Trauma Competency

Unique in its approach, author Linda Curran not only defines and explains the current trauma paradigm-relevant theories and current neuroscience, but step-by-step demonstrates its in-session clinical utility and applicability.

This groundbreaking new guide was written specifically for therapists, psychologists, and clinicians to assist clients suffering from chronic stress/PTSD by implementing an innovative, salutogenic (strengths - and resource-based) philosophy into their daily therapy work. First, the book identifies four active ingredients that should be present in all trauma treatment-followed by the Empowerment and Resilience Structure treatment manual, which pinpoints the critical components and baseline standards for the field of trauma counseling that are not model dependent, and are designed for immediate application. Trauma Competency for the 21st Century is inspired by the salutogenic approach to treatment: working with wellness factors (those that support health and well-being) rather than those that cause disease. The goal is to empower the client through a renewed belief in their own abilities, capacities, and resiliencies, and to instill a genuine hope for a future marked by healing and fulfillment.

Tens of thousands of clinicians have used this book--now revised and expanded with 50% new material--to plan and organize effective interventions for children and adolescents who have experienced complex trauma. The Attachment, Regulation, and Competency (ARC) framework can be used with children, parents, and other caregivers in a wide range of settings. The volume guides the clinician to identify key treatment goals and intervene flexibly to strengthen child-caregiver relationships and support healthy development and positive functioning. In a large-size format with lay-flat binding for easy photocopying, it is packed with case vignettes and clinical tools, including 79 reproducible handouts and forms. Purchasers get access to a Web page where they can download and print the reproducible materials.

The purpose of this book is to provide vital information regarding loss and trauma to practicing counselors and therapists. Trauma and loss are pervasive presenting problems, many counselors and therapists possess scant understanding of trauma and loss, and little, if any, attention is paid to trauma or to loss in the graduate training of clinical psychology and counseling psychology students. The book is organized into four sections which cover: an overview of loss and trauma, key conceptual frameworks for understanding loss and trauma, review of several types of events producing trauma and loss, and interventions addressing loss and trauma. A key contribution of the book is the focus on losses caused by death and losses due to other reasons. The contributions to practice include the overview of what is known about trauma and about loss; examination of several frameworks for organizing both understanding of and working with traumatized and bereaved clients; rich descriptive cases of individuals coping with various traumatic events and the losses embedded in the trauma; and presentation of various interventions, including changes that can be made in the graduate education of practitioners.

This is definitely a book whose time has come. One of the brilliant aspects of the EMDR therapy approach is that it makes it clinically possible to cut through social issues, and yet maintain its cultural consonance. From multiple contributions around the world, each chapter brings significant insights into how EMDR therapy can be culturally attuned and yet efficacious in preserving the individuality of each client. Highly recommended for those therapists who work in multi-cultural settings. -Esly Regina Carvalho, Ph.D., Trainer of Trainers, EMDR Institute/EMDR Iberoam√©rica and President TraumaClinic do Brasil/TraumaClinic Edi√ß√μes, Brasilia, Brazil. Underscoring the importance of cultural competence, this groundbreaking book focuses on using EMDR therapy with specific populations, particularly those groups typically stigmatized, oppressed, or otherwise marginalized in society. Drawing on social psychology research and theory as well as social justice and social work principles, it delivers general protocols for EMDR intervention for recovery from the internalized effects of cultural mistreatment. Employing best-practice methods for cultural competence as EMDR therapy is introduced to new cultures worldwide, the editor and esteemed EMDR clinician-authors relay their experiences, insights, guidance, and lessons learned through trial and error while adapting EMDR interventions for cross-cultural competency and therapeutic effectiveness The text defines cultural competence and validates the need for a multi-culturally aware approach to psychotherapy that embraces authentic socialidentities and attends to the impact of socially based trauma. Chapters address using EMDR therapy to heal the trans-generational impact of Anti-Semitism,working with the LGBT population, treating an immigrant woman suffering from social anxiety, healing individuals with intellectual disabilities, thetraumatizing effects of racial prejudice, harmful cultural messages about physical appearance, EMDR therapy attuned to specific cultural populations andsocially based identities, and many other scenarios. The text is replete with step-by-step treatment guidelines to help clients recover from traumatic lifeevents, dos and don‚Äôts, and common adaptive and maladaptive cultural beliefs. Key Features: Defines cultural competence and validates the need for a multi-culturally aware approach to psychotherapy Offers innovative protocols and strategies for treating socially based trauma within the EMDR model Presents best practice methods for cultural competence Includes step-by-step treatment guidelines and dos and don'ts Written by highly esteemed EMDR clinician-authors

"Few of the excellent models that have been developed for working with trauma survivors take into account the complexity of an individual's unique background and experience. Even treatment for members of "special groups" often ignores the individual's multilayered identities--which may include age, social class, ethnicity, religious faith, sexual orientation, and immigrant status--in favor of a "one-size-fits-all" approach. Drawing on her extensive clinical experience and the latest research, Laura Brown shows therapists how to become more sensitive to individual identity when working with clients who have suffered trauma. The author explains how culturally sensitive therapists draw upon multiple strategies for treating patients and are aware of both dominant group privilege and their own identity and culture. Of particular interest is a chapter on the role of systems of faith and meaning making in trauma therapy. The book has a practical focus and contains a variety of case studies illustrating how theoretical constructs can inform assessment and treatment. Given the ubiquity of trauma in its various forms, all therapists, from trainees to seasoned professionals, will find this volume educational and thought provoking"--Jacket. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2008 APA, all rights reserved).

New edition of this effective toolbox for treating trauma survivors is even more comprehensive This popular, practical resource for clinicians caring for trauma survivors has been fully updated and expanded. It remains a key toolkit of cognitive behavioral somatic therapy (CBST) techniques for clinicians who want to enhance their skills in treating trauma. Baranowsky and Gentry help practitioners find the right tools to guide trauma survivors toward growth and healing. Reinforcing this powerful intervention is the addition of a deeper emphasis on the preparatory phase for therapists, including the therapists' own ability to self-regulate their autonomic system during client encounters. Throughout the acclaimed book, an effective tri-phasic model for trauma treatment is constructed (safety and stabilization; working through trauma; reconnection with a meaningful life) as guiding principle, enabling a phased delivery that is fitted to the survivor's relational and processing style. The authors present, clearly and in detail, an array of techniques, protocols, and interventions for treating trauma survivors (cognitive, behavioral, somatic, and emotional/relational). These include popular and effective CBST techniques, approaches inspired by research on neuroplasticity, and interventions informed by polyvagal theory. Many techniques include links to video or audio material demonstrating how to carry-out the intervention. Further sections are devoted to forward-facing trauma therapy, a safe, effective, and accelerated method of treating trauma, and to clinician self-care. Over 40 video and audio demonstrations of many of the techniques are available for download. There are also 36 handouts for clients that can be downloaded and printed for clinical use.

Revison of: Treating complex traumatic stress disorders / 2009.