Aster acquires ‘revolutionary’ book on overcoming trauma by Hibberd

Aster, part of the Octopus Publishing Group, has acquired How to Overcome Trauma and Find Yourself Again: Seven Steps to Grow From Pain by Dr Jessamy Hibberd.

Natalie Bradley acquired world rights in all languages from Jane Graham Maw at Graham Maw Christie Agency. Following Bradley’s promotion to editorial director on the Hamlyn imprint, commissioning editor Nicky Crane will oversee publication. The book will be published in hardback on 11th May. 

In the book, Dr Jessamy Hibberd explores the effects of trauma using a combination of psychology, neuroscience and her own experiences as a chartered psychologist treating people with trauma. It centres on the concept of “post‐traumatic growth”, a term used to describe “the remarkable way that painful experiences can lead to a valuable reassessment of life and discovery of self‐meaning".

The publisher goes on: “Through a revolutionary, seven‐step programme, readers will learn how to process past events and move forward with a deeper level of self‐awareness, a greater sense of purpose and a restored feeling of self‐acceptance. Grounded in research and brought to life with real stories, How to Overcome Trauma and Find Yourself Again gives the reader the tools to move beyond the hurt and emerge stronger, to lead a more fulfilling, joyful life.”

Hibberd is a chartered clinical psychologist, commentator and author of The Imposter Cure (Aster). She has over 15 years’ experience working in mental health, treating people who have experienced complex trauma.

Crane commented: “All too often, books about trauma can be harrowing and hard to read – not Jessamy’s. There is a beautiful humanity to the real‐life stories told in the book. This is also the only book on trauma that gives the reader the practical tools they need to start self‐healing and actually move on from pain.”

Hibberd said: "Trauma forms the core of my work as a psychologist. Yet despite it happening to so many of us it is often clouded in secrecy and shame. I am delighted to be working with Octopus again to shine a light on this topic and to share another side to trauma. That you can go through unimaginable pain but emerge stronger."