Experiencing Transcendence:
The Freedom of Recovering from Addiction and Trauma
9798887473185 (paperback)
9798887473192 (ebook)
Word Count: 62,000 Category: Mental Health / Addiction & Recovery / Trauma Healing Format: Paperback, Ebook, Audiobook
Authors
Richard Taite
is a pioneer in addiction treatment and the founder of one of the world’s most respected recovery centers. Co-author of the bestselling Ending Addiction for Good, Taite’s work has redefined the landscape of high-quality, compassionate, long-term recovery.
Constance Scharff, PhD
is an internationally recognized mental health researcher, award-winning author, and explorer specializing in trauma recovery, human resilience, and indigenous healing methodologies. A Sol Feinstone Humanitarian Award recipient, Dr. Scharff’s work bridges evidence-based practices with holistic, culturally grounded approaches to recovery and resilience.
KEY THEMES
- Addiction and trauma recovery as complete and joyful
- The sixth Stage of Change: Transcendence
- Post-traumatic growth and interpersonal connection
- Self-care, embodiment, and mindfulness as recovery tools
- Reframing narrative and reclaiming agency
- Compassion, service, and agape love as healing forces
- Case studies that reflect diverse pathways to recovery
BOOK OVERVIEW
Experiencing Transcendence boldly reimagines the possibilities of addiction and trauma recovery. Rather than framing healing as a lifelong struggle or managed illness, authors Richard Taite and Dr. Constance Scharff argue that true and lasting freedom is not only possible, it is the natural outcome of deep inner work. The book introduces a transformative concept of “transcendence” as a joyful, embodied state in which recovery is defined by what is found: self-compassion, resilience, and a profound capacity for love.
Bridging clinical expertise and lived experience, the book builds on the Stages of Change model, culminating in a newly redefined sixth stage—Transcendence—that reconceptualizes recovery as a state of presence, self-worth, and profound connection. With moving composite case studies and practical guidance, Experiencing Transcendence is a compelling invitation to view healing as a profoundly transformative path to freedom.
CHAPTER SNAPSHOT
Preface – Author notes and guidance on use of composite stories.
Chapter 1: Where We Started – Recovery doesn’t end in maintenance. It leads to transcendence.
Chapter 2: Transcendence – A new goalpost for healing: joyful freedom beyond addiction and trauma.
Chapter 3: Compassion – Self-care as the foundation of embodiment, empathy, and healing.
Chapter 4: Resilience – Self-esteem, narrative change, and growth through meaning-making.
Chapter 5: Love – Agape love and deep connection as the outcome of full recovery.
Chapter 6: The Freedom of Transcendence – A final message of becoming, presence, and hope.
Each chapter is followed by a composite clinical case study reflecting one of the Stages of Change—Precontemplation, Contemplation, Preparation, Action, and Maintenance—to offer concrete insight into real-world recovery journeys.
IDEAL FOR
- Readers in addiction or trauma recovery
- Mental health professionals, treatment centers, and recovery groups
- Wellness communities
- Educators and students of psychology, social work, or addiction studies