Unspeakable: Stories of Survival and Transformation After Trauma – 'Profoundly moving' Siri Hustvedt Main Edition

Elegant work on the issue of trauma . . . Adshead’s book brims with stories of survival. — Neil Mackay ― The Herald

Unspeakable is a wise, deep, nuanced, and profoundly moving book about traumatic experience and the muteness that so often accompanies it. Every one of Dr. Adshead’s patients responds differently to events so terrible they resist telling. And yet, through the dialogue and greater understanding that arrives with therapy, every one of them discovers a way to live on and to speak of what was once unspeakable. — Siri Hustvedt ― author of MEMORIES OF THE FUTURE

A portrait of trauma and how psychotherapy has the power to transform the lives of those who have suffered unimaginable pain. Infused with Gwen Adshead’s trademark compassion and radical empathy, this book is thoughtful, important and a reminder that hope belongs to everyone. — Christie Watson ― author of THE LANGUAGE OF KINDNESS

Wonderful… Adshead shows how the mind is infinitely adaptable, often resilient and that memories evolve. We learn that it’s possible not only to survive traumatic experiences, but find new ways to flourish in spite of them. — Gavin Francis ― author of RECOVERY

I was gripped by Unspeakable. These patient stories take the reader right into the consulting room and show how psychotherapy has the potential to transform the lives of those who have encountered unimaginable trauma. — Caroline Elton ― author of ALSO HUMAN

A humane exploration of traumatic experience, and more importantly, survival, that resists simplistic formulations and captures the subtle drama of psychotherapy. — Frank Tallis ― author of THE ACT OF LIVING

With intelligence and deep empathy, Dr Gwen Adshead and Eileen Horne bring voice to acts, experiences and emotions that defy language. This is a book that challenges assumptions, expands compassion and lingers with you long after the final page. Fearless, humane and beautifully written – Unspeakable asks what happens when we finally face the stories we’ve spent our lives avoiding. — Emma Read Turrell ― author of WHAT AM I MISSING?

In this extraordinary book, Adshead reveals not only how trauma shapes lives but also how people can escape its legacy. Through her rich and varied clinical illustrations, she brings to life the impact of the unspeakable, experiences that previously lay buried in wordless shame. Most importantly, she highlights how therapy enables recovery and survival. This book keeps hope alight in even the darkest places. — Anna Motz

Extraordinarily powerful . . . it’s indelibly stamped on my mind. — Rachel Clarke

Deeply moving, incredibly wise and exquisitely written . . . You will find this book so very powerful and hugely affecting — Jo Cannon