'How to Find Your Way Out
When In Despair' charts how the author found a way out of his predicament to
accomplish peace of mind, self acceptance and a sense of real optimism for the future.
In this candid and insightful account, the author portrays, in easy- to -follow pictorial images, an extremely honest description of his innermost insecurities and outlines an approach that can be followed by anybody who needs help dealing with what can often appear to be insurmountable emotional challenges. Practical advice and guidance, as well as some humour, is provided along the way.
The follow-up to the first book; the author continues his examination of deep fears, insecurities and how he managed to overcome them. How to Sort Your Head
Out covers topics such as how a sense of shame can become toxic, how it’s often not what happened to you but what didn’t happen to you that can cause lasting emotional damage. Over 200 self-drawn images depict the author’s journey from destructive inner feelings to a real sense of inner calm and contentment and are interspersed with practical tips and personal reflections on dealing with problems such as addiction, burnout and depression.
Luke's books offer first-hand experience of what it is like to go through extended periods of emotional turmoil and self-doubt. They are marked by a very honest description of his changing emotional states and offer practical advice on how to feel free again. Topics covered in both books include: how a sense of shame can become toxic; how it's often not what happened to you but what didn't happen to you that can cause lasting emotional damage; dealing with worrying intrusive thoughts; understanding our often unintentional scripts for life and the importance of connecting emotionally with yourself.
​Luke suffered from deep emotional insecurity and low self-esteem all his life. After the birth of his two children, a sense of mounting career pressure, and a sudden desire to leap out of a top floor window, he decided to do something serious about his predicament. After attending regular therapy sessions for a number of years and reading extensively on the subject, he realised his emotional problems stemmed from a series of damaging emotional experiences in his childhood and that the best way to overcome these was to draw how he was feeling. Luke has now produced five books. The first four describe his emotional problems and how he overcame them in a series of drawings. His most recent book, How to Put a Troubled Past Behind You, outlines his drawing process and encourages the reader to start drawing their emotions.
Luke is now experiencing much better mental health, has found a real peace of mind and is excited about his future.
Proud contributor
AT:
Praise for
"How to find your way out when in despair"
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An original and personal story, told through clever, often light-hearted cartoons about emotional health and the serious business of recovery."
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Luke describes a recurring dream he used to have, that of trying to play golf in a tiny restricted space, the epitome of frustration. I had a similar dream when
I was in the police, of trying to run in
waist deep porridge, unable to move. It's gone now. Luke asked me to read his book after seeing my review on Amazon of Matt Haig's book 'Reasons to Stay Alive'. Luke's book is as good if not better
than that. It's serious, witty, funny, uplifting, and informative. A must read.
“
A heartbreaking and frank account of the author’s struggle with self-loathing. It explains how, through talking therapy, Pemberton found his way out of despair. There is lots of information on how
his journey progressed, the things that worked for him. It's full of further reading and resources to explore if you find yourself in a similar position to Pemberton.