Once you start reading Post-Traumatic Thriving you won’t want to put it down, as it truly offers something for everyone. Broken down into three comprehensive sections, Dive, Survive, and Thrive, this comprehensive classic offers something for everyone as it is designed for every reader and tailored for every learning style. From clinician to client, Post-Traumatic Thriving can help anyone learn to navigate through their own storms and reach safe shores at their own pace. If you want to go from Survivor to Thriver, this book will help you discover the secrets to resilience and will help you reveal your inner Thriver. 

As a PTSD Survivor myself who works with traumatized addiction populations, I took the book’s principles to my inner circle of Survivors to test the waters. Could this book help those of us with Complex PTSD? Could Bell’s approach help those who suffered from PTSD diagnosis BEFORE the chaos of a world-wide quarantine was upon us? Can we become thrivers too? You bet! The results were phenomenal, proving anyone can be a Thriver!

Clearly the most important book on the subject to be published to date in the 21st Century, Dr. Randall Bell’s masterpiece Post-Traumatic Thriving: The Art, Science & Stories of Resilience could be the panacea to pandemic panic and all forms of PTSD and is exactly what the doctor ordered as a prescription for transcending PTSD pain into purpose. 

A must have for every library, I highly recommend Randall Bell’s Panacea for PTSD, the unprecedented new book, Post-Traumatic Thriving. I give it Two Thumbs Up and Ten Stars.

Maryel McKinley, PhD (Producer & Host - KABC’s “Back-Talk”)

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 of various ages who experienced unusually severe traumas. 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 of us who have gone through one or multiple traumas but are still someplace between those experiences and an ultimate state of thriving.

Walter Schumm (Professor of Applied Family Science - Kansas State University)

When I was first asked to write a review of Randall Bell’s book on post-traumatic thriving, I did not know what to expect. I must admit I was apprehensive, having only ever read extracts from other books when I did an AS year of psychology in sixth-form, and to be completely honest I did not expect to find it such a provocative read. I thought I would end up reading a clinical, detached but well-researched study on how to cope with traumatic events.

However, what I wound up reading was a well-researched, relatable and surprisingly raw, detailed view of how we as people experience, process, deal and move forward from traumatic events. What really got to me when I finished reading his book, was how Bell managed to make me find the message of his work uplifting, without sugar coating the terrible realities that come with trauma. What I also loved was Bell’s ability to be sympathetic towards the suffering of others, while still holding people accountable.

We have had to go through this year, but with Randall Bell’s book in your hand, we can move forward, we can face our trauma and ultimately thrive.

Fred Varley (Freelance Journalist (London)

This book is a creative and far-reaching approach to severe trauma of many different types. The concept of "thriving" following a trauma is an unusual focus that goes beyond "healing" and suggests that trauma can ultimately lead to greater strength and unanticipated growth. The author uses real-life stories (his own trauma, as well as the traumas of others) to illustrate the reactions to trauma as well the stages and benchmarks of healing and moving into "posttraumatic thriving." The book has practical exercises and visual illustrations to help the reader integrate the psychological and spiritual material he is presenting. As a social worker with a counseling practice, I think that Post-Traumatic Thriving can be helpful for some of my clients who have undergone trauma, and I will keep it in mind to recommend when relevant.

Batya Yasgur (Author, Behind the Burga)

When trauma hits, our most significant decision is to dive, survive, or thrive. and choosing to thrive is a skill that can be cultivated with the right tools. in his new book, Post-Traumatic Thriving: The Art, Science, and Stories of Resilience, Dr. Randall Bell shares a clear, practical course for healing by expertly weaving science and research with stories of real people who refuse to be defined by their trauma.

In this book Dr. Bell lays out his 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 the age of 60.

Carol Duff, MSN (Contributing Author, Veterans Today)

In Post-Traumatic Thriving, Dr. Bell follows the journey from the depths of the initial shock to the pinnacle of ultimate healing and growth. The covid pandemic has been a traumatizing event itself and this book interweaves advanced science with the stories of people who have not just survived, but used their trauma as the fuel to thrive. It was a wonderful read, with a great flow and complete with great suggestions to try to help ourselves. I love the grounding exercises. I now use them all the time.

Staff Writer, bUneke Magazine

An authoritative and extremely timely look at resilience and wellbeing. Rooted in the science and packed with great anecdotes and guidance, this is an invaluable book for anybody who wants to understand the issues and put them into practice in their own and other people’s lives.

Mark Eltringham (Publisher - Workplace Insight)

Randall Bell’s Post-Traumatic Thriving: The Art, Science, & Stories of Resilience is a masterful analysis of what it takes to survive trauma. Beyond a textbook approach, Bell presents trauma in its various forms and incorporates a personal touch with his own traumatic experience. What completes this book is the analysis of the various stages of trauma through recovery as one goes from being a victim to coping to becoming a survivor. Unlike others who have approached this topic, Bell takes this process one step further, going beyond surviving and coming out the other side. Clearly those who have experienced trauma can thrive. This is simply put, a must-read not only for experienced professionals who treat those affected by traumatic events but those who have experienced it as well.

Mitchell Goldstein, MD (Editor in Chief - NEONATOLOGY TODAY)

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)

Randall Bell has written a book that promotes two strategies for emotional healing that are often neglected by counselors and psychotherapists who treat those suffering from post-traumatic disorders. The first of these strategies is to find faith – whether in God, intelligent design, humanity, or nature. The second is to live a life of service to others.

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)

Everyone experiences trauma in their lifetime, it can be losing a loved one, illness, crime, abuse or any myriad of occurrences that can happen unexpectedly and throw a life into disarray. Some people can work through the tragedies, but some can become traumatized and

remain “stuck” in repeated flashbacks and paralysis. Dr. Bell’s book, Post-Traumatic Thriving uses real-people stories and offers effective methods and advice for learning how to move on, how to be better, and mostly how to thrive. He offers methods and exercises to help one’s progress and how to make use of experience to create and reach goals. Bell emphasizes the need for communication, how to communicate, the differences between guilt and shame, and forgiveness versus forgetting. Post-Traumatic Thriving is a must read for anyone who has had “life happen.”

Chelle Cordero (Author, Courage of the Heart)

Post-Traumatic Thriving uses the fine art of storytelling to capture readers and hold their attention, sharing what author Randall Bell has found in his decades long work, that people who have experienced trauma, can heal, get better and find joy again. Never dry nor clinical, Bell traces the paths towards healing of twelve individuals, injecting research and science along the way. Besides providing fundamental tools on how to navigate trauma and heal, Post-Traumatic Thriving is a book of great hope and that is the book’s greatest accomplishment and for his readers, their greatest gift. 

Cindy Ross (Author, Walking Toward Peace-Veterans Healing on America’s Trails)

Dr. Bell takes the reader on a journey from traumatization to healing by dividing up the book into sections and weaving the stories of successful trauma survivors throughout. The first section is called the Dive Stage: We Get Knocked Down. As in, where you experience the trauma. This is where the work of psychologist Dr. Kübler-Ross's five stages of grief comes in. The five stages are: shock, denial, anger, bargain and depression. Section two is the Surviving Stage: We Get Back Up. This is where you face the trauma head on and learn coping mechanisms to help you heal. This includes confrontation, sorting, experimentation, acceptance and mindfulness. The third section is the Thrive Stage: We Blast Off, whereby you actually apply these techniques and learn to be a happier version of yourself again. A thriving version of yourself.

Personally, I have experienced many traumas in my life. Not only was I exposed to abuse, mental illness from my mother, attempted suicide on her part and my own, but I also had a life changing benign tumor that left me permanently disabled and a car accident that also further disabled me. After this, my husband divorced me and I became even more depressed. Then the pandemic hit. I became housebound almost 24/7.

This book came around just in time. To be honest, I was feeling despondent. However, after reading this book and applying the methods Dr. Bell describes in it, I began to understand that I have to take responsibility for myself and pick myself back up. I have two grown daughters who are relying on their mother's love and support. Abandoning them is not an option.

Post-Traumatic Thriving: The Art, Science & Stories of Resilience is a must read for those of you who cannot break past the barrier of suffering through your own traumatic experiences.

Marie Parachutist (Blogger, Esthetician & Freelance Writer)

Dr. Bell does a great job breaking down what happens to us when we are affected by a trauma. Then, he explains how to begin the healing process so that we can live a life without our trauma weighing heavily on us. I recommend his book, Post-Traumatic Thriving, The Art, Science, & Stories of Resilience, to anyone who has suffered and wants to thrive in their life post-trauma. It can be done, let Dr. Bell be your guide.

Sarah Bowen (Retired Elementary School Teacher & Creator of “My Service Dog Tails” Blog)

What is trauma? Psychologists would define it as a response to a disturbing or deeply distressing episode in a person’s life causing overwhelming feelings and, in many cases, an inability to cope. Feelings of dread, helplessness leading to depression often follow a bad traumatic life experience. Why is this?

To uncover one answer, the world-renowned authority on disasters and trauma, Dr. Randall Bell began his specialized studies and research, contrasting outcomes of scientific studies with stories of groups of people who have not just survived, but have used their trauma as their fuel to flourish and even prosper later in life. Dr Bell shares his remarkable insights in his new book Post-Traumatic Thriving: The Art, Science, & Stories of Resilience.

Whilst writing this latest book, Dr. Bell met with survivors of the Holocaust; murder-victim’s families; crime victims; suicide survivors; and those who have experienced homelessness, disasters, addictions, depression, death, divorce, disabilities, defeats and disease to explore the rare mindset of the post-traumatic surviver. He shares with readers stories of remarkable resilience and Jimmy Carter and went on to build a worldwide business empire.

In his work as an economist, Dr. Randall Bell has consulted on more disasters on earth than anyone in history and is widely considered the world’s top authority in the field of post-traumatic thriving. His clients include the Federal Government, State Governments, International Tribunals, major corporations and home-owners. Dr. Bell believes that “the problem is not the problem — the problem is how we react to the problem.”

This is a most helpful book to read, absorb and bring calmness and health to patients.

Sylvia Kent (Blogger and Writer)

[Dr. Bell] profiles remarkable people who were able to rebuild lives decimated by trauma by both acknowledging the mess of what happened to them and staying open to the possibility of better days ahead. Years later, they're stronger than they ever could've imagined back when they were in the midst of upheaval.

He offers techniques to do that — designed around actions of faith, connection, forgiveness, resilience, and gratitude — but acknowledges that each takes patience, an obsolete-sounding virtue in the insta-worlds we inhabit.

Ronnie Polaneczky (Writer, The Philadelphia Inquirer)

With the current news cycle being pumped into our daily lives, this is the book all Americans need to read in order to begin healing. Dr. Bell shows us how to use our traumatic experiences to our advantage. Inspiring, encouraging, enlightening! 

Thalia Hayden (News Anchor - NBC Television, Palm Springs)

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)

This book could not have come at a better time - offering a lifeline of hope to a world facing trauma. It is a must read. In this you’ll discover practical solutions and life-changing insight to not only help yourself, but others.

Eleisha Foon (Reporter - Radio New Zealand)

The inspiring stories here, coupled with psychological science, will serve as beacons of hope for many who have experienced trauma. This book dispels 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)

Randall Bell’s Post-Traumatic Thriving effectively shows real people struggling against the lasting effects of past events to legitimize trauma. Easy-to-understand graphs and techniques offer hope to overcome even the worst crises. Clear, concise and comforting.

Meyla Bianco Johnston (Editor - Alpaca Culture Magazine & Turn of Phrase Writing and Editing)

Dr. Randall Bell’s work with victims of trauma has earned him the nickname “The Master of Disaster”, but the message in this book is that there’s always hope, and that it is possible not just to survive but thrive. His insights are of relevance to every one of us, since nearly everyone has been stressed or tormented at some point in life - and the entire human race is collectively going through trauma at the moment as the Covid-19 wreaks havoc on all our lives and is causing tremendous human misery.

The recently bereaved will find it sobering, if not exactly comforting, to know they are in safe hands reading this book, as Dr Bell has counselled survivors of the Holocaust, the families of murder victims, people who have attempted suicide, those who’ve been homeless, addicted to drugs or alcohol, and those who have suffered from depression, disease or marriage breakdown. In an accessible style of writing, he applies a scientist’s brain to complex topics, explaining how hormones, endorphins and neurotransmitters affect our behavior when we’re faced with an intolerable situation. He explains how our memories can become distorted by shock - and how this affects us long-term, as we are trapped in past trauma. This is a very important testimony to the resilience of some people, and a tool to help all of us deal with the traumas which we will all, sooner or later, face.

Geraldine Comiskey (Freelance Journalist (Ireland)

Trauma, unfortunately, is all around us. Of course, it always has been. Trauma does not just refer to things which result in clinically diagnosed PTSD. Trauma exists on a continuum and it is also very individual. Two people may be in a car accident together and one may have no lasting psychological effects while the other could end up with serious PTSD.

I deal with trauma regularly in my counselling practice and do a type of trauma therapy called EMDR. The causal event can be anything from a difficult birth of a child to childhood sexual abuse to the loss of a loved one.

Post-Traumatic Thriving: The Art, Science, & Stories of Resilience was written by Randall Bell, a consultant who specializes in disaster recovery projects around the world. After witnessing trauma victims recover and show incredible resilience in the face of darkness, he felt compelled to write this book to give others hope and information about how others can do the same.

So, do I recommend this book? I think it is a useful read for everyone, because no one escapes this earth without experiencing some sort of trauma or knowing someone else who has. It isn't a treatment or cure, however, so if you have experienced a trauma, you should still also seek help in the form of counselling, medication or whatever else is necessary.

There has never been a better time to learn how traumatic events affect us!

Erica Berman, PhD (Psychotherapist & Healthy Life Lessons Blog)

A power filled book of stories that can heal or help to bring restoration to anyone that takes time to connect. It is so masterful to read how others are impacted by the world today.

Cassandra McCann (Blogger - Cassandra M’s Place)

No one can avoid traumatic events, anyone can thrive again, you need character. Dr. Randall Bell shows how you can learn. Connect with others but always stay who you are.

Patrick van Schie (Director of Telders Foundation (Holland)

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 - CelebMIX)

Dr. Bell masterfully explains how to thrive in the face of adversity. You will know how to empower yourself when trauma rears its ugly face. Through the use of real-life examples and scientifically backed advice, Dr. Bell provides clear cut direction on how you can navigate through anything. Dr. Bell provides clarity in a time of chaos and uncertainty!

John Poehler (Published Author, This War Within My Mind & Award-Winning Mental Health Advocate and Blogger)

Occasionally, the world produces one of those rare thinkers that alters the course of history.

Disney reinvented entertainment, Einstein revolutionized science, Edison lit up our lives with the light bulb, Bell got the world talking with the telephone, … and Fender revolutionized music.

If you think about it, Leo Fender has influenced every person on earth today—at least everyone who has ever heard a song.

When Leo first invented the electric guitar, people laughed at him. They thought that his new guitars looked more like boat paddles. Yet, Leo’s guitars went on to be used by everyone from Elvis Presley to Eric Clapton and from Jimmy Page to Jimmy Hendrix. Rolling Stone magazine published a list of the world’s top 100 guitarists, and 90 of them used one of Leo’s guitars on stage. The other 10 used guitars that copied Leo’s inventions.

Leo Fender was shy, had one glass eye, and was nearly deaf. Yet, from the small town of Fullerton, California, he built an iconic empire that is worshiped by rock stars worldwide. The highest price ever spent for music memorabilia was not for Michael Jackson’s glove, original Beatles’ handwritten lyrics, or even one of Elvis’ killer pantsuits. It was for a Fender Stratocaster, which sold for a staggering $2.7 million.

Literally born in a barn, Leo went on to amass wild fame and fortune and win a Grammy Award, an Academy of Country Music Award, and a Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award. He was the Grand Marshal at parades and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Today, Fender is a household name, but you can take the image of a world-famous, wealthy business icon and throw it out the window! Written by the wife of the late Leo Fender, this book provides, for the very first time, an unprecedented look into to the wonderful world of this quiet genius.