Principles and Techniques of Trauma-centered Psychotherapy

by David R. Johnson, Hadar Lubin

Therapists interested in conducting rigorous and effective trauma-centered conversations with their patients will find Principles and Techniques of Trauma-Centered Psychotherapy of enormous instructional and clinical value. Never before has a text examined the process of trauma inquiry in the detail presented here specifically, in dozens of extremely thorough case examples that demonstrate successful and unsuccessful therapeutic interventions. Exercising great care and skill, the authors describe the step-by-step mechanics of conducting an effective trauma-centered psychotherapy based on imaginal exposure from an in-depth narrative of the client s traumatic experiences. Clinicians in practice and in training will benefit from the authors focus on increasing competence in this important aspect of treatment. From establishing the trauma treatment framework to navigating the inevitable disruptions to dealing with the negative effects on the therapist of hearing detailed accounts of traumatic events, Principles and Techniques of Trauma-Centered Psychotherapy is both pragmatic and empathic, providing effective strategies in the context of true life treatment.

Genres: Psychiatry

357 pages, Paperback

Published June 20, 2015

Reviews

[Jazzy Segfault · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a clinical manual that provides a step-by-step guide for conducting an in-depth trauma inquiry within long-term psychotherapy. The authors distinguish "trauma-centered" work from broader "trauma-informed" care by prioritizing direct engagement with the minute, often avoided details of a client's traumatic narrative.

Through clinical axioms and transcripts, the book teaches therapists to manage avoidant maneuvers, such as "jumps" and "bridges,"and to navigate the "gap" in the therapeutic relationship where trauma schemas inevitably resurface.

By utilizing imaginal exposure and cognitive decoding, the model helps clients differentiate past terror from present reality, eventually facilitating the natural process of mourning and reparation.
It remains an essential, practical resource for clinicians across all theoretical orientations who are committed to addressing the core of human suffering.