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The Fire That Makes Us

Unveiling the Transformative Power of Your Trauma

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Pub Date Sep 09 2025 | Archive Date Sep 20 2025
Greenleaf Book Group | Greenleaf Book Group Press

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Description

Do lingering negative emotions follow you, despite your best attempts to chase them away? 

 

Complex and unpleasant emotions are part of the human experience. Most self-help books outline ways to relieve psychological distress, often with the implicit goal of simply overcoming discomfort. The complexity of our subconscious calls for a more nuanced approach that goes deeper and is truly transformative.

 

In From Pain to Purpose, Shahrzad Jalali (PsyD) introduces Charlotte, a fictional character whose story mirrors the struggles many of us face yet hesitate to confront. Charlotte is a successful professional, but beneath her polished exterior, the lingering shadows of past trauma silently shape her life in ways even she doesn’t realize.

 

Through Charlotte’s journey, Dr. Jalali offers you an emotionally resonant and practical guide to navigating your own challenges. Each chapter intertwines Charlotte’s relatable experiences with therapeutic insights and actionable tools, such as:

How to detach with purpose—Learn to observe your emotions and thoughts without letting them overwhelm you, bringing you clarity and calm in any situation.

How to align with your values—Empower yourself to make decisions that honor your authentic self, celebrating each milestone as a testament to your growth.

How to transform trauma—Turn your trauma into a powerful catalyst for growth, freeing yourself from its grip and using it to shape the life you desire.

 

This book is more than a guide—it’s an invitation to reclaim your narrative. From Pain to Purpose reminds us that self-discovery isn’t a destination; it’s a continual journey of resilience, curiosity, and self-acceptance. With Dr. Jalali’s compassionate and innovative approach, you’ll find the tools to turn your emotional pain into a foundation for purpose and transformation.

Do lingering negative emotions follow you, despite your best attempts to chase them away? 

 

Complex and unpleasant emotions are part of the human experience. Most self-help books outline ways to...


Advance Praise

“In The Fire That Makes Us, Dr. Jalali offers a compelling and compassionate exploration of the human journey from fragmentation to wholeness. Drawing on deep psychological insight and personal truth, this book speaks to the silent struggles so many carry—and does so with warmth, clarity, and hope. It is a powerful companion for those seeking meaning, healing, and transformation.” —Sherri Mahdavi, PhD, Jungian analyst

“Dr. Jalali’s The Fire That Makes Us is one of the most compelling books I’ve read in recent years. In these pages, one finds a rare fusion of narrative depth and clinical insight. Within Dr. Jalali’s deftly woven anecdotes, the story of Charlotte allows the reader to reflect on trauma and resilience. What makes this book stand out is the translation of clinical ideas into language that feels both grounded and genuinely human. Drawing on a Jungian foundation, Dr. Jalali does not prescribe quick fixes, instead she invites readers to engage with their experiences in a way that fosters long-term integration and meaning.

“As a clinical psychologist, I appreciated how accurately she captures the internal conflicts many of our clients face: the push and pull between remembering and forgetting, connection and withdrawal, identity and avoidance. The sections on emotional pain, agency, and the role of values in recovery are particularly well done as they are deep without being abstract, practical without losing nuance. While this is not a clinical manual, The Fire That Makes Us offers something rarer: a sustained reflection on what it actually feels like to live with trauma and to move forward. It’s a valuable read not only for therapists and clients, but for anyone interested in how people heal.” —Sean Sterling, PhD, ABPP, professor of applied clinical psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

“In The Fire That Makes Us, Dr. Shahrzad Jalali masterfully intertwines her clinical expertise with narrative storytelling, offering readers an intimate exploration of personal transformation. Through the lens of Charlotte, a psychologist confronting her own unresolved grief and emotional complexities, Dr. Jalali delves into themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. Each chapter concludes with reflective insights, encouraging readers to engage in their own introspection and personal growth. This book is a testament to the power of self-awareness and the transformative journey toward healing.” —Patricia Caldani, professor of biology, University of La Verne

“In The Fire That Makes Us, Dr. Jalali offers a compelling and compassionate exploration of the human journey from fragmentation to wholeness. Drawing on deep psychological insight and personal...


Marketing Plan

National trade marketing and sales campaign

Targeted podcast media campaign and interviews

Advance distribution of digital review copies via NetGalley to reviewers, bloggers, journalists, librarians, booksellers, and media

Online marketing campaign including targeted advertising and advance giveaways

National trade marketing and sales campaign

Targeted podcast media campaign and interviews

Advance distribution of digital review copies via NetGalley to reviewers, bloggers, journalists...


Available Editions

EDITION Hardcover
ISBN 9798886453485
PRICE $28.95 (USD)
PAGES 328

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