The Traumatic Stress Recovery Workbook: 40 Brain-Changing Techniques You Can Use Right Now to Treat Symptoms of PTSD and Start Feeling Better

by Jennifer Sweeton PsyD

Overview

40 simple, brain-changing neuroscience techniques for overcoming trauma.

I can’t ever calm down. I am emotionally numb. I can’t stop thinking about what happened. I don’t want to go anywhere. I can’t sleep.

If you’ve experienced trauma, you may feel emotionally numb. You may have moments where you can’t “calm down,” or get to sleep. You might replay the traumatic event over in your mind.  And you may even isolate yourself from others. You should know that you are not alone. Many people will live through a potentially traumatic event at some point in their lives, and some will even develop symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If you’re struggling with symptoms, you need effective relief—right now. This workbook can help you find it.

In The Traumatic Stress Recovery Workbook, trauma and neuroscience expert Jennifer Sweeton provides forty brain-changing techniques for overcoming PTSD that you can begin using right away to build resilience, boost self-confidence, and develop self-efficacy. You’ll learn what happens in your brain after experiencing trauma, and why it reacts in ways that cause even more distress. You’ll also discover evidence-based strategies grounded in cutting-edge neuroscience to manage psychological and physical—or somatic—symptoms—so you can get back to your life.

Using the practical and integrative approach in this workbook, you can address symptoms at your own pace. And by making small lifestyle changes, you’ll carve new neural pathways in your brain and jump-start the healing process.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781684038848
Publisher:	New Harbinger Publications
Publication date:	11/01/2022
Pages:	248
Sales rank:	990,496
Product dimensions:	7.90(w) x 9.80(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Jennifer Sweeton, PsyD, is a clinical and forensic psychologist, author, and internationally recognized expert on trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the neuroscience of mental health. She is a sought-after expert who has trained more than 15,000 mental health professionals in all fifty US states and in over twenty countries. She is author of Trauma Treatment Toolbox. She resides in the greater Kansas City, MO area.

Table of Contents

Introduction 1

Chapter 1 Intrusive Thoughts About the Trauma 7

Chapter 2 Feeling Anxious and Revved Up 35

Chapter 3 Difficulties with Anger 59

Chapter 4 Strong, Distressing Physical Reactions 83

Chapter 5 Emotional Numbing and Apathy 103

Chapter 6 Issues Around Safety and Control 129

Chapter 7 Difficulties with Trust and Relationships 153

Chapter 8 Isolation and Agoraphobia 183

Chapter 9 Sleeping Difficulties 209

Concluding Thoughts 231

Acknowledgments 235

References 236

Editorial Reviews

Jennifer Sweeton makes the neuroscience of trauma practical, easy to understand, and accessible. She includes techniques that anyone can begin using immediately, and breaks down difficult concepts in a digestible and engaging manner. In a world fond of technical jargon and wordy explanations, it is a breath of fresh air to have Sweeton’s workbook available—I will definitely be recommending to clients!”
—Britt Frank, MSW, LSCSW, SEP, licensed psychotherapist, trauma specialist, and author of The Science of Stuck

Britt Frank

All trauma is not created equal. Neither are all trauma workbooks. While many resources of this kind exist, few equip clinicians with research-backed, evidence-based, practical strategies for empowering clients in the way that Sweeton is uniquely qualified to do. Individuals who have experienced all levels of trauma or stress-related events will be well on their road to recovery after arming themselves with these tools. Well done!”
—Jeff Riggenbach, PhD, author of The CBT Toolbox

Jeff Riggenbach

Translating the neuroscience of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) into simple but effective trauma resolution techniques is what Jennifer Sweeton does best. This book offers survivors a refreshing, jargon-free guide to healing by artfully combining research results, survivor vignettes, symptom assessments, and self-help tools into a cohesive whole. By avoiding allegiance to any particular treatment method, Sweeton also assures that the recommended activities will be compatible with all therapeutic approaches.”
—Mike Deninger, PhD, trauma survivor, trainer, and author of Multichannel Eye Movement Integration

Mike Deninger

This book puts together an exceptional understanding of how trauma impacts the brain and body. This collection of tools provides individuals who have experienced trauma with the means to combat the associated symptoms and impact on their lives. This workbook has something for anyone who has ever struggled.”
—Amanda S. Vaught, PsyD, trauma expert, former director of training within Veteran Affairs Health Care System, and adjunct faculty at Villanova University

Amanda S. Vaught

The Traumatic Stress Recovery Workbook delivers practical and accessible techniques for readers with diverse trauma backgrounds to approach the recovery process with confidence. Jennifer Sweeton’s years of professional experience and deep understanding of effective trauma treatment are on full display as each chapter masterfully balances psychoeducation, skill building, and personal reflection. This workbook will be a game-changer for countless people impacted by trauma.”
—Corey Petersen, PhD, clinical psychotherapist, and psychotherapeutic language researcher and educator

Corey Petersen