A fresh and inspiring perspective on how we should understand and manage adversity. Groundbreaking psychology, fascinating and research, with a six-step self-help element.

We live in a world in which suffering is endemic. In this book, Stephen Joseph sounds a hopeful note. Suffering need not destroy Terry Waite CBE What Doesn't Kill Us indeed does and can make us stronger as brilliantly presented by Professor Stephen Joseph and lived throughout my every day Dr Gill Hicks MBE, survivor of the London Bombings, July 7, 2005 Convincingly challenging, highly enlightening, and compulsively readable, What Doesn't Kill Us is thoroughly recommended for both those who have and have not experienced trauma. A transformational new perspective Elaine Iljon Foreman, author of Fly Away Fear: Overcoming Your Fear of Flying and co-author of Depression for Dummies What Doesn't Kill Us is a book of wisdom - both for those who have undergone great stress as well as for those who love and treat them. It is psychology as its best: honest, hopeful, helpful, and based on sound, serious research Robert J. Wicks, Professor, Loyola University Maryland, and author of Bounce: Living the Resilient Life In this fascinating book, Stephen Joseph maps out the rarely explored positive consequences of trauma, reminding us that growth is possible even in the most adverse circumstances. Although essential reading for clinicians working with traumatised patients, What Doesn't Kill Us is so accessibly written that it should appeal to anyone interested in the human condition Richard Bentall, Professor of Clinical Psychology, University of Liverpool Stephen Joseph's book is inspirational and, not just for the lay reader but also for all therapists, regardless of their theoretical orientation, as trauma is an inherent part of their work. It goes far beyond the narrow confines of current clinical approaches to working with trauma and posttraumatic stress and challenges all clinicians to think about what we actually say and do in the consulting room ... To say that it is essential reading would be an understatement. It is essential as a survival guide to life Stephen Regel, Honorary Associate Professor/Co-Director Centre for Trauma, Resilience and Growth School of Sociology and Social Policy, University of Nottingham Professor Stephen Joseph] has ably blended his many years of research and clinical practice into an enlightened story of posttraumatic growth. This is a book that should be read by all who encountered trauma and those who love and treat them Donald Meichenbaum, PhD Distinguished Professor Emeritus, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada and Research Director of the Melissa Institute for Violence Prevention and Treatment of Victims of Violence, Miami, Florida What Doesn't Kill Us is an invaluable guide for anyone wanting to know to cope with trauma Elaine Fox, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology, University of Essex With decades of experience and knowledge, Joseph presents the wonderfully complex world of posttraumatic growth in an accessible and personable way. Not only does the book provide the most up-to-date research, What Doesn't Kill Us offers tangible approaches to developing growth after trauma; a feat that will be valued by many Dr Kate Hefferon, Senior Lecturer, University of East London and author of Positive Psychology: Theory, research and applications In an area beset by wishful thinking, Stephen Joseph makes the scientific case for how difficult times can lead to personal growth. What Doesn't Kill Us is a well-argued and well-evidenced challenge to the idea that trauma is necessarily a curse Vaughan Bell, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College, London It is a rare feat to produce a book that will appeal and be useful to the general public, as well as scholars and practitioners. Joseph has done so John Harvey, Professor Emeritus of Psychology, University of Iowa Beautifully written, drawing on cutting-edge scientific research to reveal one of humankind's noblest qualities: the capacity to find meaning and growth in the face of near-unbearable suffering Mick Cooper, Professor of Counselling, University of Strathclyde This is a caring and thoughtful account, arguing for normality or posttraumatic stress as a process of adaptation. Professor Joseph presents a personal and positive perspective, showing how people can come through painful experiences and live fulfilling lives Dr Nigel Hunt, Associate Professor in Health Psychology, University of Nottingham Despite the upbeat message, Joseph is no Pollyanna - thankfully, he never seeks to diminish the very real distress and terror experienced by those who have suffered PTSD. In the end, he makes a compelling, honest and hopeful argument in favour of Nietzsche's dictum that what doesn't kill us, does indeed make us stronger -- Jennifer O'Connell Sunday Business Post (Ireland)

Stephen Joseph is professor of psychology, health and social care at the University of Nottingham, UK, where he is co-director of the Centre for Trauma, Resilience and Growth and an honorary consultant psychologist in psychotherapy. He has published more than 200 academic papers and 7 academic books, and is often asked to comment in the media on topical events relating to his work.