Cultural Competence in Trauma Therapy: Beyond the Flashback

by Laura S. Brown

Few of the excellent models that have been developed for working with trauma survivors take into account the complexity of an individual's unique background and experience. Even treatment for members of "special groups" often ignores the individual's multilayered identities--which may include age, social class, ethnicity, religious faith, sexual orientation, and immigrant status--in favor of a "one-size-fits all" approach.

Drawing on her extensive clinical experience and the latest research, Laura S. Brown shows therapists how to become more sensitive to individual identity when working with clients who have suffered trauma. The author explains how culturally sensitive therapists draw upon multiple strategies for treating patients and are aware of both dominant group privilege and of their own identity and culture. Of particular interest is a chapter on the role of systems of faith and meaning-making in trauma therapy. The book has a practical focus and contains a variety of case studies illustrating how theoretical constructs can inform assessment and treatment. Given the ubiquity of trauma in its various forms, all therapists, from trainees to seasoned professionals will find this volume educative and thought-provoking.

Genres: Psychology, Counselling

291 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Dr. Laura S. Brown is a clinical and forensic psychologist in Seattle, Washington. Dr. Brown has taught at Argosy University, University of Washington, and Southern Illinois University.

Dr. Brown practices from a feminist perspective. She has received many honors. Dr. Brown has published a number of articles, books, and programs throughout her successful career.

Dr. Brown has served a number of psychological organizations including the Washington State Psychological Association as the President, State Legislative Advocacy Coordinator, Webmaster, Convention Program Chair, and many other high ranking positions within the WSPA.

Dr. Brown is the current director of the Fremont Community Therapy Project and she maintains a private practice in the greater city of Seattle.

Reviews

[Meg · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was okay. If I were new to the fields of cultural competence or of trauma, I think I would have gotten more out of it. The author writes well and is obviously an extremely knowledgeable and experienced therapist; the book was comprehensive and inclusive about different cultural issues and how they interact with trauma. However, since I have studied the relevant fields, I didn't feel like I learned a lot of new material, and sometimes the chapters felt like a laundry list of oppression. Also, the book was too theoretical. There were a lot of case examples given, but they focused primarily on the client's experience and not enough on the choices, strategies, interventions, etc. of the therapist. Some things that would have improved the book for me:
- Questions for self-reflection
- Some detailed session descriptions or transcripts, to give specific examples of how cultural competence might look in a session. (I'm especially interested in how therapists bring up issues of culture, oppression, etc. with clients who aren't addressing them openly.)
- More visual organization of the material - lists, tables, diagrams, subheadings, or something - not just TEXTY TEXT TEXT TEXT.

[Ianto · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to read this one twice (the second time partially out loud) because I liked it so much. Seems about time we had a new edition, but it's still light years ahead of most other books seen on the topic.