This chapter reviews the literature that shows that growth occurs in the aftermath of a variety of life crises, and summarizes ways of understanding how this growth occurs. The chapter coined the term posttraumatic growth to describe the experience of positive changes that occur as the result of the struggle with major life crises. The kinds of positive changes people experience in their struggle with major stressors are reflected in the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory: improved relationships, new possibilities for one's life, a greater appreciation for life, a greater sense of personal strength, and spiritual development. The chapter explores how the therapeutic relationship can be a vehicle for recognizing growth at a time of vulnerability. With a basic understanding of the variables involved in the process of posttraumatic growth, the chapter considers how a clinician can affect this process in useful ways.
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