Any Body Can Heal

A Memoir About Facing Down Trauma

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Pub Date Jan 21 2025 | Archive Date Jan 20 2025

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Description

From survivor to psychotherapist—one woman’s path to triumphing over trauma by understanding how the brain’s brilliant protective mechanisms helped keep her alive.

In this powerful and deeply personal work of nonfiction, survivor and psychotherapist Sara Davidson explores one of life’s devastating but all too pervasive realities—trauma, and its rippling aftereffects.

By her mid-thirties, Sara Davidson had fled a tsunami, fought off a knife-wielding thief and survived a horrific sexual assault by two masked gunmen who burst through her bedroom door in the middle of the night. As she was struggling to confront her own trauma, she was also helping her clients navigate theirs. At one point, she thought she had recovered. However, it was only after delving into the neuroscientific literature on trauma and discovering how her brain had protected her in her darkest hour that she found her way to true healing.

Thoughtful and brutally honest, Davidson’s memoir draws on her personal experience, professional training and the insights she gained through her investigations to paint a moving portrait of one woman’s winding path to self-acceptance, healing and reclaiming a joyful life.

From survivor to psychotherapist—one woman’s path to triumphing over trauma by understanding how the brain’s brilliant protective mechanisms helped keep her alive.

In this powerful and deeply...


A Note From the Publisher

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sara Davidson is a registered psychotherapist in private practice in Toronto. She is also a sexual assault survivor who fought relentlessly to reclaim her sense of safety and self in the face of unspeakable trauma. Formerly a secondary school teacher, semi-professional athlete and coach, she regularly speaks, consults and conducts workshops on gender-based violence for schools, non-profits and corporate audiences. Passionately committed to advocating for individuals who have experienced gender-based violence, especially working with adolescents and young adults around issues of consent, resilience and forgiveness, she brings the unique perspective of a survivor, psychotherapist and mentor to the task.

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Advance Praise

“A powerful memoir about turmoil and growth, Any Body Can Heal celebrates the human spirit and what it can overcome.” —Foreword Clarion Reviews

Any Body Can Heal is a powerful story of the body and mind’s ability to protect and heal after traumatic events. Sara’s raw honesty and her unyielding search for knowledge and understanding created a book that will help everyone who has suffered trauma.” —Jayna Hefford, five-time Olympian, honored member of the Hockey Hall of Fame, and motivational keynote speaker

“A powerful memoir about turmoil and growth, Any Body Can Heal celebrates the human spirit and what it can overcome.” —Foreword Clarion Reviews

Any Body Can Heal is a powerful story of the body...


Marketing Plan

  • Digital galley distribution on NetGalley
  • Ingram Reviews Program Submission
  • Post publication eBook discount promotion
  • Digital galley distribution on NetGalley
  • Ingram Reviews Program Submission
  • Post publication eBook discount promotion

Available Editions

EDITION Paperback
ISBN 9781964721019
PRICE $17.95 (USD)
PAGES 142

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Average rating from 15 members


Featured Reviews

“Any Body Can Heal” - instantly by paragraph one I was hooked and I could not put the book down. This is an honest, raw, emotional, and powerful read. Any Body Can Heal provides insight into the daily struggles of trauma, while also providing the knowledge and strength to allow oneself to heal. Would definitely recommend.

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I really enjoyed this book. I finished it in two sittings and have bookmarked the strategies to go back to when I need them. The book is written in a way that’s easy to follow and empathize with. The combination of narrative and tools for managing trauma make it an incredibly unique and helpful read. Sara I’m so very proud of you and this gift you are offering the world.

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Any Body Can Heal is a powerful and deeply moving account of survival and resilience. Sara’s vulnerability and honesty in sharing her journey through trauma is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Her storytelling brings raw emotions to life, allowing readers to fully grasp the pain, confusion, and ultimately, the healing process. This book not only sheds light on the complex nature of trauma, but also offers hope and empowerment to others who may be struggling with their own experiences. A courageous and unforgettable read that stays with you long after the last page. Well done and so proud of Sara for sharing her story to give others hope and a sense of community. Also so cool she knew and had the same haircut as JJ!

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“Any Body Can Heal" by Sara Davidson is a powerful exploration of resilience in the face of trauma. Through her harrowing experiences—surviving a tsunami, enduring rape, and facing a knife attack in South Africa—Davidson evokes deep emotions, making readers feel her pain and despair. Yet, her journey doesn’t end there; she reflects on her healing process, illustrating how one can reclaim joy even after profound suffering. This memoir serves as a testament to the human spirit's strength, reminding us that despair can be transformed into a path toward thriving. Davidson’s honest account inspires readers to confront their own challenges and find hope amidst adversity.

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In Any Body Can Heal, Sara delivers a deeply moving and courageous account of her personal journey through trauma and toward healing. It stands out not only for its honesty but for the hope it conveys to readers navigating their own struggles. What makes Any Body Can Heal compelling is Sara shows healing is not linear, but an ongoing process. One of the most powerful aspects of this book is the message of hope and survival. Sara does not suggest that trauma can simply be "overcome" or forgotten, but rather that healing is possible through compassion, self-care, and perseverance. Her journey of rebuilding her life piece by piece serves as an inspiring testament to the human spirit’s capacity for resilience. A fitting name for the book. It is an essential read for trauma survivors, their loved ones, and anyone seeking to better understand the long-term effects of trauma on the mind, body and soul and finding the path to recovery.

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Sara not only brings us along on the journey of the trauma she has faced in her life, she also brings us along on her journey of healing. The honest account of Sara's life events that she shares with us is truly powerful and inspirational. I would definitely recommend reading "Any Body Can Heal".

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Through her own personal stories of trauma, Davidson brings together a powerful and vulnerable story that celebrates our body and mind’s ability to heal and move forward. Weaving together the horrifying BIG traumas she survived, with personal and practical methods of healing help make this book a useful tool for people suffering from all levels of trauma. I’ve found myself using this book as a starting off point to research all the various modes of therapy recommended and to find ways to apply them to my own personal therapy. Highly recommend this book for anyone searching for new ways of understanding how our body reacts and behaves on a daily basis to the various stimuli that surrounds us. We all have various levels of trauma in our life and Davidson provides us with a variety of options to explore to overcome, heal and hopefully flourish.

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Any Body Can Heal is a remarkable story of Sara's resilience in a life that has had so much trauma.

Turning adversity and trauma into empowerment is truly inspiring. Sara's internal dialogue throughout her story has opened my eyes to the daily struggles many face. This book is not only for those who have experienced abuse, but also for anyone seeking to support them.

Hearing Sara embrace her body and learn to love it again is very profoundly powerful.

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An honest, raw, but hopeful description of trauma and the journey of processing it. It would be something that makes others feel understood and more normal amidst their healing

(I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)

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Any Body Can Heal is a journey of courage and strength through unspeakable tragedy. The author shows incredible bravery in sharing the darkest moments of her life and the repercussions those traumas have had on her and those who love her. She is a shining example of someone struggling through the darkness of trauma, finding and accepting help, managing setbacks, and charting a pathway to healing on her terms. Sharing practical examples of psychotherapy techniques that worked and didn’t work for her serves as inspiration for anyone seeking treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder and looking to take control of their journey.

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This book is an inspiring testament to resilience and healing. Sara shares her journey of overcoming trauma—from surviving a tsunami to assault —and highlights how helping others became part of her recovery. She invites readers to experience her story deeply and with care. The powerful message of reclaiming one’s body as a source of strength makes this a touching, empowering read. It’s a beacon of hope for anyone facing life’s darkest moments, especially women on their own healing journeys. Highly recommended for those seeking a story of courage and transformation.

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Sara Davidson shares her private experience in an honest and raw description of her journey through trauma.
Thank you Sara for writing your courageous memoir to help others by sharing your story for those living with a legacy of trauma. This book is for anyone you who is a sexual assault survivor and for their loved ones. Sara walks the reader through how to get to the other side of trauma with resilience and hope. The book includes useful resources and strategies for how to manage and cope with trauma and work through victimhood to empowerment.

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a moving and powerful description of resilience and strength in the face of tragedy and suffering. incredible work. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.

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Any Body Can Heal" by Sara Davidson is a profound look into the resilience of the human spirit amid trauma. Davidson shares her intense experiences, including surviving a tsunami, being raped, and a knife attack in South Africa, evoking deep emotions in readers. We all go through pain, however our journeys through healing differ greatly for better or for worse - Davidson shows us that we can rediscover joy after immense suffering, and she is in a league of her own in this respect. Her story is a tribute to the strength of the human spirit, highlighting that despair can be turned into growth.

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