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The Best We Could: Healing from Intergenerational Trauma
An indomitable human spirit ...
is it something with which one is born?
Or does one learn not to survive, but to thrive?
In this "memoir of becoming well," Ellyn Mantell shares her profound journey of healing from childhood trauma. Raised by parents whose meager servings of affection were balanced out with a steady diet of abuse and neglect, Ellyn and her sisters often turned to each other for emotional nourishment. Like many survivors of child abuse, they struggled with shame, imposter syndrome, and severe self-doubt. When Ellyn became a mother, she was determined to leave her pain and insecurities behind and break the cycle of intergenerational abuse.
The Best We Could shares what can happen when we face our demons, commit to wellbeing, and choose to live above and beyond our trauma.
is it something with which one is born?
Or does one learn not to survive, but to thrive?
In this "memoir of becoming well," Ellyn Mantell shares her profound journey of healing from childhood trauma. Raised by parents whose meager servings of affection were balanced out with a steady diet of abuse and neglect, Ellyn and her sisters often turned to each other for emotional nourishment. Like many survivors of child abuse, they struggled with shame, imposter syndrome, and severe self-doubt. When Ellyn became a mother, she was determined to leave her pain and insecurities behind and break the cycle of intergenerational abuse.
The Best We Could shares what can happen when we face our demons, commit to wellbeing, and choose to live above and beyond our trauma.
178 pages, Hardcover
Published April 22, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
April 28, 2025
As the author, it is my privilege to share what I have learned about healing from intergenerational trauma. I began to write this book in my mind and heart when 11 years old, walking to school on a windy day. Feeling an awareness that took me from being numbed by the dysfunction of my family to the recognition that yes, life was filled with difficult and unstable times, but also, those times brought me closer to my sisters, an incredible blessing, as well as the realization I had a choice in how I lived MY life. At that moment, I made a commitment to change my path. It has been arduous, no lies in this book...reality is difficult, but you will see how much we can nurture our resilience. I am hoping this resonates with you, and that it helps those in need of support as they heal.
April 29, 2025
REVIEW FOR THE BEST WE COULD: HEALING FROM INTERGENERATIONAL TRAUMA
This was an eye-opening book in that it showed me that one can move past complex trauma and live a joyful life. Ellyn Mantell shows the reader that, and more, is possible, with her clear and concise message of resilience. As a Child and Family Crisis Psychologist working with children and families for decades, I have learned the importance of identifying the impact of trauma, and this book TOLD me that there is a path to having a full life. Read it!
This was an eye-opening book in that it showed me that one can move past complex trauma and live a joyful life. Ellyn Mantell shows the reader that, and more, is possible, with her clear and concise message of resilience. As a Child and Family Crisis Psychologist working with children and families for decades, I have learned the importance of identifying the impact of trauma, and this book TOLD me that there is a path to having a full life. Read it!
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews