Treating Complex Trauma and Dissociation: A Practical Guide to Navigating Therapeutic Challenges

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.

Table of Contents:
Part 1: Understanding Trauma and Dissociation 1. The Meaning and Impact of Complex Interpersonal Trauma 2. Complex Trauma and Dissociation 3. Neurobiology and Research of Trauma and Dissociation 4. Diagnosis and Research Part 2: Treatment 5: Overview of the Three Stage Phasic Model of Treatment and Tasks of Each Stage 6. Foundational Issues - What They Bring 7. Foundational Issues - Conceptual Issues in the Therapy 8. Foundational Issues - Therapeutic Strategies Part 3: Complicating Factors 9. Challenging Behaviors 10. Difficult Emotions 11. Endings - The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly Part 4: The Trauma Therapist 12. Maintaining the Balance 13. Conclusion

About the Author :
Lynette S. Danylchuk, PhD, is a fellow, past president, and Lifetime Achievement Award winner of the ISSTD (International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation). She has been a therapist in private practice, a supervisor, a consultant, and has presented internationally. Kevin J. Connors, MS, MFT, is a fellow and past president of the ISSTD (International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation), serves on the board of directors for the National Partnership to End Interpersonal Violence Across the Lifespan, and is also on the advisory board for the Hecht Trauma Institute.

Review :
"This is a treasure that every therapist should have on their bookshelf. It’s easy to read, with many clinical illustrations, and focuses on how to work with clients who have complex PTSD or a dissociative disorder. The authors never lose sight of the client as a human being and not a disorder, and they provide maps to navigate relational challenges, self-harm and suicidality (including how to navigate the pain of losing a client to suicide), flashbacks, difficulties with memory work, and more." Kathy Steele, MN, CS, author and international presenter on complex trauma and dissociation, ISSTD past president and Lifetime Achievement Award winner "Lynette Danylchuk and Kevin Connors have produced a book that lives up to its name. It is highly practical and instructive but also highly sophisticated in its presentation of the needs and the treatment of the complex trauma and dissociative client. This book is a guide to both the novice and the more advanced therapist. It offers constant reminders that these clients were extensively damaged by what happened to them and benefit from knowledgeable and relationally responsive and compassionate care in order to heal. I highly recommend this text." Christine A. Courtois, PhD, ABPP, coauthor of Treating Complex Trauma: A Sequenced, Relationship-based Approach and coeditor of Treating Complex Traumatic Stress Disorders in Adults (both with Julian Ford) "The second edition of Treating Complex Trauma and Dissociation is even more comprehensive and informative than the first and holds a wealth of academic and practical material. This is a book which not only belongs on your bookshelf but is one to be pulled out often for consultation or just to savor and absorb a section. Kudos to the authors for this gift." Joan A. Turkus, MD, medical director, Complex Trauma Disorders Program, Dominion/HCA Hospital Falls Church, Virginia; ISSTD past president and Lifetime Achievement Award winner