From Trauma to Wholeness
“It takes courage to confront trauma. In this book, Ms. Cortes not only offers a variety of ways to help people do this, but she serves as a role model in doing this herself. Her honest and accessible writing style makes this book a great first step in anyone’s journey to healing, or—in her own words—to a life of wholeness.”
Wind Goodfriend, PhD, Professor of Psychology and Division Chair of Social Sciences, Buena Vista University, Author of Intimate Relationships, and Co-Author of Social Psychology and Voices of Hope: Breaking the Silence of Relationship Violence
“In From Trauma to Wholeness, Kelli Cortes walks us through the path to personal healing and wholeness. The transparency and truth she shares in every chapter speaks to a really deep, personal place that most people never have the luxury to discuss openly; in doing so, she helps us know we are not alone. Expect to be challenged with the truth of where you really are spiritually and emotionally, and expect to be changed for the better as your trauma is transformed into wholeness.”
Bishop William Murphy, Lead Pastor of The dReam Center Church of Atlanta, Presiding Bishop of Worship in the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship (FGBCF), Grammy-Nominated International Gospel Recording Artist, and Author of Praying Through It
“Having experienced multiple traumas firsthand in my own life, I know what it feels like to be in a personal darkness. What Kelli Cortes has penned is not just another book, but a valuable tool or blueprint to guide every person who desires to see light in the midst of their hopeless situation. She skillfully and masterfully takes the hand of every reader and walks them into the light of wholeness. Her transparency about her own traumas makes this work exceptionally unique because one can sense it is not just her profession but her life purpose and passion. I believe this creation, From Trauma to Wholeness, will be a game-changer for every person who reads it and dares to do the work. You will see the light again!”
Pastor Danielle Murphy, Co-Founder and Executive Pastor of The dReam Center Church of Atlanta
“I have known Kelli Cortes for many years, and one of my key observations is her ability to relate and connect with her clients on so many levels. She then takes her relatability from her own experiences and merges her expertise to create a safe place for others. This book is no different. I believe this book will create a safe place for others to share their own trauma and work together to move toward wholeness! I am excited to see the impact From Trauma to Wholeness will have on so many lives.”
Latia S. Vaughan, “The Dream Pusher,” Founder and CEO of The UNetwork, Keynote Speaker, and Author of Rediscover U
“Kelli does an amazing job in this book of explaining areas in our lives where past trauma may be showing up, where we may not be connecting the dots. So many of us just try to soldier on with our lives and never address the past issues that may be holding us back from creating the lives we desire. This book helps us not only identify and get to the root of our past trauma, but it gives us a blueprint for how to deal with it. Kelli’s writing style is easy to digest, even for a person who knows little about the subject. If you even think you might have unresolved issues with past trauma or PTSD, I highly recommend this book. It’s an excellent read!”
Rodney Allgood, International Speaker and Performance Specialist
“Kelli Cortes is well-versed as a licensed clinical social worker, as demonstrated from the front to the back cover of this book. I was intrigued by the research-supported data and encouraged to complete the activities within each chapter. Kelli offers a thorough, simplistic approach to one of the most challenging topics within the behavioral health field. She utilizes specific examples, offering transparency for how she processed and addressed personal, traumatic experiences. Her expertise in the subject matter is clearly demonstrated in the topics of trauma and grief. This excellent book offers hope, empowerment, and successful outcomes.”
Nyree Fray, LPC, CPCS, Mobile Crisis Response Services Supervisor, Behavioral Health Link
“By being vulnerable, Kelli shows her true self: passionate, committed, and profoundly honest. No matter what life throws at her, she gets up and remains humble and dependable, both as a professional colleague and as a friend. I love that this book embodies who she truly is.”
Megan Gleason, LCSW, Mobile Crisis Response Services, Regional Manager, Behavioral Health Link
“Kelli Cortes’ From Trauma to Wholeness: Out of the Darkness and Into the Light is indeed a ‘workbook’ and ‘guide.’ This honest and straightforward look at trauma and its impact offers an effective set of tools not only for survivors of trauma, but also allows those standing just outside the walls of darkness to truly understand the work of becoming whole. Having Kelli as a guide throughout this journey presents readers with the challenge and support necessary to shape their own ultimate purpose, peace, and plan for rebuilding their lives. In the end, the glimmer of change is inevitable.”
Stephanie Washington, EdD, LCSW-S, Clinical Social Work Supervision and Consultation
“We live in a society riddled with trauma. From our children, to teenagers, to adults, and even the elderly, trauma has taken over our world. In this revolutionary new book, Kelli not only addresses the issue of trauma as a prevailing topic in our world, but she also provides practical as well as clinical strategies, tools, and techniques for living beyond the trauma. Through this book, you will find the help you need, and you, too, will walk in the light of healing and wholeness!”
Joshua P. Smith, MDiv, MA, CMHT, Founder, The Soul Healing Initiative, and Author of The Other Side of Rejection
“This book is not your run of the mill self-help book. It is a step-by-step guide to reclaiming your life! Kelli Cortes provides practical guidance to lead you on your individual journey to freedom that begins the moment you open the book. Commit to the process and achieve the wholeness you deserve. You won’t regret it.”
Na’Tasha Webb-Prather, Esq.
“Absolutely recommended to anyone providing care to those who have experienced trauma as well as those dealing with it hands on. This book is an excellent integration and examination of the effects of trauma on one’s mind, soul, body, and spirit—and on one’s identity, relationships, and recovery needs. If you are a survivor, you will gain profound—perhaps life-changing—insights into why you feel the way you do and why you may engage in behaviors that seem to sabotage your efforts to heal. This book is your step to healing properly!”
Rachel James, CEO, Bridge Hooks & Stuff, Entertainer, Professional Background Vocalist, and Vocal Producer
“One of the hardest things as a victim of trauma or loss is finding a way to trust God with what you cannot figure out and being able to rest in Him. The ability to trust and rest in the Lord will break the vexation associated with trauma and loss and ultimately bring you to peace. Many times we need assistance in that journey, and I believe that this book, From Trauma to Wholeness, is a tool to help the reader walk through the process of leaving trauma behind and breaking the dam on blocked emotions. This book will help you move from trauma or failure to healing and success. You may not be responsible for the trauma, but you are responsible for your healing. What you hold in your hand is an interactive journey that aids in getting to the root of loss or trauma and postures the reader to be able to navigate a breakthrough, and break the power of darkness off of them that has kept them from the light.”
Pastor Miah White, International Worship Leader and Lead Pastor of The Worship Center, St. Louis
“After a traumatic experience, it may be hard to get your bearings, feel like you are on steady ground again, and feel any sort of balance. As a rape survivor, I, too, know pain. I only wish I knew Kelli then. Perhaps my journey out of darkness would not have taken so long or felt so lonely. Kelli has really bared her soul in this book, and she offers the reader more than just jargon-fueled hope; she offers her truth and her tried-and-true tactics that can lead to triumph over trauma. I refer clients who are dealing with trauma to Kelli without hesitation because I want them to have the best chance at escaping the darkness. After God, I would trust no one but Kelli to help me find the light in the midst of darkness.”
Dr. Michael-Renee Godfrey, PsyD, RN, LPC, BC-TMH, CPCS, Founder of Perfect Peace Counseling Center, PowerPlay Performance, Purple Ponies Equine Therapy, and author of Soul Graffiti
“From Trauma to Wholeness is an insightful and informative book that will broaden readers’ knowledge of trauma and recovery. Kelli Cortes’ writing provides a symmetry of balance in examining the intricacies of trauma and exploring the tools beneficial to the healing process. From Trauma to Wholeness is not only recommended to survivors of trauma, but also to mental health and medical professionals who serve individuals scarred by trauma, and non-professionals who are not intimately familiar with trauma but seek a deeper understanding of the experience and the path toward self-renewal.”
Adolpha Bassett, MSW, LCSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Johnston County Mental Health Center
“I have known Kelli for more than ten years. I have found her work and knowledge with the topic of trauma to be exceptional. As a clinician who works with trauma survivors as well, I found the book to be one I will be utilizing with my clients.”
Alison Barreiro-Jones, LCSW, EAS-C, CTP, Director, Georgia Families 360 Adoptions Assistance and founder of Progression Counseling and Life Coaching
“Kelli Cortes’ From Trauma to Wholeness is a real game-changer! It’s an invitation to identifying traumatic experiences, learning their effects, and learning how to strategize and create a successful plan for recovery. You will learn how to reclaim the power of self and become a better version of you! Kelli is very qualified and can relate to traumatic life experiences that others sometimes can’t. A five-star read for sure! Looking forward to Part 2!”
Danielle Collins, Music Management, Branding and Marketing Agent, and Trauma Survivor
“From Trauma to Wholeness is powerful, emotional, and engaging. I cried, pondered, remembered, and learned things about myself. Helpful and enlightening! This guide to wholeness comes with real-life experiences/traumas from author Kelli Cortes’ personal story. You will emotionally journey through and to your own wellness.”
Robin James, MS in Human Services, Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Advocate, and Housing Program Manager, Livesafe Resources
“From Trauma to Wholeness is a comprehensive look into the journey of trauma recovery. Each chapter stimulates the reader by offering thought-provoking questions that foster reflection and insight. Written in an easy, conversational style, this book is a must read for professionals and consumers alike!”
Dr. Michelle Tremba, LICSW, Social Work Supervisor, Bryce Psychiatric Hospital
“Kelli’s book is a brilliant gift to the reader. Powered by lived success in healing, it gives meaning to early oppressing trauma and magnifies it with wise practiced skill, knowledge, and insight. Kelli creates a prescriptive roadmap in her drive to ignite calmness, hope, wellness, and wholeness.”
June Yee, MSW, RCSW, and Lead Clinical Social Worker, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
“After experiencing the coronavirus pandemic, I think just about everyone in America and maybe the world knows what trauma is. That’s why I’m so happy that this book, From Trauma to Wholeness by Kelli Cortes, is now available to so many people. I have used most of the techniques in this book myself to overcome past traumas with success, and I know a better life exists on the other side of that trauma. Soon, you will know the same. Thank you, Kelli, for showing us that path.”
Tyler R. Tichelaar, PhD and Award-Winning Author of Narrow Lives and The Best Place
“Your destiny is not to suffer but to be whole and use what you have learned from your suffering to make the world a better place. In From Trauma to Wholeness, Kelli Cortes tells you exactly how to do that. This woman knows trauma—from living through a drive-by shooting, having her boyfriend murdered before her eyes, and having the first version of this book stolen during a car robbery—and consequently, she knows how to become whole. Listen to her. Practice her advice. Discover a better future.”
Patrick Snow, Publishing Coach and Bestselling Author of Creating Your Own Destiny and Boy Entrepreneur
“In From Trauma to Wholeness, Kelli Cortes shares the powerful truths we all must face about life—the traumatic realities and the dark sides of ourselves—and what lies on the other side—wholeness, healing, and happiness. I just know that after reading this book and putting its advice into practice, not only will you feel better, but your future will be more fulfilling than you ever could have managed.”
Nicole Gabriel, Author of Finding Your Inner Truth and Stepping Into Your Own Becoming
