Table Of ContentThis book is dedicated to the men, women, and children of North
and South America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East we’ve
had the honor of working with over many years. Their courage,
openheartedness, and determination to heal from the aftereffects
of war, natural disaster, and personal tragedy have shown us
anew what it means to be human, to be resilient, to reclaim life
after trauma.
Please know that individuals’ names and any details that might
personally identify them have been changed.
Reclaiming Life after Trauma
“A valuable and inspiring contribution to the treatment of the post-
traumatic stress that pains and limits so many of us. Well researched,
clearly written, and practical.”
JAMES S. GORDON, M.D., FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE
CENTER FOR MIND-BODY MEDICINE AND AUTHOR OF UNSTUCK: YOUR
GUIDE TO THE SEVEN-STAGE JOURNEY OUT OF DEPRESSION
“All of us have experienced trauma in our lives, and some of it limits our
ability to enjoy life to its fullest potential. Reclaiming Life after Trauma
presents a host of proven Western and Eastern approaches that are
explained in easy-to-understand language and backed by well-referenced
science and decades of experience by the authors. Whether you are
aware of your emotional limitations or suffer from established PTSD,
this book is an important guide for your path to a vibrant and full life.”
LEONARD A. WISNESKI, M.D., F.A.C.P., CLINICAL PROFESSOR OF
MEDICINE AT GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY AND AUTHOR OF THE
SCIENTIFIC BASIS OF INTEGRATIVE HEALTH
“Reclaiming Life after Trauma is a phenomenal work. It explains PTSD
in a straightforward, understandable yet thorough way. Mintie and
Staples offer practical strategies for overcoming trauma symptoms. The
book validates the pervasive consequences of trauma on the mind and
the body, contains stories of patients we can relate to, and conveys hope
that we can reverse many of trauma’s effects. The inclusion of yoga
therapy addresses the crucial physical aspects of this complex disorder.
Reclaiming Life after Trauma is destined to become a classic in the field
of trauma treatment.”
JACOB TOWERY, M.D., ADJUNCT CLINICAL FACULTY MEMBER
AT STANFORD UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AND AUTHOR OF THE
ANTI-DEPRESSANT BOOK
“Reclaiming Life after Trauma combines cognitive-behavioral therapy
and yoga therapy. The authors show how frameworks stemming from
Western and Eastern systems can be integrated to inform a
powerful biopsychosocial approach to the management of trauma. The
book is theoretically grounded yet contains many practical tools and
techniques that can be readily applied by the reader. A most-significant
contribution to the field of integrative health care and
trauma management.”
LAURA SCHMALZL, PH.D., ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR AT SOUTHERN
CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES AND EDITOR IN CHIEF
OF THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF YOGA THERAPY
“A brilliantly presented book on the most debilitating health issues of
the twenty-first century: trauma and PTSD. Reclaiming Life after
Trauma is a road map to rewiring the brain and embodying wellness. A
well-timed book, I can confidently affirm that it will have a remarkable
positive impact on people’s lives.”
HAKIMA AMRI, PH.D., PROFESSOR OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY
AND DIRECTOR OF THE INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE GRADUATE PROGRAM
AT GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY AND AUTHOR OF AVICENNA’S MEDICINE
“To recover from trauma is to awaken the seed of resilience inherent
within each of us and to stabilize our renewed inner experience with
supportive habits into a new way of being. The practice of yoga and
meditation with cognitive-behavioral therapy forms an effective
partnership to engage the physiological and structural aspects of the
body and identify thought patterns that keep us in the past. Reclaiming
Life after Trauma skillfully shows us that no matter what the source of
the trauma, post-traumatic growth and full recovery are within reach.”
SHANTI SHANTI KAUR KHALSA, PH.D., DIRECTOR OF INTERNATIONAL
KUNDALINI YOGA THERAPY PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
“Integrating cognitive behavioral therapy with Kundalini Yoga, Mintie
and Staples weave the wisdom of both disciplines to effectively reduce
suffering present with trauma. Practical strategies engage the reader to
increase his or her awareness of maladaptive thinking patterns and create
impact on his or her own pain patterns. Breathwork and go-to steps
encourage participation. Case studies illustrate the process of change,
including stumbling blocks met along the way. Well referenced yet
easily understood. This is important information to be shared with
professionals and the general public alike.”
JUDITH PENTZ, M.D., INTEGRATIVE PSYCHIATRIST AND ASSISTANT
PROFESSOR IN THE DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHIATRY AND BEHAVIORAL
SCIENCES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO
“In this wise and compassionate book, the authors offer a clear,
practical, step-by-step guide for those with PTSD who wish to find a
path to joy, hope, and freedom from suffering. Grounded in research
based on their wealth of professional experience and integrating key
tenets, strategies, and principles from both cognitive-behavioral therapy
and Kundalini Yoga, their innovative program includes a range of
simple but powerful tools, which can be used either at home or in a
therapeutic setting. Although specifically designed for those who have
experienced trauma, this program would be beneficial to anyone seeking
to lead a more joyful, peaceful, and fulfilling life. The book is a
wonderful read, eloquently written and deftly interwoven with
compelling stories of men and women who have used the tools of this
program to transform their lives.”
KIM INNES, M.S.P.H., PH.D, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR AT WEST VIRGINIA
UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
Acknowledgments
We are grateful to many people whose lives and work have made this book
possible. Foremost among them are our teachers and mentors Robert Aitken,
Willigis Jäger, Yogi Bhajan, Ph.D., and David Burns, M.D.
Numerous colleagues have made invaluable contributions to this book and to
the Integrative Trauma Recovery Program (ITRP) upon which the book is based.
Shanti Shanti Kaur Khalsa, Ph.D., developed the yoga portion of the ITRP based
on Kundalini Yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan® and provided generous
consultation on its delivery. Siri Neel Kaur Khalsa kindly reviewed the yoga
sections of the manuscript for accuracy. Sat Bir Singh Khalsa, Ph.D.,
collaborated on our research study of the ITRP and gave us expert advice on the
study design. Mary Bibb, M.D., provided astute feedback on the cognitive-
behavioral therapy (CBT) portions of the manuscript, and Matthew May, M.D.,
made essential contributions to the CBT the book presents.
Contents
Cover Image
Title Page
Dedication
Epigraph
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Chapter 1. Roots of the Problem
HELPFUL AND UNHELPFUL BELIEFS
DISTORTION’S DARK POWER
NO GOOD DEED UNPUNISHED
HAPPY HOMO SAPIENS
Chapter 2. Embodied Stress
BRAIN STRUCTURES IMPLICATED IN PTSD
PHYSIOLOGIC EFFECTS OF PTSD
RESEARCH ON CBT, YOGA, AND PTSD
Chapter 3. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD
THE NEW ROOTS OF HUMAN SUFFERING
THE ROLE OF BEHAVIOR
Chapter 4. The Hidden Wisdom of Symptoms
PRICE IT
Description:"Integrative tools for healing the traumatized mind and body"--Provided by publisher.
