Bouncing Back: Skills for Adaptation to Injury, Aging, Illness, and Pain

I am not a doctor or a therapist but someone coping with the early effects of aging in myself and the more advanced effects of aging in my parents, and I find this workbook to be incredibly useful. I'm also impressed that it covers so much so thoroughly. Showing how injury, aging, illness, and pain all require adjustments to loss, it goes about explaining the best coping skills for adapting to this loss. And since living inevitably involves such adjustments, I actually find it difficult to imagine who wouldn't benefit from reading it somewhere along the way.Among its many virtues, three stand out in particular to me. First is its very wise practical advice. Clearly the author has learned from many years of experience with his clients and has compiled the adaptation techniques that have worked best, with one technique sensibly and logically leading to the next. Second is the interactive format of the book, with the thoughtful, user-friendly worksheets requiring readers to relate the chapters to their own situations, thus learning much about themselves as they proceed. Third is the tone. Here the author has done an exceptional job of conveying sound practical advice in a compassionate manner, inspiring readers with an uplifting, positive voice infused with touches of humor. This mixture of ingredients makes this book extremely valuable for any of us adjusting to loss of ability. I know that I will be consulting it for many years to come.

Bouncing Back: Skills for Adaptation to injury, aging, illness and pain is the PERFECT blend of practical, research based treatment with a user friendly format!As a neuropsychologist in private practice, I have read many books on the treatment of individuals who have suffered losses. However, in my experience, many of the “treatment” books are not nearly as practical as promised. Or they are really geared towards the provider, but heavily based in theory, and not user friendly for myself or my clients. Finally, Dr. Wanlass has created a book that clinicians AND clients can relate to!I use this book clinically in several different ways. At times, I use it as a quick refresher prior to a treatment session (e.g., sleep or stress management). Or, as part of my CBT protocol, I have my clients complete certain chapters for homework. Other times, we work collaboratively with the book guiding discussions. In this way, exercises may be completed in session, when appropriate. In addition, this book lends itself to a group therapy modality as well!By developing his written self-help materials, Dr. Wanlass has found a way to reach both those in our care, as well as those who may not be able to get to our offices and he does this with expertise, warmth, and kindness.

As a neuropsychologist with a busy practice, I put great effort into producing thorough and accurate evaluations of my clients with brain injuries, early dementias, learning challenges, and other neurological illnesses. More often than not, though, I find that my clients and their families don’t care as much about precise test scores or diagnoses as they do about how they can cope and deal with their diminished abilities. They have questions like, “I know my memory is slipping, but what can I do about that?” or “How do I help my kids with staying in school after her/his diagnosis?” It’s tough to find therapists skilled and available to deal with disability-related issues with both adults and children (or the sadness, loneliness, stress, loss of purpose, and chronic pain that often accompany injury and illness). In Bouncing Back (2017), I have finally found a great resource to recommend to clients and their families to help answer some of these tough questions. Bouncing Back is a self-help tool they can use by themselves, but it’s also a tool they can use in conjunction with a therapist who may not have much experience with problems like theirs. I plan to keep my copy close by as a resource for crafting helpful recommendations in my reports.June Yu Paltzer, Ph.D., ABPP, Board Certified in Clinical Neuropsychology & Pediatric Neuropsychology

Walking through this book was well worth the time a effort, and am definitely stronger after completing the sections.Dr Wanlass has a way with words that creates a conversation, he's not talking to to me, it really felt like he was talking with me.Some points that are great:The book doesn't need to be read cover to cover. As a matter of fact you may find yourself reading certain chapters and sections a second time.The wide margins are great for jotting down notes for those subsequent readings.The bullet points and sections make for an easy to understand book without fatiguing quickly.This book is great to revisit during any changes in your life. For me it helped during change in work flow. And helping navigate in becoming a proud father of a healthy baby boy.Less great point: (but no fault of the book)If I was recovering from a serious injury, I'd probably have to get help from a caregiver. However, Dr Wanlass provides examples and defines some of the more complex words and ideas.Overall a great book for all to read at some point.