For parents and caregivers, this book offers crucial insight into the emotional world of teens. Many parents feel powerless to help when their child is bullied, unsure of what to say or do. This book provides a roadmap to fostering open communication, building resilience, and supporting their teen’s healing journey. Parents will gain practical tools and strategies to help their child thrive while also reflecting on how their own responses can make a lasting difference.

For professionals, including psychologists, counselors, and educators, Rising Beyond Bullying Trauma is a valuable resource for addressing the emotional impact of bullying. This book is an invaluable tool to recommend to clients or use as a starting point for discussions about resilience and growth. By blending relatable storytelling, actionable exercises, and universal principles like self-love and empowerment, it offers a fresh approach to tackling this widespread issue.

At its core, this book is about transformation, empowerment, and rediscovering the confidence and joy we all deserve.

I had the pleasure of meeting Ria Berkhout at an event in Bel fast, Northern Ireland. I instantly resonated with her quiet and thoughtful strength. We had dinner one evening and met several times over the next few days. I learned that Ria had a deep desire to share her understanding in an area that is often misunderstood, and her desire was palpable. I could feel her emotional connection to share with the world what she knew could help millions of children and their families.

When Ria shared her manuscript with me for this book, which you are now holding in your hands, I instantly knew that it needed to reach a wider audience. Especially our young people, and their families and educators who care for them. What struck me right away was the instant draw I felt to the chance encounter between the two main characters and how their friendship developed from that circumstance. It deeply touched my heart, and I had to keep reading to find out how the story ended. This is one of those rare books that really draws you in through storytelling, but leaves you changed through its message. It is easy to connect to the experiences either first-hand, because you have lived them or you know someone who has.

The way Ria wrote about the subject of bullying in our current society and its true impact on us all creates a deeper awareness and understanding of ourselves and our commu nity. We observe this type of behavior everywhere, from our schools to the workplace and in politics. We have become numb to the noise and hardly notice the harm it is doing. Not anymore!

This book will change all of that for you. The following pages will not only help you understand but also give you tools and resources to effectively address, manage, and ulti mately resolve the hurt and pain. As a bonus in the way the pages unfold, we are guided on a journey of increasing our own self-image. The way we behave, act, and see ourselves in this world. The lessons Ria shares are timeless, and we all benefit from them. I am grateful that she was willing to share her manuscript with me that day. It has changed the way I view bullying and has given me real, practical tools I now use to help others. This book is in your hands for a reason. I know that it will touch you the way it touched me. This is not a story of sad ness, it is a story of hope, of change, and of courage. Get ready for a shift in perspective.

Enjoy! —

Brian Proctor Author of 12 Easy Steps to Change Your Life