The Five Ls: A Practical Guide for Helping Loved Ones Heal After Trauma

“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 Ls, 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 Ls: 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 Ls 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, T. 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 Ls.” 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