Keep Pain in the Past by Christopher Cortman & Joseph Walden Summary

Keep Pain in the Past presents a self-guided method to heal emotional trauma without prolonged therapy. Dr. Christopher Cortman, a licensed psychologist with 35+ years of experience, outlines a five-step process (Remember, Feel, Express, Release, Reframe) to confront past wounds like abuse, grief, or shame. The book uses real patient stories—including a war veteran and an attorney—to show how psychological self-healing can break avoidance cycles.

This book suits anyone struggling with unresolved trauma, anxiety, or depression, particularly those seeking DIY psychological healing. It’s valuable for trauma survivors, veterans with PTSD, or individuals facing relationship issues tied to past pain. Cortman’s approach also benefits therapists looking for client resources or readers interested in evidence-based self-help strategies.

Yes—readers praise its actionable framework for addressing trauma without costly therapy. Cortman’s 80,000+ clinical hours lend credibility, while case studies make concepts relatable. The reframing techniques and emphasis on confronting (not avoiding) pain offer practical tools, though those with severe trauma may still need professional support.

Key ideas include:

• Avoidance perpetuates suffering: Denial or addiction delays healing.
• Five-step healing process: Remember trauma details, feel emotions, express pain verbally/physically, release through forgiveness, reframe perspectives.
• Self-efficacy: Individuals can treat psychological wounds like physical ones.

Cortman’s method helps PTSD sufferers process traumatic memories through structured recall and emotional release. The book details a veteran’s recovery from war trauma by confronting suppressed memories and reframing guilt. This approach reduces flashbacks and emotional numbness by completing the brain’s “unfinished business”.

Reframing involves reinterpreting trauma to reduce its emotional grip. For example:

• Viewing abuse survival as evidence of strength rather than shame.
• Seeing grief as love persisting beyond loss.

Cortman argues this cognitive shift lets patients reclaim agency and meaning.

While promoting self-healing, Cortman acknowledges severe cases may need professional help. The book positions itself as complementary to therapy, offering tools to accelerate recovery. Its DIY focus appeals to those lacking access to or funds for long-term treatment.

Some may oversimplify complex trauma or underestimate severe mental health needs. Critics might argue its five-step model requires significant self-discipline. However, the book addresses these concerns by emphasizing gradual progress and celebrating small victories.

Using a professor’s case study, Cortman shows how childhood abuse survivors can identify repressed memories, express buried anger through role-play, and reframe their self-narrative. The process helps break patterns of self-sabotage in adult relationships.

Dr. Cortman has 35+ years as a licensed psychologist, 80,000+ therapy hours, and awards like Florida’s “Outstanding Contributions to Psychology.” He’s authored five mental health books and developed school wellness programs, blending clinical expertise with accessible communication.

While timelines vary, case studies suggest weeks to months of consistent practice. The veteran’s PTSD improvement took 12 sessions, while relationship issues required 3–4 months. Cortman stresses commitment over speed, advising daily journaling or mindfulness.

Yes—the book reframes grief as unresolved emotional business. By expressing unsaid words to lost loved ones (through letters or vocal exercises) and reframing guilt, mourners can achieve closure. Cortman contrasts this with misguided “time heals” advice.