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Writer's picturePam

Book Review: After the Shock


Note: I have NO financial ties to this book or author.

“It’s okay to not be okay for while, you just don’t want to stay that way.”

- Author Becky Sansbury


After the Shock offers so much more than your typical book about grieving, yet author Becky Sansbury certainly knows a lot about grief and loss. She writes from her personal experience, as well as her years of serving as a hospice chaplain. Her highly practical book is for anyone who has lived through a crisis and is looking for honest and reliable advice on how to cope.


This book is not one of those theoretical books filled with lofty concepts. You can rest assured this book has been carefully researched, but the approach is usable and reader-friendly. I recommend keeping this handy book on your bedside table during and after any crisis.


Chock-Full of Helpful Features


Each chapter contains stories of real life challenges, along with strategies to address all types of trials. Ms. Sansbury uses relatable stories, simple charts and graphs, reflective questions, and helpful metaphors to create an accessible guidebook. This is not a sad, "woe-is-me" type of book. Instead, the author uses humor and hope to infuse each section with positive growth ideas and gentle encouragement.


I especially appreciate the reflective questions at the end of each chapter. These prompts help me to thoughtfully apply the material to my own experience with loss and crisis. Then I can use the new skills to explore other perspectives when looking at negative events.


The last section (appendices) of the book includes the convenience of chapter notes, summaries, and an easy-to-use reference guide. When I am having a rough day and need to find information quickly, I can easily skim the back section of the book to find exactly what I am looking for. As a busy counselor, I am so grateful for this well-planned and detailed format!



woman in despair
Despair by Anh Nguyen, via Unsplash

Who should read this book?


This book was written for anyone who has ever experienced, or supported someone else through, a serious life crisis. Who hasn’t been in both of those positions at various times in our lives?


Some topics covered directly:

  • divorce

  • chronic illness

  • terminal illness

  • death of a loved one

  • job loss

  • car accident

  • house fire


These are the major life events that we all want to avoid. The ones we tend to think happen to OTHER people. But really, no one is immune to times of conflict and change.


Crisis Support


In our messy human lives, there is no denying that another shock will always come along. With this incredibly practical guide, we have a roadmap to find our way through the maze. Using the suggestions in this book, we can learn to enhance our resilience in the face of our challenges. We can find balance once again, even when unwelcome changes rock our world.


If you or someone you care about has experienced a crisis of any kind, this book is just the guide you need. Are you trying to figure out how to support someone who is currently living through a stressful situation? This book would make the perfect gift for them.


To learn more about grief counseling after a loss, call me!


Brought to you by:


Pam Kuras, MSW, LCSW, GC-C

58 Old Roberts Rd, Benson NC 27504

919-912-5736

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