Tracy Livecchi, LCSW, is a Clinical Social Worker in Private Practice and is the Mental Health Consultant to the Adult Congenital Heart Association's Peer Mentorship Program. Tracy was born with a complicated CHC which has made it necessary for her to have several surgeries and hospitalizations throughout her life. She feels fortunate to be able to combine her lived experience with a meaningful profession that she loves. She is passionate about improving access to mental health care for all, with a special focus on individuals living with serious and chronic illness. Tracy lives in Connecticut with her husband and two daughters.

Liza Morton, PhD, C.Psychol, is a Chartered and Registered Counseling Psychologist practicing in Scotland, UK. She is also a part time Lecturer in Applied Psychology at Glasgow Caledonian University. As a health advocate for over ten years, Liza voluntarily sits on the management board of The Somerville Heart Foundation in the UK successfully campaigning for Scottish CHD healthcare standards and improved psychological support. Born with complete heart block and a hole in her heart, in a world first at the time, Liza was fitted with her first cardiac pacemaker at just 11 days old in 1978. She has depended on pioneering medical treatment since facing countless cardiac surgeries, treatments, and hospitalizations.

She is passionate about promoting what she terms Psychologically Informed Medicine to improve well-being and recovery for people living with lifelong medical conditions. This approach is grounded in her clinical work, research and advocacy and she publishes and presents widely. Liza lives with her husband Craig, their sixteen year old son Dylan and Scottish Terrier wee Lass.

• Foreword


• Preface: Our Hope and Mission


• Chapter 1: A Brief Medical History


• Chapter 2: The Possible Impact of Having a Congenital Heart Condition


• Chapter 3: Understanding the Body's Alarm System, Anxiety and Trauma


• Chapter 4: Weathering the Storm; Low Mood, Shame and Anger


• Chapter 5: Self-care and Stress Management Toolkit


• Chapter 6: Managing Uncomfortable Feelings


• Chapter 7: Managing Unhelpful Thoughts and Behaviors


• Chapter 8: Maintaining Important Relationships


• Chapter 9: Coping with Medical Procedures, Events and Symptoms


• Chapter 10: Taking the Wheel


• Chapter 11: The Gifts of CHCs


• Chapter 12: Supporting People with a CHC


• Afterword


• Useful Organizations and Resources