From Trauma to Healing: A Social Worker's Guide to Working with Survivors

From Trauma to Healing: A Social Worker’s Guide for Working With Survivors is the next significant publication on trauma in the field of social work. Since September 11 and Hurricane Katrina, social workers have come together increasingly to consider how traumatic events impact practice. From Trauma to Healing is designed to provide direction in this process, supporting both the field’s movement towards evidence-based practice and social workers’ growing need to be equipped to work with trauma. It does so in the practical-guide format already proven to be compelling to social work students, educators, and practitioners, providing case examples, and addressing social workers’ unique ecological approach.

Table of Contents:
Gitterman, Foreword. Salmon, Introduction. Section 1: Potentially Traumatic Events. Chapter 1: Intimate partner violence. Chapter 2: Child abuse and neglect. Chapter 3: Sexual abuse. Chapter 4: War and terrorism. Chapter 5: Natural disasters. Chapter 6: Life threatening illness. Chapter 7: Other traumatic events. Section 2: Working with Survivors of Trauma. Chapter 8: Direct witnesses of trauma. Chapter 9: Secondary trauma. Chapter 10: Vulnerable populations. Chapter 11: Cultural considerations. Section 3: Creating a Safe Place after Trauma. Chapter 12: The importance of safety. Chapter 13: Building safe relationships. Chapter 14: Tolerating emotions. Chapter 15: Drawing on coping skills and self care. Section 4: Direct Interventions with Survivors. Chapter 16: Crisis management, assessment, and referral for aid. Chapter 17: Group therapy. Chapter 18: Individual, couples, and family therapy. Chapter 19: Other trauma interventions. Section 5: Broad Interventions for the Community. Chapter 20: Program development. Chapter 21: Advocating for survivors. Chapter 22: Systemic aspects of trauma. Chapter 23: Prevention and community organizing. Chapter 24: Conclusion. Chapter 25: Resources.

About the Author :
Ann Goelitz, PhD, LCSW, is a social-work educator and trauma psychotherapist who has done extensive public speaking, published numerous articles, and co-authored an award-winning resource directory for caregivers. Abigail Stewart-Kahn, MSW, LCSW, is a social worker focusing specifically on intimate partner violence and childhood exposure to trauma. She has worked directly with children and their families and in innovative program development and prevention.

Review :
"Social workers-more than any other class of helping professional-are major contributors to trauma recovery: at the scene, in the hospital, in the community, and providing therapy. Goelitz's accessible, comprehensive, and highly usable guide will be gratefully received by all. It is so important; I truly hope it will become required reading in all university and licensure programs. This is a must-have for every social worker's bookshelf." -Babette Rothschild, MSW, author of The Body Remembers and 8 Keys to Safe Trauma Recovery "From Trauma to Healing provides a real service to social workers. The importance of self-care is rightly emphasized, and practical, seasoned guidelines abound-not just for clinical work but for program building and advocacy as well. Having this book on hand is like having a wise, compassionate supervisor close by." -Belleruth Naparstek, LISW, BCD, author of Invisible Heroes and creator of the Health Journeys guided imagery audio series. "From Trauma to Healing is a unique, even extraordinary addition to social work literature. Schools of social work rarely offer courses about trauma and graduates are not adequately prepared to treat it. This volume rectifies this situation in the most profound and readable fashion. It is a great contribution." -Robert Salmon, professor emeritus, Hunter College School of Social Work "From Trauma to Healing provides a wealth of trauma information for social workers. Easy to read, informative, and full of helpful tips and case examples, it portrays in a sensitive and authentic manner the process of experiencing, coping with, and recovering from trauma." -Lisa M. Najavits, PhD, professor of psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, lecturer, Harvard Medical School, and author of Seeking Safety: A Treatment Manual for PTSD and Substance Abuse.