Conversations with a Rattlesnake: Raw and honest reflections on healing and trauma Hardcover – November 28, 2014

This book isn’t simply a “good book.” It’s not just entertaining or helpful. It IS all of those things, but much more. This book is a gift…a groundbreaker and a game-changer. There is nothing fluffy about it, it’s about a journey of digging deep, sitting in your sh*#, and healing because of one’s willingness to engage with themselves on that level. It’s about healing from trauma, meaningful engagement in relationships, and increasing consciousness. It’s about knowing that you’re not alone, that you’re worthy of love, that you can find support, and that you CAN heal.“Conversations with a Rattlensake” offers a multi-faceted take on human relations, trauma, and our epidemic of poor self-worth. Kim and Theo explore the most effective ways to garner support, the science behind much of our relational experience, deep discussion around our relationship with ourselves (huge!), and even simple tactical ways to relax, relieve emotional tension, and truly connect with others. A rich toolbox is offered in one well-written “conversation!”The manner in which it’s written, as a “conversation,” helps the reader to stay engaged with a difficult topic. To feel like they are actually in the room with the authors, sharing insights with some really smart, courageous, heart-based peeps. By the end of the book, I was completely in love with both of the writers and their ability and willingness to be vulnerable and open in a public forum. With awe and gratitude, I wholeheartedly recommend this book…for everyone. If you are a parent, teacher, counselor, friend, spouse, partner, family member, work with humans, live with humans, have been abused, or have abused others…well then, this book is for you. Thank you to the authors for this incredible gift, at a time when it is sorely needed. Let the healing revolution begin.

Very, very helpful book for anyone dealing with any kind of trauma-or just needing to learn more about compassion. I've never met Theo Fleury, but I know Kim Barthel personally-and I've never met anyone more inspiring. Working in the field of residential care for trauma kids, she is my first source of "how do I". And for myself, personally, she has provided so much wonderful guidance. You cannot miss with this.

This is a great book for anyone interested in learning about trauma and vulnerable self-expression. This is a great book for men, especially, who I think will relate well to Theo's story. I hope it inspires many to seek the help and support they've never believed they needed from a licensed therapist. We all need support in healing our traumatic experiences. This is an honest and compassionate dialogue.

It's very helpful and insightful. I find myself highlighting certain passages in order to refer back to them. I highly recommend this book.

I bought it because of Theo Fleury's interview on Jim Rome. I was expecting something more exciting to read, but it's simply a long drawn out conversation between Theo and Kim Barthel. It's written like a script (direct quotes). Not my type of reading, perhaps would be more appreciated by someone dealing with recovery from addictions and trauma.

Another excellent read by Theo..!

Kim Barthel and Theo Fluery have created an interesting challenge with this book. I thought it would be an easy read, a prestine book by someone famous to put on my shelf. It is not in good condition anymore. I cannot simply read without re-reading, I cannot move forward without going backwards for making connections, learning more and being inspired. Kim's knowledge and examples of her "sideways" conversations are now highlighted in bold yellow by me, numerous pages are folded and marked for reference for my day to day use with youth on THEIR journey to healing. This book, this conversation really, has developed my skills as a support for young people and their families, it has led to changes in my rapport with young people and it is my new manual for conversations with my clients, other agencies and even my loved ones. The challenge is that the book is not just a "good read". Nor is it just a book for those looking for a "good story". It is the door to a path of healing. For the reader. Goal accomplished Kim and Theo. The transformaion is evident from the [picture on the cover (thank goodness) and will continue far beyond when the reader closes the last chapter. The book promises reflections and delivers on change. Theo's chapter of transformation and healing will never end and the impact of this book will never deteriorate.

This book is like a breath of fresh air, offering the unique perspective of listening in on therapeutic conversations through which the reader gains understanding on a huge range of topics to support healthy personal development. People pleasing, incest, addictions, the hidden meaning behind yawning ... it's all here. If you want to understand young people better, read this book. If you want to understand your partner better, read this book. If you want to understand your colleagues better, read this book. If you want to understand your family of origin better, read this book. If you want to understand your SELF better, read this book.Most of all, if you want improved relationships in your life: Read. This. Book.

Each page brings me to reflect on myself. Amazing!

great book for anyone who has lived with trauma in the childhood. They talk about the clinical issues in a very clear manner. Its a healing book in my opinion and I have been a clinical counsellor for over 35 years. Wished we had this book years ago, but then again, society was not ready to hear of sexual abuse, trauma of additive homes etc. Thank god we are where we are in society healing itself. thanks for writing this book. its sorely needed. Kamloops B.C.

This book is not so much about Theo as it is about a therapist and therpay goer using their experience to explain how development and our attachments shape us.It's about how trauma is big and small and we are all effected in differnt ways and how we learn to grow with our trauma and contine to connect deeper with others.This book is a well of information that all young people and those wishing to grow should read.

This was a great read. I must say, I was a little cautious going in, as I knew a bit of Theo's story and wasn't sure how heavy it would be. This is not a sad or angry book, this is a story of amazing resilience. As a student of social services, it was insightful to read the dialogue between Theo and Kim. The friendship that these two have forged comes through beautifully.Thank you for sharing your story, Theo.

Bought this for a friend who had been molested by a priest. Helped him to see others were once victims are survivors and that he was not the only one.