Power, Resistance and Liberation in Therapy with Survivors of Trauma: To Have Our Hearts Broken

by Taiwo Afuape

This book offers reflections on how liberation might be experienced by clients as a result of the therapeutic relationship. It explores how power and resistance might be most effectively and ethically understood and utilised in clinical practice with survivors of trauma.
Power, Resistance and Liberation in Therapy with Survivors of Trauma draws together narrative therapy, Coordinated Management of Meaning (CMM) and liberation psychology approaches. It critically reviews each approach and demonstrates what each contributes to the other as well as how to draw them together in a coherent way. The book






Through the exploration of power, resistance and liberation in therapy, this book presents innovative ways of conceptualising these issues. As such it will be of interest to anyone in the mental health fields of therapy, counselling, social work or critical psychology, regardless of their preferred model. It will also appeal to those interested in a socio-political contextual analysis of complex human experience.

Genres: Psychology, Social Work, Nonfiction, Counselling, Social Justice, School

265 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 22, 2011

Reviews

[Sylvia Flora · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was required reading for one of my MSW classes at USC. I didn't disagree with any of the ideas offered in the book, and I think there are some valuable insights about the therapeutic relationship when dealing with clients that are survivors of trauma, but I think there are better books for beginner therapists than throwing liberation psychology at students.

[Harry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered this book last year, and bought it on impulse, believing it would offer some fresh perspective on working with survivors of trauma. I am grateful for discovering it. I found myself opened up to new perspectives. I also found that - in a small but potent manner - reading Taiwo Afuape has shifted something in the manner in which I practice. The book contains some provocative and important truths which I hope continue to be integrated into private and public therapy services - with, as the author stresses, hearts broken open and free of resentment and the need for control.

[Anthi Flor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Power, Resistance, and Liberation in Therapy with Survivors of Trauma: To Have Our Hearts Broken is a deeply impactful and thought-provoking exploration of the challenges involved in working with trauma survivors. The book examines the interplay of power, resistance, and healing within the therapeutic process, providing invaluable insights for practitioners. At times, I found the theory-heavy content overwhelming, but the case examples drawn from Afuape's personal experience as a therapist added practical depth. As someone trained in narrative psychotherapy, I found the narrative questions particularly useful. This is an essential read for anyone in the mental health field who seeks an intersectional, political and social justice-driven approach to their work.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Afuape was required reading for my MSW. I gained valuable insights and broadened my perspective, but the writing style was not highly accessible. I found it dense, philosophical and cerebral more than practical for a new clinician.

[MindfulCenterSF · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our associate therapist Julie Peters recommends this as one of her top five must read therapy books