Principles of Trauma Therapy: A Guide to Symptoms, Evaluation, and Treatment

by John N. Briere, Catherine Scott

"This is a phenomenal compilation of clinical, biological, neuropsychiatric, and psychotherapeutic information on the subject of trauma. The authors move from the very basic subject of "what trauma is" to the most complicated subjects of etiology and intervention.  The usefulness of the book is greatly enhanced by the many case examples. This is a major contribution, both for those who treat and for theoreticians....  a must for every clinician!"



"This is a phenomenal compilation of clinical, biological, neuropsychiatric, and psychotherapeutic information on the subject of trauma. The authors move from the very basic subject of "what trauma is" to the most complicated subjects of etiology and intervention.  The usefulness of the book is greatly enhanced by the many case examples. This is a major contribution, both for those who treat and for theoreticians....  a must for every clinician!" ―Marcia Goin, MD, PhD, Psychoanalyst; Past-president, American Psychiatric Association; Professor of Clinical Psychiatry, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA



"This book is an excellent teaching tool ―almost what one would expect from a course with details printed in different fonts and useful checklists for clinical work. I appreciate the choice of either reading individual chapters one at a time, each one with recommended reading sections at the end, or the benefits of reading the book as a whole...Of special value in this book is the chapter dedicated to the psychopharmacology of trauma, as special attention is given to the most up-to-date research in the field of psychobiology" ―CONTEMPORARY PSYCHOLOGY



Principles of Trauma Therapy provides a creative synthesis of cognitive-behavioral, relational/psychodynamic, and psychopharmacologic approaches to the "real world" treatment of acute and chronic posttraumatic states.  Grounded in empirically-supported trauma treatment techniques, and adapted to the complexities of actual clinical practice, it is a hands-on resource for both front-line clinicians in public mental health and those in private practice.  Trauma-related disturbance can be complex, requiring careful assessment and multimodal, symptom-focused treatment.  This book describes assessment approaches and specific interventions not only for the cognitive and emotional processing of trauma memories, but also for the treatment of problems related to affect dysregulation, identity/self-disturbance, cognitive distortions, negative relational schema, and avoidance responses such as substance abuse, dissociation, and tension-reduction behavior.  A special chapter on trauma psychopharmacology, accessible to both prescribing and nonprescribing clinicians, outlines the indications and limitations of psychoactive medication in the treatment of trauma survivors.  



Written by trauma researcher and clinician John Briere, Ph.D., and medical director of the USC Psychological Trauma Clinic, Catherine Scott, M.D., this book articulates a nonpathologizing, phenomenological perspective on trauma and recovery - one that emphasizes both specific therapeutic techniques and the general, but critical, role of the therapeutic relationship.



Intended This is an essential resource for practicing clinicians interested in the area of trauma. It also serves as an ideal supplemental text for graduate students studying psychotherapy, clinical psychology, and traumatic stress in the fields of Psychology, Psychiatry, and Social Work.

Genres: Psychology, Counselling, Social Work, Textbooks, Nonfiction, Mental Health, Reference

312 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

John Briere, Ph.D. is Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Psychology at the Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Director of the Psychological Trauma Program at LAC-USC Medical Center, and Co-Director of the MCAVIC-USC Child and Adolescent Trauma Program, National Child Traumatic Stress Network.

He is a past president of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS), and recipient of the Robert S. Laufer Memorial Award for Scientific Achievement from ISTSS and the Outstanding Professional Award from the American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children (APSAC).

Designated as "Highly Cited Researcher" by the Institute for Scientific Information, he is author or co-author of over 70 articles, 20 chapters and encyclopedia entries, 10 books, and 8 psychological tests in the areas of trauma, child abuse, and interpersonal violence.

John's newest book (co-authored with Catherine Scott, MD) is Principles of Trauma Therapy, published by Sage Publications.

Books:
Principles of trauma therapy: A guide to symptoms, evaluation, and treatment. (2006)
Psychological assessment of adult posttraumatic states: Phenomenology, diagnosis, and measurement, 2nd edition. (2004).
The APSAC handbook on child maltreatment, 2 nd Edition. (2002)
Psychological assessment of adult posttraumatic states. (1997)
Therapy for adults molested as children, Second edition. (1996)
The APSAC handbook on child maltreatment. (1996)
Assessing and treating victims of violence. (1994)
Child abuse trauma: Theory and treatment of the lasting effects. (1992)
Treating victims of child sexual abuse. (1991)
Therapy for adults molested as children: Beyond survival. (1989).

Reviews

[Jessica]

I sat through this guy's all-day lecture on trauma earlier this year, and it was one of the most incredible experiences of my (admittedly, fairly dull) life. Yes, sitting still in a chair just listening to this man talk about effects of some of the most horrific human experiences imaginable, for hours on end, was completely amazing. I laughed, I cried, I probably threw up a little.... Amazing. Totally amazing.

So yeah, but I remember flipping through his book outside and feeling pretty underwhelmed, so I didn't buy it. I loved his lecture so much that I kind of feel like I should try and read this... though in my experience "fantastic lecturer" and "fantastic author" can be pretty mutually exclusive terms. Still, I'm going to check it out eventually.... In any case, if you work in mental health or are at all interested in trauma/PTSD, and you ever get a chance to see John Briere do his thing, I strongly recommend you go.

Ginnie, do you know this guy? I think he's at USC.

[Joe Erickson · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a professor teaching post traumatic stress reaction to graduate and undergraduate students, I was looking for a book that hit the basics along with some key pieces regarding assessment, diagnostic criteria, and examples that highlighted some of the subtleties associated with complex trauma. This book is well organized and not too overwhelming for people new and beginning the field and a nice refresher for seasoned clinicians. Easy to read, clearly outlined to build upon each subject, I found it both a solid read, affordable, and made it a required read for my course. Please note that I purchased this book way back October 12, 2013 but only now getting to put my thoughts in writing.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful and specific applications for treating trauma. Includes psychoed, distress reduction and affect regulation training, cognitive interventions, emotional processing, increasing identity and relational functioning, and mindfulness in trauma treatment.
Also includes a section on treating ACUTE TRAUMA.

[Abnoos · Rating 3 out of 5]

Naturally some of the tiny bits of info are counter-argued by recent studies. Otherwise a well written and fortunately condensed book!

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teaching trauma theory as a practicing clinician, I wanted to use a book that was useful, practical, well-grounded in research and sound clinical theory AND that was critical of the social construction of trauma disorders and mental illness. This book does all of that! It is user-friendly--theoretically dense but also readable, with practical knowledge that comes from researcher-clinicians grounded in their own practice. My students (MSWs) reported that the book helped them to think about and understand the dynamics of trauma work/working with survivors of trauma, and gave them realistic ideas of clinically-sound practices that they can start doing now, in their internships. This book was so useful in structuring the course and helping me to make sure that I covered all the necessary topics.

[Wanda Boyer MC PhD CPT RCC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Briere and Scott (2015) have created a well written contemporary resource for mental health care practitioners. The authors provide a clear and thoughtful definition of trauma and traumatic events that support sensitive, individualized, and person-centered evaluation and therapeutic treatment. This book is a treasure that I know I will continue to refer to in my work. Thank you John Briere and Catherine Scott for this scholarly gift.

[emre]

3.5/5

travma konusunda oldukça geniş kapsamlı bilgi vardı, fakat travma terapisiyle ilgili başlıkların içerikleri -birkaç spesifik teknik haricinde- bilişsel davranışçı terapi yöntemlerinin travmaya uyarlanmasından ibaretti. bir de travma sahasında çalışan herkese yönelik yazılmış, bu da bir dağınıklık yaratmış: terapötik ilişkiden bahsederken hop ilaç kullanımına geçiliyor, akut müdahale başlığında mindfulness anlatılıyor vesaire, daha derli toplu olabilirdi gibi geldi bana.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well organized, thoroughly helpful, and ample amount of information while not filling the pages up with fluff. Overall an extremely helpful book dealing with Trauma and Crisis Counseling. Very glad it was assigned as required reading for my grad class.

[Luciano Clemente Cavalcante da Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice.

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very useful guide for working with people who have lived through some awful situations. Would recommend if work in the field.

[Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the better overviews of trauma treatment for students or newer clinicians. Utilizing this text in an intro to trauma class right now.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Repetitive in some areas but otherwise very informative

[Liz Wine · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a class I am teaching

[Eada Gendelman]

A great resource for people who work with trauma!!

[Adanic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for psychological trauma professionals.

[Maciej · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Bardzo dobra książka. Merytoryczna, dobrze napisana. Jestem naprawdę zaskoczony jak dobrze został opisany temat, ile informacji, bardzo konkretnych, znalazło się w tej książce.

[Jon De · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good explaination and insight into trauma and its effects on individuals. The step by step explanations and instructions are greatly informative. This is a must have book for any clinician who will have any contact with clients in anysetting. I have begun to use and incorperate its priniciples into my own practice.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was required reading in my Trauma & Intervention class and I loved it so much that I kept it. It is easy to understand if you are new to trauma therapy (which I am). I refer to it fairly often and have absolutely put what I learned to good use. I truly believe this book helped make me a better therapist.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a counselling psychologist specialising in trauma work, Briere's book on the Principles of Trauma Therapy is a concise and well-written guide that I've turned to repeatedly, to reinforce my knowledge and skills. It is in-a-nut-shell kind of book without compromising on the essential and comprehensive information valuable to a practitioner.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tempted to have this review hidden for spoilers just so people wonder what there is to spoil. Spoiler alert! Excellent treatment manual, will keep this book I had to get for school (which is the highest praise a school book can get)

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read for school. Getting my Master’s in Mental health Counseling. Not a fun read but it was informational and not too hard to get through!!

[Elias · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book.