As researchers have developed increasingly more effective interventions aimed at relieving trauma symptoms, trauma therapists have come to understand that the success of these approaches is highly contingent on personal factors. Whether affected by natural disaster or sexual assault, by trauma-related symptoms like PTSD, substance abuse, or depression, each victim of psychological trauma has undergone a uniquely personal experience. Recovery too is highly variable and deeply dependent upon an individual’s distinctive history and cultural context.

This book examines several current clinical approaches to trauma focused treatment. Rather than describe theoretical approaches in isolation, the editors have integrated these interventions into a broader clinical context. Chapter authors emphasize basic therapeutic skills such as empathic listening, instilling resilience, and creating meaning, in the service of empirically-supported, highly efficacious trauma interventions. Throughout, they focus on the real-life challenges that arise in typical therapy sessions to deepen our understanding and application of evidence based interventions. [instead of and eschew the “manualized” approach that has characterized much of the clinical literature over the years.}

This book is intended for all clinical mental health professionals who work with trauma survivors, particularly those who seek to broaden their understanding of the way various approaches interact to inform a holistic understanding of trauma treatment.