Expecto Patronum: Using the Lessons from Harry Potter to Recover From Abuse - Softcover

Matt Atkinson

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0692958657 ISBN 13: 9780692958650

Publisher: RAR Books, 2017

Synopsis

Those who treat the Harry Potter books as merely a series of children s stories miss their real treasure. Sophisticated readers know that the books are actually an extended wisdom parable, with characters who grow in profound ways. Harry, Hermione, and Ron are not heroes because of their magical abilities, but because they struggle against despair, adversity, and injustice in ways that fans connect with. Readers of all ages have loved these characters for years, but there is special wisdom in the books and films for those who have endured trauma and have struggled to heal from painful pasts. For them, Harry is a kindred spirit, rising above the cruelty he has survived by learning how to overcome his own pain. Expecto Patronum offers insights from the Harry Potter parables for those who have struggled with trauma, depression, self-harm, loneliness, and self-doubt. It translates complicated psychological concepts about recovery from abuse, rape, and other betrayal traumas into terms that Potter fans can understand and apply personally. Expecto Patronum just might unlock some of the treasure in the Harry Potter books in ways you may have not noticed before!

About this title

From the Author

My previous books, Resurrection After Rape and Letters To Survivors, have been used by counseling programs, crisis centers, and university classrooms--not just in the United States, but around the world. My enthusiasm for supporting survivors and helping to challenge the prevalence of abuse and inequality in our culture has kept me active in this work, and it's also pressed me to develop resources that haven't been done before.As a fan of the Harry Potter books myself, I have also noticed how many survivors of trauma have also felt a close kinship to Harry, Hermione, and Ron. Their hero's journeys parallel the healing journey that many survivors of abuse have also embarked upon. Treating the Harry Potter books a mere children's stories misses the greater wisdom found in them; they are actually parables about healing from trauma and overcoming the pain of past losses and struggles. Writing Expecto Patronum compelled me to search for new research findings, peer-reviewed studies about trauma, and to consult with other experts about emerging insights into how we cope with such issues as abuse, sexual assault, relationship violence, and the loneliness that comes from enduring those experiences. As a result, Expecto Patronum is not a simple book of inspirational comparisons between trauma and Harry's adventures. Instead, it looks at the deeper psychology and symbolism found in the Harry Potter series, and suggests ways that those parables parallel the grueling, painful, and remarkable process of working through the effects of post-traumatic stress. Included in Expecto Patronum is information for male, female, and LGBT survivors, victims of sexual assault, trafficking, domestic/dating violence, and childhood trauma, the effects of PTSD and depression on the brain, coping with self-harm, overcoming all-or-none/black-and-white thinking during healing, understanding conflicts between clients and therapists, and the importance of imperfection as a strength. 

About the Author

Matt Atkinson is a domestic and sexual violence response professional and trauma specialist. He won the National Award for Excellence for his work with rape and abuse survivors, and his techniques are used in crisis programs and treatment centers. He has written award-winning books on trauma recovery that are used around the world, and has trained therapists, crisis centers, victim's advocates, law enforcement, and attorneys on best practices in meeting survivors' needs.

Edition details

• Publisher: RAR Books
• Publication date: 2017
• ISBN 10: 0692958657
• ISBN 13: 9780692958650
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 230