Ray Owen – författare

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.

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.

‘This isn’t living, this is just existing.’

A long-term physical health condition – a chronic illness, or even a disability – can take over your existence. Battling against the effects of the condition can take so much of your time and energy that it feels like the rest of your life is ‘on hold’.

The physical symptoms of different conditions will vary, as will the way you manage them. But the kinds of psychological stress the situation brings are common to lots of long-term health problems: worry about the future, sadness about what has been lost, frustration at changes, guilt about being a burden, friction with friends and family. You can lose your sense of purpose and wonder ‘What’s the point?’ Trapped in a war against your own illness, every day is just about the battle, and it can seem impossible to find achievement and fulfilment in life if the condition cannot be cured.

It doesn’t have to be like that.

Using the latest developments in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) which emphasise mindfulness and acceptance, and including links to downloadable audio exercises and worksheets, this book will show you how you can live better despite your long-term condition. It will teach you to spot the ways of coping that haven’t been working for you, how to make sure that troubling thoughts and unwanted feelings don’t run your life, how to make sense of the changes in your circumstances, to make the most of today and work towards a future that includes more of the things that matter to you.

If you stop fighting a losing battle, and instead learn how to live well with the enemy, then – even with your long-term condition – you’ll find yourself not simply existing, but really living again.

‘This isn’t living, this is just existing.’

A long-term physical health condition – a chronic illness, or even a disability – can take over your existence. Battling against the effects of the condition can take so much of your time and energy that it feels like the rest of your life is ‘on hold’.

The physical symptoms of different conditions will vary, as will the way you manage them. But the kinds of psychological stress the situation brings are common to lots of long-term health problems: worry about the future, sadness about what has been lost, frustration at changes, guilt about being a burden, friction with friends and family. You can lose your sense of purpose and wonder ‘What’s the point?’ Trapped in a war against your own illness, every day is just about the battle, and it can seem impossible to find achievement and fulfilment in life if the condition cannot be cured.

It doesn’t have to be like that.

Using the latest developments in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) which emphasise mindfulness and acceptance, and including links to downloadable audio exercises and worksheets, this book will show you how you can live better despite your long-term condition. It will teach you to spot the ways of coping that haven’t been working for you, how to make sure that troubling thoughts and unwanted feelings don’t run your life, how to make sense of the changes in your circumstances, to make the most of today and work towards a future that includes more of the things that matter to you.

If you stop fighting a losing battle, and instead learn how to live well with the enemy, then – even with your long-term condition – you’ll find yourself not simply existing, but really living again.