Reclaiming Your Life from Medical Trauma: Recognize the Symptoms, Find Treatment That Works, and Heal Your Brain and Body

The definitive guide to healing medical trauma--weaving together scientific research with patient stories and evidence-based therapies--from James C. Jackson, PsyD, a Vanderbilt University-trained licensed psychologist specializing in neuropsychology and cognitive rehabilitation.

Medical trauma affects millions worldwide yet the condition remains largely unrecognized and untreated. It is very real for those living with the ongoing effects of challenging experiences in medical contexts, that stem from conditions such as:

• Chronic and critical illness
• Painful procedures
• Pregnancy and labor
• Caregiving

Reclaiming Your Life After Medical Trauma provides a roadmap to recovery for patients, healthcare professionals, and caregivers. Drawing from decades of experience as a psychologist, James C. Jackson, PsyD, shares patient success stories, scientific research, and clinical insights to shed light on medical trauma and offer validation, understanding, and practical strategies for healing. Jackson explores evidence-based therapeutic approaches and lifestyle changes that support mental and physical well-being and empower readers to reclaim control over their health and their futures.

With empathy and undeniable expertise, Reclaiming Your Life After Medical Trauma serves as both a guide and a path to healing and transformation, reminding survivors that healing is possible and that they are not alone.

Author: James C. Jackson
Publisher: Little, Brown Spark
Published: 04/28/2026
Pages: 320
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.07lbs
Size: 9.52h x 6.29w x 1.05d
ISBN: 9780316577199

About the Author
Dr. James C. Jackson is a leading expert in the impact of illness on cognitive and mental health. He is a licensed psychologist and neuropsychologist with training from Vanderbilt University and the Oliver Zangwill Center in England. He holds positions as Research Professor of Medicine and Psychiatry at Vanderbilt and Director of the ICU Recovery Center, which specializes in treating survivors of critical illnesses. He also directs Long-Term Outcomes at the CIBS Center, focusing on brain dysfunction after critical illness. His research has been funded by the Department of Defense, Department of Veteran's Affairs, and the National Institute of Health and highlighted in the pages of The Atlantic, Newsweek, The New York Times, Scientific American, Time, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Wired, as well as on CNN and PBS.