Stress to Strength

A Simple Suite of Tools to Revolutionize Clients' Coping, and Reduce Therapist Burnout

Knowing what to offer clients can be hard when their stress level is through the roof. Seasoned therapist Denise Barnes offers the Stress to Strength model, an evidence-based approach that gives struggling clients fast relief and fresh perspectives. Meanwhile, it nurtures therapists' well-being as they pilot the delicate balance of serving struggling clients while averting burnout.

A common complaint about past therapy is, "We just talked". Talking and even the latest neuro tools 'done to' clients may not be enough. There is a hunger for tools that make sense of adversity and lower distress. The Stress to Strength model is simple and easy to learn, with 12 client examples and 14 worksheets. There are bonus sections on social support and communication tools. It's a game changer for therapists and clients who want to cross the bridge from survival to thriving.

What Clients and Therapists Say:

• "I've come a long way. I want to thank you for that."
• "The tools are realistic. I can do this!"
• "I'm not religious, but I feel like the universe put you in my life. I'm so grateful."
• I've gone from lost, to more stable with myself. (The tools) are much more second nature."
• "Fantastically helpful to me. I don't feel like a big ball of stress anymore. I have options."

The Stress to Strength model offers clients a toolbox to:

• Nip overwhelm and stress in the bud before it gets out of hand
• Match the best coping tool to their specific stress
• Handle emotions and thoughts that threaten to derail crucial next steps
• Increase the strength and accuracy of their emotional intelligence

The model is designed to reduce therapist burnout by giving them:

• A simple structure for clients to gain insight into the roots of old patterns
• Tools and frameworks that train clients to master stress during and after therapy
• 'Good fit coping' shortcuts that strengthen clients' resilience and self-awareness
• Effective ways for clients to prioritize, and match actions to their values

The author first learned this model while counseling cancer patients and loved ones for nineteen years. The science took place in a five-year psychosocial clinical trial to enrich recovery for breast cancer patients exiting treatment. Proven to help those facing life-threatening illness, it can surely benefit clients and therapists in navigating today's uncertain world.

The book is great for therapists, and relevant for coaches, nurses, community health workers, and other helping professionals who support people making changes. This simple and intuitive model can be used by lay people, especially if they have been to therapy before or are interested in practices that increase wellness and happiness. Book owners get access to a webpage with further tips and resources on using and sharing the Stress to Strength model.

Licensed Psychotherapist and Intuitive Coach Denise Barnes finds Stress to Strength a lovely adjunct to many other therapeutic techniques. It has been an effective burnout cure for the stressful work of therapy for almost three decades. Clients' progress and gratitude are inspiring. Her current Stress to Strength work helps her walk her talk.