The book focuses on patients recalling positive memories from their past and beginning to focus on a positive future. Usually those with PTSD are stuck in the "negative past," which leads to a present "fatalistic mindset," Sword said.
The book also features real-life stories about Maui people and veterans who were helped by the time perspective therapy, although names and some situations have been altered.
The time perspective therapy approach is rooted in Zimbardo's Temporal Theory that helps PTSD sufferers stop living in the negative past and have them look forward to a positive future, according to the introduction of the book.