Keep Pain in the Past: Getting over Trauma, Grief and the Worst That's Ever Happened to You by Christopher Cortman & Joseph Walden Summary

1. Cortman’s trauma triage method prioritizes emotional safety before memory reprocessing
2. Neural plasticity allows rewiring past pain through present-focused cognitive exercises
3. “Emotional time travel” traps sufferers in trauma loops – break cycles with grounding
4. Forgiving past perpetrators requires separating harmful acts from personal worth
5. Cortman’s S.T.O.P. technique (Stop-Think-Observe-Proceed) interrupts automatic trauma responses
6. Unresolved grief manifests physically – map bodily sensations to emotional wounds
7. Post-traumatic growth emerges from facing pain, not avoiding triggers
8. Childhood attachment patterns dictate adult trauma processing – identify your relational blueprint
9. Cortman’s “memory reconsolidation” rewrites traumatic recall with empowering narratives
10. Chronic anxiety often masks buried trauma – decode symptoms through emotional archaeology
11. The Social Black Belt system builds resilience against future emotional injuries
12. Dr. Cortman’s radio-tested mindfulness drills create “mental PPE” against past pain resurgence

About the Author of Keep Pain in the Past

Christopher Cortman, PhD, and Joseph Walden, PsyD, are clinical psychologists and mental health experts who co-authored Keep Pain in the Past: Getting Over Trauma, Grief and the Worst That’s Ever Happened to You. This practical guide blends trauma recovery strategies with cognitive-behavioral techniques to offer readers a path toward healing.

Dr. Cortman has been a Florida-licensed psychologist since 1985, bringing over 40 years of clinical experience to his work. This includes more than 80,000 psychotherapy hours and a specialization in anxiety, PTSD, and relationship issues. His credentials also include a decade-long recognition as Venice Gondolier Sun’s “Best Psychologist” and hosting the TNCRadio.live show Building Stronger Minds.

Dr. Walden is a trauma specialist trained at the Florida School of Professional Psychology. He draws from his experience at VA medical centers and addiction recovery programs, focusing particularly on assisting military veterans.

Together, Cortman and Walden developed the evidence-based exercises featured in their book. Keep Pain in the Past has received endorsements from mental health professionals and the Drug Free America Foundation. Cortman is also the author of Your Mind: An Owner’s Manual for a Better Life and Take Control of Your Anxiety, while Walden co-created The Social Black Belt program for emotional resilience. Since its publication in 2018, the book’s actionable framework has been widely adopted in clinical settings.

FAQs About Keep Pain in the Past

What is Keep Pain in the Past by Christopher Cortman about?

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.

Who should read Keep Pain in the Past?

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.

Is Keep Pain in the Past worth reading?

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.

What are the main concepts in Keep Pain in the Past?

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.

How does Keep Pain in the Past help with PTSD?

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”.

What is the “reframing” technique in Keep Pain in the Past?

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.

Does Keep Pain in the Past replace therapy?

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.

What criticisms exist about Keep Pain in the Past?

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.

How does Keep Pain in the Past address childhood trauma?

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.

What makes Christopher Cortman qualified to write this book?

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.

How long does Cortman’s healing process take?

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.

Can Keep Pain in the Past help with grief?

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.