumatic Thriving, Dr. Bell lays out the academic research and speaks freely about his trauma of being born with a congenital heart defect. Diagnosed with PTSD, he utilized these principles to heal from his childhood trauma and summit Africa's Mt. Kilimanjaro at 60.
Reviews
“Written with both frankness and compassion, Dr. Bell’s guide is simultaneously scientific and holistic, lending readers a path not only for getting through trauma, but also achieving their highest potential because of it.”
Vicki Pepper, Radio Host & Reporter, KFRG-FM
“Never has there been a more impactful book at a more needed time than this one. Post-Traumatic Thriving offers the latest information on the science of trauma, how to overcome traumatic events, while offering real life stories of resilience from survivors. While we all experience trauma in one form or another, this book will teach you not only how to survive life, but how to thrive!”
Marianne Pestana, Former Producer at PBS, Host of Moments with Marianne, iHeart Radio
“It’s an insightful, thought-provoking read that inspires and gives hope to anyone who reads it, that you can overcome what life deals you and thrive.”
Kelly McFarland, Editor of CelebMIX
“The inspiring stories here, coupled with psychological science, will serve as beacons of hope for many who have experienced trauma. This book d ispels the common misconception that trauma always leads to weakness. In fact, it can lead to strength!”
Dr. Wendy Walsh, Host of The Dr. Wendy Walsh Show, iHeart Radio; Assistant Professor of Psychology, California State University
“Bell’s stories and philosophy of resilience are not only an inspiration for those recovering from trauma or who have hit rock bottom, but a practical guide to a more fulfilling life for all of us.”
Joshua Siskin, Marriage and Family Therapist
“Dr. Bell weaves the theory and science of trauma and the detailed processes of recovery, healing, and ultimately thriving throughout the stories of eleven persons … His grounding in science, his clearly illustrated diagrams of process, and the detailed experiences of the trauma victims, including his own trauma, will provide hope for many …”
Walter Schumm, PhD, Professor of Applied Family Science, Kansas State University