Treatment of Complex Trauma: A Sequenced, Relationship-Based Approach

by Christine A. Courtois, Julian D. Ford, John Briere (Foreword)

This insightful guide provides a pragmatic roadmap for treating adult survivors of complex psychological trauma. Christine Courtois and Julian Ford present their effective, research-based approach for helping clients move through three clearly defined phases of posttraumatic recovery. Two detailed case examples run throughout the book, illustrating how to plan and implement strengths-based interventions that use a secure therapeutic alliance as a catalyst for change. Essential topics include managing crises, treating severe affect dysregulation and dissociation, and therapist self-care. The companion website offers downloadable reflection questions for clinicians and extensive listings of professional and self-help resources. A new preface in the paperback and e-book editions addresses key scientific advances.

See also Drs. Courtois and Ford's edited volumes, Treating Complex Traumatic Stress Disorders in Adults, Second Edition, and Treating Complex Traumatic Stress Disorders in Children and Adolescents, which present research on the nature of complex trauma and review evidence-based treatment models.

Winner (Second Place)--American Journal of Nursing Book of the Year Award, Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing Category

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Social Work, Counselling, Mental Health, Professional Development, Social Science

378 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2012

Reviews

[Kate Donovan]

One of the best therapy books I've ever read.

[Jeremy]

Very thorough treatment of handling complex trauma.

[Molly]

Very introspective look into the fields of trauma and treatment. A necessary read for anyone hoping to work with trauma victims.

[Ashley]

Very helpful and informative, but dense and slow-going at times.

[Fleeting Bird]

I'd give this 10 stars out of 5. It's that good.

[Peter]

The most eloquent exploration of trauma and trauma treatment I know of. While it’s written for therapists, if you want an in-depth exploration of the art and science of trauma treatment, this is a definitive book.