Details
- ISBN: 978-0-9905943-7-6
- Publication Date: March, 2021
- Length: 127 pages
- Size: 6 x 9″
- Format(s): Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook (coming later in 2021!)
- Special Features: Questions for reflection at the end of each chapter for personal use or group discussion.
About the Author
Shawn Banzhaf (BA Interdisciplinary Studies; MA Sociology, i.p.) currently serves as a Senior Military Advocate for Arizona State University, a Senior Trainer and Consultant for veteran and military affiliated persons at Culturally Intelligent Training and Consulting LLC, and as a Board Member of First Page in Colorado, an organization that helps the children of veterans with trauma. He formerly served as a Police Sergeant, associate pastor, university campus minister, and is a retired Platoon Sergeant from the U.S. Army National Guard (1990-2012), which included a twelve-month combat tour in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Shawn lives with his wife Jodi in the Tempe area and have two adult children and four grandchildren.
From the Introduction
“. . .I spent two years in that capacity and was asked to apply to the position that I currently hold, which is the Senior Military Advocate. I now spend my days helping student veterans (like the three that I had spoken to) walk the transition from military life to civilian life, and help them with the struggles they face, coping with the traumas of war and this world. I’ve learned a lot—a lot about grief, about PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), about family dynamics, and social change. My graduate studies in sociology here at ASU have also opened my eyes to new dimensions about these challenges and experiences. I continue to learn and evolve as a person, and I’m encouraged by what a difference my time and effort can make in the lives of those who have given up so much.
And if I can actually help people struggling with various kinds of traumas, why can’t you?
So, when the idea for this book came into being, it seemed obvious that it should be written. I can’t help everyone. But all of us together, across the country, across the globe, can influence the one or two people in our lives in a positive way. The end result would be a dramatic restoration towards human flourishing.
That’s my goal—and I do believe we can make it happen.”
Endorsements
“I have known Shawn for a short time as lifetimes go, but I say I feel like I have known him for a lifetime through our shared experiences during Huts for Vets weekends. In his book, The Five L’s, Shawn masterfully weaves life experiences, humor, tragedy and faith into a must-read guide for those of us in the work of preventing suicide. Shawn, I am so glad to be of Service with you.”
—WANDA WRIGHT
Colonel, U.S. Air Force
Director, Arizona Department of Veterans’ Service
“In The Five L’s: A Practical Guide for Helping Loved Ones Heal After Trauma, author Shawn Banzhaf serves as a trailblazer, lead climber, and guide, as well as Sherpa, charting a course for others while providing much needed sustenance. With humor, pathos, and honesty, Shawn courageously opens his life and heart in a way that provides support and guidance for people in need. He didn’t just write this book, he lived it. Shawn draws on his unique combination of skills, education, work experience, military service, and personal characteristics…The 5 L’s is written for both those who care about someone living with trauma and those dealing with the effects of trauma directly. It is a thoughtful, insightful, and intimate book, at once simple and complex, clear and deep, written with the powerful hope of literally and figuratively saving lives and relationships.”
—DENISE ANN BODMAN
Principal Lecturer and Barrett Honors Faculty
Denny Sanford School of Social and Family Dynamics, ASU
“Banzhaf’s Five Ls approach emerges from a place of curiosity, empathy, and compassion. This book is for those who need straightforward solutions for bearing one another’s trauma with open-minded love. Whether the framework is directed toward personal or corporate action, I trust the values embodied within Banzhaf’s message can be used to guide others toward freedom and wholeheartedness.”
—RENEE RONIKA BHATTI-KLUG
Founder and CEO, Culturally Intelligent Training & Consulting LLC
“Once in a while a book is able to weave together theory and practice in such an intricate way that the transitions are barely noticed. The Five L’s does just this inviting professionals, lay leaders, family, and those who have experienced trauma into reciprocal spaces of learning and support. Rooted in research but grounded in experience, Shawn offers a book that is highly accessible without being trite or sanitized. His experience in the military is both central to the story and serves as a bridge for other non-military persons. This book offers insight, wisdom, and clear strategies to empower those impacted directly and indirectly by trauma.”
—AMY F. JACOBER
PhD, MSW, MDiv
“Shawn Banzhaf, my dear friend and a co-laborer in the trauma informed community movement, created an impactful resource called the “Five L’s.” He effectively illustrates how to be a helpful companion for those who are suffering and deeply wounded. Shawn’s humble but authentic sharing of his life story makes this book both powerful and persuasive. I highly recommend this book to anyone in the field of trauma informed care.”
—SANGHOON YOO
Founder of The Faithful City and Arizona Trauma Informed Faith Community