Finding Solid Ground Overcoming Obstacles In Trauma Treatment

"In this chapter, we provide a brief overview of the relationships between trauma-related disorders and dissociation, describe the prevalence and presentations of dissociation among trauma survivors, and discuss the challenges that contribute to trauma-related disorders (TRD) and dissociative disorders (DDs) being "hidden in plain sight". Please note that throughout this book we use the term "trauma-related disorders" (TRD) as an overarching term that includes those who have a diagnosable trauma-related DD, which means that dissociation is typically severe, frequent, and disabling. Thus, our use of TRD in this book includes individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), acute stress disorder, the dissociative subtype of PTSD (DPTSD), and persons with trauma-related DDs. Since many authors consider borderline personality disorder a TRD due to the frequent occurrence of trauma, childhood maltreatment, and attachment problems in this population, we include those with trauma histories in our use of TRD as well"--

"Grounding is a recovery-focused skill that offers powerful help towards managing and reducing symptoms related to trauma, including feeling too much or too little"--

Treating Complex Trauma and Dissociation is the ideal guide for the front-line clinician whose clients come in with histories of trauma, abuse, self-injury, flashbacks, suicidal behavior, and more. The second edition includes the latest research and developments in treatment for trauma and dissociative disorders. The book is written with the knowledge that survivors may read it, and the authors have consciously maintained the dignity of the survivors throughout. Clinicians will find that the chapters help them develop their own responses and practical solutions to common questions, including "How do I handle this?" "What do I say?" and "What can I do?" Treating Complex Trauma and Dissociation is the book clinicians will want to pick up when they're stuck and is a handy reference that provides the tools needed to deal with difficult issues in therapy. It is supportive and respectful of both therapist and client, and, most of all, useful in the office.

Dissociation, Mindfulness, and Creative Meditations explores the potential of mindfulness and explains why this level of developmental human achievement is so precarious within traumatic stress, especially traumatic dissociation. Chapters discuss the connection and disconnection between mindfulness and dissociative disorders and highlight the importance of gently creating a mindfulness practice for traumatized individuals. Readers will learn how to exercise the part of the brain that is responsible for mindfulness and how to regulate the part that is responsible for dissociation, and they’ll come away from the book with tips that will help even the most dissociative client to reap the benefits of mindfulness practices.

In Rebuilding Shattered Lives, James A. Chu, MD, describes a proven approach to the assessment and treatment of post-traumatic and dissociative disorders developed at the Dissociative Disorders and Trauma Program at McLean Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Drawing on his extensive empirical research and more than a decade's clinical experience specializing in treating survivors of severe abuse, Dr. Chu also offers valuable insights into all the major areas of traumarelated symptomatology and provides the most detailed explanation of dissociative theory currently in print. And, with the help of numerous vignettes and case examples, he clearly illustrates common clinical dilemmas encountered when dealing with survivors of severe abuse as well as the most effective techniques for resolving them. Rebuilding Shattered Lives is an important working resource for mental health workers of all levels of experience. Throughout, the writing style is clear, and complex theories are explained with an emphasis on how they provide the conceptual basis for a rational, responsible, and safe approach to treatment.

Understanding Trauma and Dissociation is a groundbreaking guide to unraveling the mysteries of trauma and dissociation and offering real hope for the chance to heal. Dr. Lynn Karjala, a renowned therapist, provides a comprehensive understanding of the debilitating physical and psychological effects of trauma ... Her innovative approach employing both conventional and mind-body techniques for trauma treatment makes this book a must-read for anyone interested in helping trauma survivors heal and recover.--Publisher.

Understanding strong countertransference reactions can be the hardest part of practice for many mental health professionals - particularly with patients who have experienced great trauma. This book aimd to shows mental health practitioners how they can manage their countertransference reactions and use them as a force for healing patients suffering from trauma.