Homecoming : Overcome Fear and Trauma to Reclaim Your Whole, Authentic Self

"A road map for dismantling the fear and shame that keep you from living a free and authentic life. In the aftermath of stress, disappointment, and trauma, people often fall into survival mode, even while a part of them longs for more. Juggling multiple demands and responsibilities keeps them busy, but not healed. As a survivor of sexual assault, racism, and evacuation from a civil war in Liberia, Dr. Thema Bryant knows intimately the work involved in healing. Having made the journey herself, in addition to guiding others as a clinical psychologist and ordained minister, Dr. Thema shows you how to reconnect with your authentic self and reclaim your time, your voice, your life. Signs of disconnection from self can take many forms, including people-pleasing, depression, anxiety, and resentment. Healing starts with recognizing and expressing emotions in an honest way and reconnecting with the neglected parts of yourself, but it can't be done in a vacuum. Dr. Thema gives you the tools to meaningfully connect with your larger community, even if you face racism and sexism, heartbreak, grief, and trauma. Rather than shrinking in the face of life's difficulties, you will discover in Homecoming the therapeutic approaches and spiritual practices to live a more expansive life characterized by empowerment, healthier relationships, gratitude, and a deeper sense of purpose."-- Jacket CONTENTS INTRODUCTION Homesick and Disconnected PART ONE Longing for Home CHAPTER ONE Ring the Alarm: I Need a Homecoming CHAPTER TWO Internal Signs of Disconnection CHAPTER THREE External Signs of Disconnection PART TWO Packing Light: What to Carry on the Journey Home CHAPTER FOUR Reparenting Yourself CHAPTER FIVE Emotional Intelligence CHAPTER SIX Community Care and Self-Care CHAPTER SEVEN Building Self-Confidence CHAPTER EIGHT Spiritual Practices PART THREE Recovering from Roadblocks on the Journey Home CHAPTER NINE Mourning Invisible Losses CHAPTER TEN Healing from Breakups and Divorce CHAPTER ELEVEN Coping and Healing from a Toxic Workplace CHAPTER TWELVE Recovering from Childhood Trauma CHAPTER THIRTEEN Resisting Oppression CONCLUSION Welcome Home: The Journey Continues ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ACKNOWLEDGMENTS