Happy Days: The Guided Path from Trauma to Profound Fre… (2024)

always nice to hear other peoples stories on trauma. Whilst most of it was good sometimes just felt like it was going all over the place and no real sense of organisation. A bit disappointed in the resource guide. It wasn’t as extensive as implied from the book (which constantly referred to it so my expectations were high!) and if you wanted more in depth resources you had to pay more money (only $97!! ) for her happy days bundle. A lot of Gabbys healing she has had the financial privileges to have access to that many will never have. Charging more for resources just amplifies the gap many people face in overcoming their trauma which I’m not sure Gabby understands at all. Despite some annoyances with the book there were some Well written and helpful sections.

Remember when Gal Gadot corralled a handful of celebrities to sing ‘Imagine’ during the pandemic in an attempt to help the world feel more unified? That’s how this book felt to me. It was a complete miss.

I really adore Gabby and have loved all of her books, but this one didn’t sit well with me.

Disappointed!!
Nothing new in this!
Heard it before from Bernstein.

I adore Gabrielle Bernstein but just found this book to be the same as what she’s said before in previous books.

This book felt like it should’ve been:

A) A TedTalk that I didn’t want to be a part of
B) An audio book, as the author often had “guided instructions” with step one being close your eyes… did no one catch that? That’s a little difficult to do if you need to read step two, no?
C) An infomercial trying to sell me specific products (aka Bernstein’s website and other talks of hers she’s proud of) and treatments (that you already know are $$$ and that only someone in her position would be able to afford)

The angle of this book seriously comes from a position of privilege in the sense of a lot of what Bernstein recommends will not be viable options for the everyday person to try themselves. EMDR? Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing? Yeah, I’m sure that’s something covered by the average insurance company.

I’m glad that the author has found the help and guidance that she needs to heal. I really am. But I also didn’t pick up this book expecting it to only push me to a website to learn more or to sign up for new, essentially sponsored treatments that Bernstein recommends.

I definitely wasn’t the target audience for this but yes, it really was that bad. Definitely not what I was expecting and I haven’t been this disappointed in a book in a long time.

I appreciate the message here and am familiar with many of the methods discussed in the book for healing trauma. However, I think it’s highly improbable that the average person would have the time or resources to dive this deep into all these different therapies. If Gabby Bernstein is getting this much therapy to “feel normal”, then the rest of us are screwed.

TBH there really isn't anything in this book that you can't find in any other self-help or spiritual book. Journal, meditate, exercise, eat healthy, de-stress, blah blah blah. If you are struggling with trauma, I'd suggest seeing an actual trained medical professional/counselor/psychologist and not waste your time reading a self-help book about a VERY wealthy woman, who has all the money to access mental health services, treat her unresolved trauma.

If you are looking for something spiritual to read, I'd suggest something from Thich Nhat Hanh or someone who isn't trying to sell their products via a book about themselves...

By far her best book! In the past I often felt like Gabby was preaching toxic positivity. For me, this book was her most relatable and the one I most appreciate.

Such an inspiring and powerful, vulnerable book on self-healing and realization. I recommend it to everyone that is looking to transform their people-pleasing behaviors.

I wish I'd had this book 15 years ago. Gabby Bernstein has provided a road map to trauma recovery, hitting all the major points. The concepts and techniques she introduces are things that I found through many years of personal healing work, diligent research online and at my public library, breadcrumbs from therapists, raw intuition, and happy accidents. Its good then, to see a book like this, with a lot of information and tools in one place. I've read a lot of books about trauma, many of them by clinicians mentioned in this book - if you're new to trauma-informed approaches, I'd recommend this book as a good place to start.

If you are newly on the path of trauma recovery, this book is a gentle introduction to trauma-informed therapeutic and somatic healing approaches. If you have been on the trauma healing journey for a long time, the topics presented in this book may not be new to you - but it's a gift to have them all in one place. This book is meant to be a jumping off point, not a deep dive as Gabby is not a medical doctor, therapist, counselor, psychologist, psychotherapist, or psychiatrist. She is someone sharing her own experiences and healing journey. And I appreciate how her spiritual framework ties everything together.

Gabby introduces the reader to cutting edge concepts and clinicians in the field of trauma recovery: the neurobiology of trauma (Bessel van der Kolk), the mind-body connection between trauma and chronic pain/illness (Dr. John Sarno), Internal Family Systems (Richard C. Schwartz, Ph.D.), Somatic Experiencing (Peter Levine), attachment theory, polyvagal theory, EFT (emotional freedom technique, or "tapping"), and EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing). I have personally experienced great shifts and release from resistant triggers using EFT, EMDR, TRE (Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises or "shaking" therapy) and trauma-informed yoga therapy, so I'm glad she shares information about somatic approaches.

I tried reading one of this author's other books a few years ago but didn't connect with it. In this book she is much more mature, authentic, and vulnerable. I probably wouldn't have picked it up, except for the subject matter. I'm glad I did. Maybe I'll revisit the idea of reading some of her other work. In the meantime, this was a great read - she offered tools and approaches I could use in my every day life, and she points the reader to a variety of resources to help with trauma recovery.

One of the most raw and honest books I’ve ever read. Gabby Bernstein exposes her fears and traumas and her journey overcoming them. This book will make you feel exposed too but at the same time it will help you heal. It’s not an easy process, this is the second time I’ve picked up this book since the first time I wasn’t quite ready for it. But now I do believe that this book came back at the right time and place. The exercises in this book and meditations will help you hear your body and mind through a journey of self healing and growth. Just like Gabby says in the book: “If you show up for this book this book will show up for you”. Trust the process and trust yourself.

Although I wasn't keen on the live seminar that came as a free option with the pre order, I really enjoyed this book.

I don't understand some of the reviewers' responses that it repeats stuff mentioned in other books because much of what is in this book is Gabby's response to things that have happened in the past few years though it touches upon trauma she experienced as a child.

Her experience with postpartum depression resonated with me as I suffered with it as well and found it helpful to hear of a speaking talking about it. It's a horrible thing to go through and there are things that we can take for granted that actually makes life much tougher when you go through postnatal depression.

Gabby also references different forms of therapies that she has undergone and gives credit to the relevant pioneers for the therapy. I have a lot of respect for her because there are other motivational speakers who I can think of who take credit for therapies that belong to other people.

If anything reading this book makes me want to go back through the list and read the books of hers I haven't read including Spirit Junkie.

I’m sorry, I have read Gabby’s books before so I knew what I was in for, but this was too hokey even for me. The main issues? The unchecked privilege (who has the resources that this woman has?), the regurgitation of others’ work (including references to an unnamed *shame researcher*), and the preaching. Girl, how many times can you fall into a pit of despair while continuing to preach all the answers to the rest of us? I would have found it easier to swallow all of this if there was even a whiff of humility, but it really felt like listening to advice from that hot-mess, scatterbrained friend we all have in our lives who always has some new scheme. You know, the one you world never take advice from. You have to be a special kind of person to “pray to self”, or ‘ask self to take your parts outside for a walk’. I can’t believe I made it through the whole thing.

I love Gabby. I’ve read all of her books, this book is specifically about trauma and how to allow it to transform you and not be held hostage by it. Each week on her podcast she gives this book out and I had such a block to reading it. The universe aligned and in perfect timing (as there only ever is) the words on these page, though heavy for me to digest, provided me resources I had been searching for. Most pain and patterns we will circle back to throughout our life and we must meet these moments with openness not resistance. Grief/trauma is complicated and we must make the time to find understanding without judgement so we can continue to evolve into the souls we are meant to be. You’ll know when this book will serve you and until then let this just be the reassurance that support/resources are waiting for you when you are ready.

I loved the book. It was inspirational, safe and healing. All the information was nicely put together with helpful practices in between. The book had a nice flow and the chapters were short and sweet. Yes its information that I knew because I’ve been on this healing journey for years but people have to always have an open mind and never start reading with “I already know this”. Even though I’ve heard the concepts before, the way Gabby spoke brought a new awareness and really soothed me. One of the mantras on there I literally say daily and I actually feel the inner support from the Universe - it has truly shifted me. The audiobook was lovely and I highly recommend it - especially for beginners.

I can understand this as a memoir. I cannot understand this as “the guided path” that the author is adamant she can take the reader down. Deeply off-putting to hear an author or spiritual leader advising a framework (flimsy at that) on such a deeply nuanced topic (trauma!) with complexities that outnumber the pages of this book….when they are not themselves an expert or professional in the field. While the Internal Family Systems (IFS) that she references is notable, she is herself not a trained professional and the recommendations were very personalized to her unique situation. Due to those reasons, I cannot (personally not professionally) recommend this book, especially in light of the way that it is positioned and marketed.

Another great book from Gabby. I love her way of breaking down so many peer books on trauma and making one book. Bringing a balance of conventional therapies, spiritual and science. It's a must-have if you're looking for a book that has a plan and answer to help you feel a sense of safety and peace.

Very disappointed. I love Bernstein’s Superattractor book— one of my favorites. But Bernstein tried too hard with this one. Probably not allowed to say this but it almost had me think Bernstein is maybe a narcissist. Unfortunately, I am a little less of a Bernstein fan now after having read this book.

Toen ik de aankondiging van dit boek zag bij Lev. Uitgevers was ik gelijk nieuwsgierig. Ik kende Gabrielle Bernstein nog niet. Maar een persoonlijk boek over trauma en herstel dat vind ik persoonlijk enorm interessant. Zeker omdat ze ook werd aangekondigd als bestsellerauteur had ik er gelijk hoge verwachtingen van. Gelukkig kreeg ik van Lev. Uitgevers de kans het boek te lezen en te recenseren, dank je wel! Het boek heeft een aantrekkelijke en passende cover voor een boek dat een persoonlijk verhaal vertelt.

Gabrielle Bernstein neemt ons mee op een pad om trauma te helen, angst te overwinnen en liefde te koesteren. Hoe zou jou leven eruit zien als je geen angst zou hebben? Zonder spijt naar het verleden kijkt, omdat je weet dat het een doel had? Hoe zou je leven eruit zien als je je gelukkig, vredig en liefdevol zou voelen? Dit kan, Gabrielle Bernstein wijst je de weg.
Ze toont ons hoe je pijn uit je verleden om kan zetten in hernieuwde kracht en vrijheid. Heel je trauma's, verleer je angsten en onthoud de liefde.

Wat een helder en inspirerend boek is dit.
Gabrielle Bernstein heeft een hele prettige, heldere en open schrijfstijl waardoor je gemakkelijk mee gaat in haar verhaal. Het boek heeft een hele prettige opbouw. Waardoor ze je stap voor stap door het ontdekken van je trauma's en je triggers leidt om ze te zien, observeren en later te voelen en ermee te gaan werken. Naast haar open en persoonlijke verhaal, komt ze ook met uitleg van verschillende soorten therapie om dingen aan te pakken en staat er stap voor stap oefeningen uitgelegd om met jezelf gelijk aan de slag te gaan. De oefeningen zijn uiteenlopend van schrijven, klopoefeningen op je lichaam, meditatie etc. Hierdoor kan iedere lezer denk ik wel een oefening vinden die bij hem/haar aansluit.

Het binnenwerk is erg prettig vormgegeven, met niet te lange hoofdstukken, alinea's, paragrafen met belangrijke uitspraken en de oefeningen. Door deze indeling leest het boek ook erg prettig. Ook al is het geen boek dat je snel even uitleest, aangezien ik zelf wel de oefeningen uit het boek gelijk wilde uitproberen en voor sommige oefeningen even de tijd heb genomen.

Door het persoonlijke verhaal van Gabrielle Bernstein krijg je als lezer ook echt het gevoel dat je op een lijn komt met Gabrielle en haar herstel weet je zeker te inspireren dat deze oefeningen en manier je zullen helpen. Ik heb echt genoten van het boek en de oefeningen en raad het zeker voor iedereen aan die aan zijn haar trauma's en herstel wil werken. Ik weet zeker dat ik het boek in de toekomst nog vaak uit de kast ga pakken.

I came across Gabrielle Bernstein or Gabby as she is more popularly known through her podcasts. Those podcasts are great - and I was intrigued to read one of her books. Give me a book with the word ‘trauma’ in it, and I am likely to swallow it whole.

What I really liked was how vulnerable Gabrielle is - there are many useful exercises and practices as well. It is not serious work on trauma, but it definitely can be part of your healing journey.

Happy Days

I love Gabbys books and have read many. I loved she opened up and shared her own trauma. I love the big T and little T and how they both affect us in life and we need to heal them.
I do not like the techniques she brought up, most of them need a counselor/therapist help.
Some are not able to seek those services.
I will start seeking counseling and trying meditation.

I listen to the author’s podcast and she often references this book so I thought I would try it out. I listened to the audio version and I would like to also get the print version. If you are on the journey towards self discovery I would recommend this book. I had some great insight and several a-ha moments.

Audiobook: This is a 3.5, really. Really great information & exercises that I may go back and do as I just listened through it the first time. However, I don't feel like I had any great a-has. A lot if the info was already familiar as I've listened to, and read, a lot of Bernstein. That said, if felt good to red in the wake of my father's death - someone who but only suffered Trauma, but inflicted T/trauma.

4 Stars- Lots of great tips in this book with a focus on healing trauma.

4,5 ⭐️

I really loved this book at first, but it became very dry & ‘manual like’ half way through. Still love Gabby, but this wasn’t my favorite work from her.

Some insightful nuggets, too much focus on spirituality for me.

Not my first Gabby book, but did enjoy. She shares how unknown trauma as a child affected her physically as time passed.

She speaks about Trauma (BIG stuff) and trauma both can affect our bodies physically, and they can cause anxiety. As I read, I appreciated the exercises she suggested- was a good time to stop and think about though I didn’t do every one, I will go back and reread.

Not everything applied to me, but can see how this could also play in to my students I teach and some resources I could use for calming.

Great message but I little too interactive for someone listening to it on the go! I definitely think I would have gotten more from this book if I was able to interactive with the guided meditations / exercises, but since I was listening to this while doing chores and driving, I wasn’t able to completely participate.

It took me more than 3 months to finish this book. Not because of its size, no. It’s only 211 pages. It bought it because I was struggling, but I wasn’t ready for it until today. Thank you Gabby. As always for continuing to heal yourself so that you may shine your light for others.

"Happy Days" by Gabrielle Bernstein is a book that explores the pursuit of happiness and guides readers towards finding joy and fulfillment in their lives. Drawing upon her own experiences and spiritual teachings, Bernstein provides insights, practices, and tools to cultivate happiness and a positive mindset.

The book delves into various aspects of happiness, including self-love, gratitude, forgiveness, and mindfulness. It offers practical exercises, meditations, and reflections that encourage readers to shift their perspective, release limiting beliefs, and embrace a more joyful approach to life.

I resonated with Bernstein's writing style and spiritual teachings and appreciate her ability to blend personal stories with actionable advice. I find the book to be uplifting, inspiring, and a valuable resource for cultivating happiness and well-being.

Overall, "Happy Days" offers insights and practices for those seeking to enhance their happiness and lead a more fulfilling life. It encourages readers to embrace joy, cultivate positive habits, and find inner peace in the midst of life's challenges.

Love it!