Happy Days

This book has 10 main chapters, and a total of about 211 pages, not including Notes/Resources.The Foreword is written by Richard Schwartz, founder of the Internal Family Systems therapy model. He briefly covers his own personal journey, how he discovered Transcendental Meditation, and eventually developed IFS. He commends Bernstein for her work on self-improvement, and her ability to evolve and share her experiences with IFS. In the Introduction, Bernstein explains that this book exposes her vulnerabilities more than other books she has written. She mentions that this book tells the story of her recovery from trauma, and that she hopes others can learn from her journey and enjoy happier lives.Bernstein covers several topics in the book; from drug and alcohol addiction, to codependency and relationship drama, to being brave and analyzing why we run from problems. She covers her experiences with Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), and dealing with traumatic memories. She mentions studying the work of Dr. John Sarno, whose unconventional “tension myoneural syndrome” (TMS) thesis allowed her to think of pain differently. Bernstein suggests a few exercises to focus on the mind-body-spirit connection, and gives advice on dealing with shame. She explains what she learned from the IFS model, and discusses ways to “reparent” yourself.Overall, I found this book to be pretty interesting, but not quite as helpful as I had expected. I think I might have preferred a little less focus on Bernstein's personal stories, and a bit more focus on actionable tips and advice for dealing with trauma; but this of course is just my own personal preference and others might feel differently. In general the book does try inspire and motivate you to make the changes you need to make to have a happier life, and I would imagine that that alone could be beneficial for some people.

A game changer. Read it in under 48 hours and this shifted everything for me and shone the light where I needed to see. I’ve tried everything- including the recent “how to do the work” book (SKIP!) and all of Gabby’s previous books— but this is a new approach to healing. Gabby shares her own traumas so others can face and deal with — and move past - theirs. Btw I never leave Amazon reviews. So that says a lot. If you’re hurting or need to find a path to healing, spend the $20 or so bucks and start here. Rooting for you.

This is a complicated review to write. There is so much about this book that I admire, and I even relate to a lot of Gabby's struggles, but I'm just not getting as much out of it as I typically do from her books. Before I begin, I do want to say that I find it really commendable that Gabby is so open in this book about her trauma, and the chapter on taking medication for depression was very resonant to me. I even appreciated how she mentioned that in the past she sometimes had a tendency to be inadvertently dismissive when it came to mental illness.With that being said, I just didn't find a lot of new, helpful material in this book. In the synopsis it mentions "transformational, yet untapped, techniques" but I hardly find journaling or Power Posing or inner child work untapped. Gabby usually puts in the effort to make her spiritual and self-help tools unique, but this book just read like any other book on trauma. While her story felt deeply personal, I didn't get that same sense from any of the practices she was offering up. To me, the whole point of self-help is that you're supposed to get tools out of it to use right away in your own life. But it seems like to truly get to living your own "Happy Days" you'd need EMDR therapy, Somatic Healing, Emotional Freedom Technique, and Internal Family Systems therapy.I think sharing her story was very brave, but this book might have worked better as a straight memoir or as a guide to trauma therapy. As a self-development/spiritual book, it didn't hit the mark.

I am an EMDR Specialist, Licensed Therapist, Certified Breathwork Healer, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, Mindful Parenting Coach and loved reading this book and sent it to so many of my clients. Thank you for doing all the healing work over the years for you to pave the path for so many people who didn’t have the opportunity to grow up with parents who were emotionally coaching, for people who wish to raise children who are emotionally intelligent and consciously raising their little humans. I am also a sexual trauma survivor and 90% of my practice entails subconscious reprogramming work and am so glad this book is written in a way that is filled with psycho education on trauma, practical tools one can use in their daily lives and is married with spiritual guidance and energy that is so soul soothing. Thank you for showing up for yourself so inspire others to do the same 🙏🏼✨❤️

I love Gabby, have read everything she’s written, listen to her podcasts etc. I was so excited to get her new book as I am recovering from complex PTSD due to emotional abuse.Within the first few pages Gabby defines big T and small t trauma, not something I would necessarily separate as everyone’s experiences are different but as I read on I was horrified to read under small t trauma, after losing a family pet, emotional abuse.This was such a trigger for me and I know it will be for others. After years of learning to accept that emotional abuse is valid it felt unravelled in just one paragraph.In the UK emotional abuse is recognised as domestic violence. It is a big T trauma. It causes depression, anxiety, self harm, complex PTSD and can lead to suicide.So I stopped reading. I feel that if Gabby is so unaware of the damage of emotional abuse that she can list it after losing a family pet as a small t trauma then she is not qualified to be talking about the subject.So sadly disappointed by the author and would suggest that the book be read/listened to with caution.(I am not suggesting losing a pet isn’t traumatic, it is and has its place on the list)

First and foremost hats off to the author to open up and share a personal story by being vulnerable. I could see Gabby's "tears" on some of the pages. It takes an enormous courage to do that, what's great about it it gives people strength to do the same. Only be being vulnerable we can see what needs healing, that is real strength - thank you.The book covers some interesting topics such as introduction to IFS, triggers and parts awareness, attachment styles, spirituality and mind body connection.I must praise the author for explaining how to find your parts, triggers and that the way we relate to others reflect the way we relate to ourselves. I am sure this will help many people start their healing journey, be more mindful and curious on what's happening inside them.Also I really liked the emphasis on the concept that we cannot remove the "Band Aid" too quickly. This is vital when starting inner work/therapy.I enjoyed reading it, especially the first few chapters, however I ended up feeling that the book often lacked a structure and good editing. It often felt like switching from a memoir to self help book to spiritual guide book. I could feel the passion and emotions behind it however I got the impression that the author "let the pen flow" too much at times.I also got impression of the author encouraging me to trust my Self/Spirit and at the same time trust the Universe/God/Higher Power. It's probably personal but having suffered childhood trauma myself and having had Love/Hate relationship with God (or whatever you want to call it) I eventually calmed down and realised that I first have to find my true Self (God within/Spirit). Only then I can have any sort of relationship with the outside force (God/Universe etc) and grow spiritually.Overall I am confident that Gabby's book will inspire many people, help them to be brave, seek help, open their hearts and see what needs healing so they can find freedom.I am glad that it introduces IFS to more people who can benefit from it and heal. Having experienced this therapeutic model myself I must say it's so powerful and transformative.Only 3 stars (need to take my protective parts into account). 5 stars from my Self for sure ❤️Thank you Gabby for making us feel that we're not alone in all this ❤️

I didn’t think I could love a Bernstein book more than Superattractor - but here I am. I’d read most of it and begun the exercises by the end of day one of receiving it and I’m already feeling significantly better. This has released trauma and even physical reactions to stress - a persistent back pain has left - and I’m feeling in control and powerful. Gabby is a friend in your ear and an arm around your shoulder but she challenges rather than patronises. I’ve bought this for 2 friends already and they feel the same. Brave, supportive and engaging - I love her.

This book !!! It was so powerful, so honest, so inspiring, so hopeful.When the word 'dissociation' feels frightening confusing and scary, this book will be like a comforting hug to hold you and lead you gently and slowly, towards the light.Thank you Gabby. This book meant so much to me and helped me understand what I couldn't understand.I spent most of the book underlining things I was or could relate to.I would highly recommend this book to anyone feeling a little lost or feeling that there is a story that they have to tell but, are struggling to find the words. 🧡

Gabby, thank you so much for writing this book and everything that you do! It has certainly helped me so much. There is so much information and it's beautifully written.💖