Facing the Storm

We live in a world where bad things can, and do, happen irrespective of whether we are good or bad, whether we consider ourselves lucky or doomed, and with no regard to fairness. Any of us can find ourselves facing redundancy, the breakdown of a relationship, bankruptcy or any number of life changing crises, or supporting someone else who is. And sometimes, no matter how much we might try, there’s nothing we can do to prevent or reduce the problem.

But that doesn't mean you have to be helpless; no matter how bad the situation you're about to deal with, there are things that you can do to become more resilient and that will help you face the storm that's coming towards you or yours.

Using Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) techniques and the latest developments in mindfulness and acceptance-based approaches, this practical guide will take you through each stage of preparing for, enduring and recovering from a major life crisis helping you better understand what's going on, and providing new tools for dealing with the situation.

When there's a storm coming towards you, and you can't escape it, then you have to prepare to face it. Here's how.

Dr Ray Owen is a clinical psychologist working in cancer and palliative care for the NHS in Herefordshire, UK. He has worked in hospital, community and hospice settings for the past 20 years