2nd Edition
Facing the Storm Using CBT, Mindfulness and Acceptance to Build Resilience When Your World's Falling Apart
Facing the Storm is a self-care book which aims to assist readers in dealing with life-changing events and recovering in the face of adversity.
Drawing on evidence-based techniques from CBT and mindfulness and acceptance approaches, and a lifetime of experience with people confronting their own death, this book will show readers ways to cope better in the face of life’s storms. It guides them to make sense of what is happening, to make better choices in the face of disaster, build their ability to recover from the impact of events, and prioritise the things that matter most to them. This updated edition reflects recent research and new techniques while also addressing the changing world we have been living in – especially the impact of the Covid19 pandemic.
The book will be of interest to people struggling with the big challenges of life, and for the psychology, health and social care professionals who help them.
1. Storms Happen: Introduction; 2. Gale warning: Realising you’re in trouble; 3. Listening to the forecasts: Making sense of it & Taking Stock; 4. I can’t believe it’s going to hit us: Getting used to it; 5. What should we do? Making decisions; 6. Keeping going: Managing ‘normal’ daily life; 7. Thinking ahead: Preparing for afterwards; 8. Riding the storm: Dealing with thoughts and emotions; 9 The eye of the storm: Finding a quieter place in the middle of it all; 10. Rebuilding from driftwood: After the event (assuming you’re there); 11. All the different storms: Conclusion
Biography
Ray Owen is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Health Psychologist with over 30 years’ experience in cancer, end-of-life care and chronic illness.
This book is like a conversation with a wise helper. In life's inevitable storms, this book is a life-jacket of practical ideas and compassionate wisdom.
Kathryn Mannix, Palliative Care Consultant, CBT Therapist, Author of "With the End in Mind" & "Listen"
When peaceful seas are not the full story, this wise book shows you what to do: learn, care, plan, choose, do what’s possible, adjust. You may not control the storm, but you control how you relate to it. Highly recommended.
Steven C. Hayes, Ph.D. Originator of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Just what I know to expect from Dr Ray Owen, a beautifully crafted, deep dive into the extraordinary traumas we humans face and how to deal with them; wise psychological strategies, ‘simple by design’, that work, even when you feel completely overwhelmed
Lesley Howells, Lead Psychologist for Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres
A very timely revision to the original edition of 'Facing The Storm’. The pandemic and other global events give the whole notion of learning to manage life’s major adversities an added significance. Ray Owen’s trademark wisdom and clarity flows through this book once again. Highly recommended.
Richard Bennett, Dr, University of Birmingham, co-author of Acceptance & Commitment Therapy- 100 Key Points
Ray Owen has crafted a book that provides enormous solace and support for those of us who find ourselves weathering the storms of life: packed with useful strategies and tools to help you navigate trying times.
Joe Oliver, Ph.D., founder of Contextual Consulting, co-author of The Mindfulness and Acceptance Workbook for Self-Esteem
The perfect companion for anyone going through any kind of crisis. Full of practical tips and psychological techniques, it will show you how to cope well and live meaningfully, despite the challenging, life-changing situations you find yourself in. Highly recommended.
Mike Sinclair, Dr, Consultant Counselling Psychologist, author of Mindfulness for Busy People and The Little Anxiety Workbook
A brilliantly wise book on such a tough topic. A goldmine of practical ideas – which focus on the harder aspects to change when we are deep in loss – our thoughts. Ray is a totally trusted thinking partner who makes complex psychological issues totally accessible. This edition has such thoughtful and timely additions as we all try and navigate such a tsunami of loss and many new beginnings. Reading this book will significantly reduce the risk of complicated grief and promotes self-growth.
Julie Stokes OBE Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Executive Coach, Founder of Winston’s Wish, author of "You’ll Be OK"
This book is a practical and invaluable companion to major challenges at work, in our relationships or with our health. Ray is our compassionate guide and a master in his field, helping us recognise what’s happening and steer a course with purpose and authenticity.
Ross McIntosh – Work Psychologist and host of the People Soup Podcast
Incredibly comprehensive, informed by the fact that the author has lived this stuff for his entire career. In a heartfelt but practical tone, I felt like I was in the hands of an expert.
Nic Hooper, University of Cardiff, author of The Unbreakable Student
