Common Threads: Why the Answers to the Present Lie in the Past

Practical, inspiring, and thought-provoking, Common Threads shines a light on the impact of trauma and mental illness on individuals and their families as they search for healing.

From a young age, Melissa Collins Harrell was acquainted with the toll mental illness can take on a family, particularly children. Although she knew her parents loved her, she was thrust into the role of caregiver at the stage of life when she needed to be cared for. Through dance, faith, and a growing resiliency, Melissa began her healing journey. She pursued training in counseling and public health, had a family, and built a good life. But more trauma was waiting for her.

In this moving memoir that weaves together her personal life and professional work, she provides resiliency tips, inspirational and uplifting scriptures, and insight and commentary based on her own experiences. It's an offering that will reach into the hearts of those suffering from trauma as well as the helping professionals walking alongside them.

Melissa Collins Harrell holds a Master's in Counseling as well as in Public Health. She has over twenty years experience as a licensed clinical mental health counselor with advanced training in trauma and complicated grief. Internationally she has served in health and community empowerment projects in rural areas of both Kenya and Guatemala. Melissa is a fervid writer and speaker on topics that promote mental health literacy and compassionate communities.

Ms. Harrell is also the author of Elizabeth and Stella Meet ZOE (2016). She lives in Goldsboro, North Carolina, with her three resilient young adult children.