A NEW BOOK BY SARAH THOMPSON
An illustrated journey through trauma and healing.
In a world grappling with frayed nervous systems and the damaging effects of trauma cascading from one generation to the next, the need for healing has never been more urgent.
FINDING MY WAY FORWARD
Some things are too heavy for words alone.
Traditional psychology books can feel dense and clinical, but this art book bridges that gap by blending evocative illustrations with bite-sized text. It offers an accessible, visually comforting guide to understanding human behavior, relational dynamics, and the physical reality of nervous system regulation.
THE BOOK
67 insightful topics,
67 pages.
Through 67 emotive, hand-drawn illustrations, easy-to-understand, research-backed behavioral insights, this book transforms the complex science of healing into a practical, soulful map for recovery.
TOPIC OVERVIEW
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How prolonged stress physically alters the brain (the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus) and memory storage.
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A look into the vagus nerve, the "Window of Tolerance," how our bodies store trauma, and the 4F trauma responses (Fight, Flight, Freeze, and Fawn).
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Attachment theory, dysfunctional family roles, and the difference between enmeshment, codependency, and healthy interdependency.
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Accessible breakdowns of internal frameworks like the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model, the cycle of abuse, and actionable paths toward healing and self-regulation.
EARLY READERS
Words from those who turned the pages.
“
This is the first time I’ve seen my internal struggles translated into drawings, something finally click in my brain that text-heavy books never could do for me.
Emilie B.
“
The illustration on the internal parts of the self is so incredibly moving—it gave me a visual language for my healing that I didn't know I needed.
Catherine J.
“
The pages are so beautiful and make complex topics really easy to understand and absorb.
Branden H.
FAQ
Reasonable questions, answered honestly.
Who is this book for?
This book is for anyone navigating the complex, often silent journey of healing from trauma, expanding their self-awareness, or trying to understand their own behavioral patterns.
01.
Who is this book not for?
While this book is illustrated, it is not intended for children under 14 years old. Topics related to abuse, neglect, self-harm, suicide, eating disorders, addiction and trauma are present. The information provided in this book is not intended as a substitute for professional medical or psychiatric advice.
02.
How is this different from a traditional psychology book?
Traditional psychology books can feel overly clinical, academic, and overwhelming to read when your nervous system is already stressed. This book is intentionally designed to be the exact opposite. It takes complex, heavy behavioral science and translates it into bite-sized text paired with evocative illustrations.
03.
Is this a physical book or a digital download?
Both! You can purchase a hardcover book or e-book. The hardcover book is printed on (11” x 8.5”) premium 170 gsm silk paper shipped in a nondescript, durable corrugated cardboard for utmost protection. The e-book edition is a fixed-layout (11” x 8.5”) high-resolution PDF digital download.
04.
THE AUTHOR & ILLUSTRATOR
Sarah Thompson
As a survivor of childhood abuse, Sarah created this book for her younger self and anyone struggling to find their way forward. Drawing on fifteen years of professional design experience, she set out to translate dense, clinical psychological concepts into emotive illustrations. After years of personal recovery, therapy sessions, and endless textbooks, this artwork is the accessible, comforting guide she wish she’d had from the beginning.
This is her first book of this kind.
HEALING IS POSSIBLE
Begin finding your way forward.