Trauma Essentials: The Go-To Guide

by Babette Rothschild

Overview

Basic information about one of the most common problems in therapy, from a best-selling mental health writer.

Since 1980, when PTSD first appeared as a diagnostic category, the number of people seeking trauma therapy has grown exponentially. Victims of traumatic events seek treatment for their often debilitating symptoms. Here, a leading trauma specialist and best-selling psychotherapy author presents for consumers the wide range of trauma treatments available and gives readers tools to choose a treatment plan or assess whether their treatment plan is working. Medications and associated conditions such as anxiety and panic disorders are also discussed. This book presents the most necessary and relevant information in a compact and accessible format, serving both as a review for therapists and a straightforward, easy-to-use guide for patients. Topics covered include definitions and symptoms, accepted treatments, physiological explanations, and treatment evaluation strategies, all written in Babette Rothschild's characteristically accessible style.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780393706208
Publisher:	Norton, W. W. & Company, Inc.
Publication date:	04/11/2011
Series:	Go-To Guides for Mental Health
Pages:	160
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Babette Rothschild, MSW, LCSW is an internationally recognized PTSD specialist and best-selling author of seven books translated into eighteen languages, including her new offerings Help for the Helper Updated + Expanded and the 8 Keys to Safe Trauma Recovery Workbook. Babette is also the creator and Series Editor of W. W. Norton’s 8 Keys to Mental Health Series. She currently lives in Los Angeles, California.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments 7

Preface 9

Introduction Foundations for Safe Trauma Therapy 13

Chapter 1 What Is Psychological Trauma? 17

Chapter 2 What Is Posttraumatic Stress Disorder? 22

Chapter 3 Conditions Associated (or Concurrent) with PTSD 27

Chapter 4 How Does Psychological Trauma Affect the Body and Brain? 31

Chapter 5 How Is Traumatic Memory Different? 41

Chapter 6 Who Does and Does Not Get PTSD? 46

Chapter 7 Treating PTSD 56

Chapter 8 Current Methods of Trauma Therapy 68

Chapter 9 Psychopharmacology for PTSD 84

Chapter 10 Mindfulness and Meditation 90

Chapter 11 Somatic Treatment Adjuncts 99

Chapter 12 How to Tell if a Treatment Works 104

Chapter 13 Common Issues Inherent in PTSD 112

Chapter 14 What About Prevention? 120

Chapter 15 First Aid 126

Chapter 16 Vulnerability and Self-Care 132

References 141

Index 147

Editorial Reviews

"This timely and easy-to-read handbook introduces the basics of trauma treatment to the consumer and to the professional who may be new to the field. . . . This accessible and concise reference book will be beneficial for anyone exploring his or her therapy options, and seeking information on treatments for trauma-related disorders."

The Milton H. Erickson Foundation Newsletter

"I found this book to be an excellent review and summary for the experienced clinician as well as a solid introduction to the field for any new therapist of trainee… [T]his book belongs on every practitioner’s bookshelf."

American Society for Adolescent Psychiatry Newsletter

"[A] thorough and useful overview for the beginning therapist or clinical trainee . . . . The book’s strengths include the use of case examples running through the chapters and a sophisticated clinical perspective based on extensive experience and a thoughtful approach to challenges that must be handled sensitively in order to do no harm and provide effective psychotherapy with psychological trauma survivors."

Bulletin of the Menninger Clinic

"[A] reference book for clinician and client alike. Rothschild has successfully taken the enormously complex subject of trauma therapy and recovery and broken it down into smaller and much more digestible pieces. Rothschild’s book has excelled in achieving its goal of being a sound readable manual; seasoned clinicians, clients just beginning trauma therapy and everyone else in between will find this book helpful and informative."

PsychCentral

"[A] clearly-written and accessible book for anyone suffering from trauma-related disorders, and for their therapists. Babette Rothschild covers psychological effects of traumatizing experiences (especially PTSD), introduces several approaches and adjuncts to treatment, and helps individuals determine how to tell if a treatment works for them. She wisely emphasizes the individuality of successful treatment."

David V. Baldwin