Anatomy of a Survivor examines in inspiring detail how survivors used their inner strengths to build resilience, navigate through, and ultimately grow from traumas and major life challenges. In 1990, after a sudden cardiac event, Joyce Mikal-Flynn was dead for twenty-two minutes. While CPR and determined doctors returned her to life, she came to find that this new life wasn’t her life at all. Faced with depression, personal and professional setbacks, she ultimately recognized that this was not an end point—but a beginning. Over time, she understood that taking control begins with the essential choice to move forward. Her struggles fueled her. You got this, she told herself with every obstacle, failure, and misstep. Trauma and crisis are inescapable aspects of life. Framed, at times, as something to get over, trauma never fully leaves those who experience it. For over two decades, Dr. Mikal-Flynn has worked with and studied issues faced by survivors. She understands and recognizes their desire to move forward, identifying specific mindsets and behaviors that encourage progress. Making the choice to move forward, fierce determination, and well-researched actions are key for survival and growth. Interlacing stories with research on genetics, posttraumatic growth, and the neuroscience of resilience and happiness, this book outlines how survivors of trauma structure a positive and productive response. An ingenious strengths-based rehabilitation system—metahabilitation—engages them by uncovering and developing their resilience, grit, and capacity for growth after trauma. This book shows you how survivors are built and presents a unique system guiding them forward. “ Anatomy of a Survivor will immediately inform my work with military veterans. Joyce and I met (by chance or fate) in 2015 and have become both friends and colleagues. I have leaned on her many times since, incorporating her insights on recovery and posttraumatic growth in my work with military veterans at the Sierra Club and elsewhere. This book clearly articulates that when faced with trauma, the scariest and biggest challenges in life are the unknowns but we can take control and use this as an opportunity to grow from the experience and return to a life with a greater sense of purpose and belonging. Expertly supported using peer-reviewed research, decades of client observations, and stories of trauma survivors, her descriptive writing style allows the reader to experience a survival journey that culminates in a deeper and more meaningful understanding of the metahabilitated survivor and posttraumatic growth. Anatomy of a Survivor should be a primary source for anyone working with trauma survivors and their families.” —Lt. Col. Aaron M. Leonard USA (Ret), Sierra Club Military Outdoors “My working relationship with Dr. Mikal-Flynn began over five years ago, through a collaboration with University of California, Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center. Her MetaHab course for clinicians was an eye opener and proved to be the catalyst for me personally as a former cancer researcher, cancer caregiver, cancer survivor and in my work in cancer support with the American Cancer Society. Joyce is able to articulate the deep emotions and affects that trauma drags along with it. She understands through her own story, but better yet, she understands the ways in which the person feeling damaged can look at the scars in a different way, find meaning and gratitude, and access the illusive resilience that often feels just out of reach. While each of us feel our personal trauma solely; there are common tools that, when consistently used, can break us free to find our strength and grow healthier, steadier. It is my absolute pleasure to recommend, Anatomy of a Survivor to everyone who continues to find meaning and perseverance through trauma.” —Treasa McPherson , Cancer Control Strategic Partnerships Manager, American Cancer Society “This book is essential for anyone working in trauma recovery. In partnership with other noted experts in the field, Dr. Joyce Mikal-Flynn weaves her own personal story of survival, and the inspiring stories of many others, with the latest neuroscience on post-traumatic growth. She explores the process of healing from trauma in a way that is non-prescriptive, yet still provides a meaningful, evidence-based roadmap to recovery. As a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, I will definitely be adding this to my resource list for both clients and professionals in order to help create a context of hope on their journey towards resilience and growth.” —Dr. Christine Lynn Norton , LCSW, CCTP, CCAT, CET, Professor, Texas State University, Founder: Foster Care Adventure Therapy Network “Since Dr. Mikal-Flynn’s first book in 2012, Turning Tragedy Into Triumph , I’ve experienced two traumatic events: the sudden brain surgery for my wife and the cardiac arrest of my father as we sat across from each other eating lunch. My wife and father s