Healing Hearts and Minds
Tracy Livecchi, Liza Morton
Abstract
Abstract Healing Hearts and Minds: A Holistic Approach to Coping Well with Congenital Heart Disease is a practical self-help guide written for adults affected by congenital heart disease, their loved ones, healthcare providers, and anyone with an interest in this population. The book is full of evidence-based, easy-to-understand information about living with a lifelong heart condition. It provides an overview of the unique psychological, emotional, and social challenges that can arise and is brought to life with real-life vignettes and quotations. The book aims to validate a normal response to the unique adversities members of this population can face while providing strategies to manage these potential challenges. Drawing on a range of psychological therapy tools and techniques, the book offers tips to help manage anxiety, low mood, relationship difficulties, physical symptoms, and medical procedures, while building resilience, finding hope, meaning, and connection. Further, information on supporting adults with congenital heart disease for loved ones and healthcare providers is included. The book is written by a chartered counseling psychologist and a clinical social worker who are both “pioneering” adult congenital heart disease survivors, each dependent since birth on cutting-edge cardiac medical science. Both authors have extensive experience in working therapeutically with the growing adult congenital heart disease population, contributing to the evidence base through academic publications. The book aims to meet a gap in addressing the psychological impact of living with a serious medical condition, lifelong from birth.