December 31st, 2006

Finding My Way: A Teen’s Guide to Living with a Parent Who Has Experienced Trauma is an invaluable tool in the hands of those so often forgotten in dealing with trauma: the teenagers who are confused and frightened by what is happening. Practical in its format, clearly and concisely written, this vital resource avoids jargon and fills a desperate need for these families. It deserves to be widely promoted, lest any teen think they are alone and helpless while finding their way...” (Reverend Jeremy Basset, Church of the Servant, Oklahoma)

Part One of Finding My Way clearly explains PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) and other common responses to trauma, reviews co-occurring problems (including addictive behavior), and describes numerous treatment options. Part Two gently encourages readers to address their own strong emotions including anger, fear, confusion, sadness, and shame. Readers are then guided through the process of learning valuable coping tools, identifying their social support network, and figuring out how to deal with their friends. Part Three includes frequently asked questions, a glossary, and an extensive resource list. This honest and respectfully written manual serves as a roadmap for teens who are trying to find their way.

For more information about Finding My Way, please see their website at www.seedsofhopebooks.com

Here also is the link for your support for the Minnesota Military Family Foundation http://www.minnesotamilitaryfamilyfoundation.org/

Michelle D. Sherman, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist and a nationally recognized expert on the effects of trauma and mental illness on the family. She is the Director of the Family Mental Health Program at the Oklahoma City Veterans Affairs Medical Center and the co-chair of the Family Studies Team of the South Central Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC). She is also a clinical associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Dr. Sherman has worked extensively with families dealing with a wide range of traumatic experiences, including military combat, domestic violence, and sexual assault. She graduated from the University of Notre Dame and later earned her doctoral degree in clinical psychology from the University of Missouri at Columbia. She has published more than 25 scientific articles in professional journals, primarily focusing on family issues surrounding trauma and mental illness.

DeAnne M. Sherman, Michelle’s mom, is a French teacher, trained dancer, and choreographer. She graduated from the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul, Minnesota, where she received degrees in French, education, and speech and theater. She owned and operated a dance studio for ten years where she worked extensively with teens and young adults. In addition to being an experienced public speaker, DeAnne also volunteers her time teaching and mentoring junior high and high school students in the performing arts. DeAnne’s mission is to educate, affirm, encourage, and cherish each of her students, whether it is in the classroom, in the dance studio, or on the stage.

The collaboration of psychologist and teacher, daughter and mother, brings true synergy to their work; the authors draw from and pool their personal and professional life experiences in creating their books.

The mission of Seeds of Hope Books™ is to empower families who are dealing with issues of trauma or mental illness by:
--Providing essential information
--Normalizing a variety of reactions
--Encouraging open communication
--Supporting healthy coping
--Offering comfort and hope