Books & Literature News

Trauma Book Helps Survivors Move from Weaponized Survival to Self-Reclamation

Journey from the Edge and the Rooted Reclaimers system launch on Kickstarter, turning trauma science into small, realistic practices. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Minneapolis, MN — Nov 25th, 2025 — Two-thirds of adults will live through at least one traumatic event in their lifetime, yet most are handed slogans instead of skills. A new Kickstarter campaign, “Journey from the Edge: From Weaponized Survival to Self-Reclamation,” aims to change that. Written by integrative clinician Dr. Stephen Thompson, DC, DACM, FAIHM, Journey from the Edge is a discourse that pairs lived experience with plain-language neuroscience. The book anchors the broader Rooted Reclaimers system: four workbooks on Breath, Movement, Nutrition, and Connection designed to help trauma-aware readers build resilient nervous-system capacity in small, realistic steps. “So many of the people I see aren’t ‘broken,’” says Dr. Thompson. “Their bodies and minds have done a brilliant job keeping them alive in unsafe conditions. No one ever taught them how to come back from that. This project is about giving them a map and permission to go at their own pace.” The book names and explains weaponized survival - the way bodies overperform under chronic stress - and introduces concepts like Safety Budget, Window of Tolerance, and the Privilege of Plasticity in plain language. The companion workbooks organize nervous-system support into four pillars: Breathe - Reclaiming Autonomic Sovereignty Movement - Awakening the Body, Reclaiming Agency Nutrition - Restoring Internal Resilience Connection - From Healing to Belonging Why Kickstarter The Kickstarter campaign funds: The first print run of the book and workbooks Trauma-informed community circles for readers A Masterclass Series with Dr. Thompson Optional AI companions that help readers reflect on the material, rehearse difficult conversations, and prepare questions for their own licensed providers “We’re very clear about scope,” Dr. Thompson notes. “This is not therapy or crisis care. It’s education and practice support so people can bring clearer questions and more self-awareness into the rooms where they already get care.” Kickstarter Campaign: https://RootedReclaimers.com Media Contact: Peter Liptak - Rooted Reclaimers / Exile Press [email protected] · +1 (612) 392-2805 · https://RootedReclaimers.com Disclaimer: Rooted Reclaimers resources are educational only and do not provide diagnosis, treatment, or crisis services.