The author uses recent scientific advances to show how trauma literally reshapes both body and brain, compromising sufferers' capacities for pleasure, engagement, self-control, and trust. He explores innovative treatments, from neurofeedback and meditation to sports drama, and yoga, that offer new paths to recovery by activating the brain's natural neuroplasticity.

Schiraldi offers a range of treatment alternatives and self-management techniques, showing that the other side of pain is recovery and growth.