February 2011

Outsmarting Ourselves should be required reading for anyone wanting to serve and minister to the needs of those whose lives have been devastated by addictions and trauma. Karl’s careful discussion of the dynamic relationship between trauma, the brain’s pain-processing pathway and the Verbal Logical Explainer sheds new light on the development of the denial that is inherent in addictive and trauma-driven family systems, and the triggering that helps perpetuate them. Thankfully, the book does not stop there! Karl goes on to suggest practical, workable, strategic interventions that help individuals identify and take responsibility for their own triggering and trauma–and discover how Jesus can be an active participant in the healing process. As a friend of Karl and Charlotte, it is a joy for me to know that he writes deeply from their own journey, experience, and relationship. Their lives are testimonies to the fact that these principles really do work–if you are willing to apply them!

Ed Khouri

Pastor, addictions specialist, and international addictions and

trauma recovery trainer with thirty-one years of experience

Secretariat, International Substance Abuse and Addiction Coalition
Developer of the Thriving: Recover Your Life Program

Author: Restarting Workbook and Restarting Facilitator’s Guide

Coauthor: Belonging Workbook and Belonging Facilitator’s Guide.
Instructor and Advisory Board Member: NET Institute

Cofounder and President: Equipping Hearts for the Harvest