MBC Life: Quakes, Aftershocks, and Hope
When clinical psychologist Sarah Mandel was pregnant with her second child, her daughter Sienna, she began preparing for her maternity leave, juggling the demands of her soon-to-be-new baby and her little daughter Sophie with the needs of her patients. Noticing a lump in her breast, she assumed it was most likely a clogged milk duct. But a biopsy revealed that it was breast cancer. When she went into labor, she learned that her cancer had already spread to her bones —horrible news that forced her to confront terminal illness as she was bringing new life into the world.
Like all of us after this devastating diagnosis, Sarah had experienced the clear signs of PTSD. As a therapist who specialized in trauma work, Sarah had utilized “narrative therapy” to help her patients. She used this treatment on herself to help her heal. Little Earthquakes was born out of this therapeutic writing.
Resources from Sarah
FOR IMMEDIATE SUPPORT
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255) Available 24 hours in English and Spanish
Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-SUICIDE (800-784-2433)
The Crisis Text Line Text HOME to 741741
PSYCHOTHERAPY-RELATED RESOURCES
Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies
Anxiety Disorders Association of America
American Psychological Association
Ask for a therapy referral from your primary care provider.
Contact local hospitals and academic centers to find out if they offer psychotherapy services.
BOOKS
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma , by Bessel van der Kolk, M.D.
Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence—from Domestic Abuse to Political Terror , by Judith Herman, M.D.
Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life , by Steven C. Hayes, Ph.D. (This workbook is especially recommended for managing anxiety and uncertainty with mindfulness-based interventions.)
This interview is part of our ongoing “Our MBC Bookshelf” series that highlight the authors and books who make a difference in our lives. If you have an author whom you would like us to interview – drop us a line.