The best-selling novel
It has been nearly five years since Kim Barthel and Theo Fleury released their best-selling book, Conversations with a Rattlesnake (CWAR). As was commonly described by Theo, the writing of the book was truly a “lived experience” for both Kim and Theo, and since its release, it has changed the lives of so many people.
Fleury’s life experiences and Barthel’s informed interpretation combine to provide a unique look at the healing process that is easy to read, entertaining and transformational.
Overview
Fleury calls Barthel the “Wayne Gretzky of therapy”, and within their emotionally-safe relationship, he bares his soul so that others can learn from his mistakes, triumphs and new learning. Fleury’s story will inspire not only those overcoming their own trauma, but friends, parents, teachers, coaches, therapists, and health practitioners-anyone who is in the critical position of supporting someone who needs to share their own story.
Co-author Kim Barthel,provides an in-depth explanation of early childhood attachment and addiction that tie into the reasoning behind our behaviours, and the science of how our brains work. Barthel explains how understanding groundbreaking scientific and psychological research can eliminate the unnecessary and damaging shame that so often accompanies abuse and trauma. Her dialogue with Fleury illuminates self-awareness, mindfulness and the power of relationships.
To reflect back since the book's release in November 2014, it has sold over 25,000 copies, been used in four university programs as resource material and has been shared in prisons as self-help reading for inmates and corrections officers alike. Many people credit the book for helping them on both professional and personal levels of growth and healing.
I am really enjoying CWAR. This book gives lots of good ideas for treatment and personally, this book has been very validating. As an MFT (Marriage and Family Therapist) intern and newbie to practice, I sometimes receive conflicting information that doesn't correspond to what I have put effort into learning because it doesn't apply human development to the context of interpersonal experience. So, your book has come at a good time for me. I am drinking it in. With so much current focus on outcome and evidenced based treatment, the importance of the relationship with the therapist and safety in that relationship is often overlooked. Men, in general are often overlooked!But these relationships are integral to healing and of course men need support as well. On many levels, 'Conversations with a Rattlesnake' gives good reminders to apply what is known and remember what is important. Thank you Kim and Theo!
- Jane King, Marriage and Family Therapist with the US NavyConversations with a Rattlesnake' has truly made a difference in my life. I truly thank both Kim and Theo for the raw truth, the open vulnerability, and what I see as a saving grace.
- AndreaA deeper insight into CWAR
Since 2014, Kim and Theo have toured around the globe discussing the various topics surrounding childhood trauma, addiction and mental health in their book, and we have received much feedback that their audience is ready for more. Kim and Theo have answered that call, with 11 exclusive videos that expand on the topics in each chapter of ‘Conversations with a Rattlesnake’.from anywhere in the world.
With 3 hours and 22 minutes of brand new video content, you can watch Kim and Theo have unfiltered and authentic conversations and reflections on the chapters of CWAR and what they mean to them today. Taking one chapter at a time, hear these friends and colleagues reflect on how they are also evolving in their own healing processes. So much has happened for them since the book came out, both together and separately – from compassion-building jail visits across Canada to cutting-edge training seminars all over the world. The genuine inspiration and learning continue, and the community of healing is growing!
"The embodiment of an experience happens more when you see it, hear it and feel it," says Kim Barthel. "Participating with us in a real-time experience is yet a different way for you to filter out the message that we have."