Who You Were Before Trauma: The Healing Power of Imagination for Trauma Survivors

by Luise Reddemann

Introducing a proven, pioneering program that empowers trauma survivors to take control of their recovery through imaginative exercises

Over the last thirty-five years, our understanding of trauma has dramatically changed. We now know that most people live through at least one traumatic event—which can cause disorders that range from depression, addiction, and anxiety, to cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Dr. Reddemann has devoted her career to this question: How can survivors of complex trauma and PTSD heal—and even help themselves to heal?

In Who You Were Before Trauma, she presents her groundbreaking method, along with positive therapeutic strategies, to therapists and patients alike. Psychodynamic Imaginative Trauma Therapy (PITT) incorporates imagination work at every stage of the three-phase trauma therapy model:
* Establish safety and stabilization
* Come to terms with traumatic memories
* Integrate and reconnect with others.

By guiding patients to unearth their buried strengths, envision an inner refuge, evoke helpful guiding figures, and ultimately build an “internal counterweight” to their trauma, Reddemann’s approach avoids the counterproductive dynamic where the therapist becomes the patient’s only source of comfort. This definitive trauma resource shows the way to empower survivors—by making them true partners in their recovery.

Genres: Psychology, Self Help, Nonfiction, Mental Health

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2001

Reviews

[Jacquie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read for survivors and therapists alike. After reading I am reminded that our imagination is a powerful tool for finding solace, healing, and meaning as humans.

[Kuna · Rating 1 out of 5]

The first part of the title is incredibly misleading - I borrowed this book because I thought it would offer tips on how to regain your past, non-traumatized self. Meanwhile, this book is just an oddly translated list of ~imagination~ exercises that are supposed to help you work through trauma. Like, they literally think you can just …imagine your trauma away… Wtf

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I reviewed this book under the title: "Who You Were Before Trauma"*

This book (translated from German I believe) had some helpful content regarding how to work with people who have been affected by serious trauma. Although this book was geared more towards therapists and clinicians, I did find that there were elements that could be beneficial for patients to read as well. The book does a great job including specific exercises that can be implemented during the course of therapy. It did remind me a lot of the IFS (Internal Family Systems) therapy that focuses on working with internal parts - Reddemann's suggestions fall in line with working to strengthen and build up these parts in order to more effectively process traumatic events. There were some elements that felt a little hard to get behind, mainly Reddemann's inclusion of 'actual' dialogue between patient and therapist. This back and forth felt so unrealistic and truly unlike how people speak in real conversations that it made it feel like these exact techniques might not be easily replicated in real-life sessions. I think the book would have benefited from explanations of these therapy methods without including examples of specific dialogue. Overall, there weren't any earth-shattering recommendations that would result in breakthroughs with PTSD patients, but there might be some nuggets of information that individuals can take with them and try with the support of a trauma-trained therapist.

*Free ARC provided by Netgalley and The Experiment in exchange for an honest review*

[Cozy Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. I had trouble with the PDF conversion as it was not available on Kindle. I was able to access most of the book.
This is a book translated from German by German psychotherapist Luise Reddemann I found this helpful although it is actually a tool for mental health professionals. It can be utilized for anyone recovering from trauma. The three phase technique by the author has proven helpful with PTSD patients that suffer from trauma memories. .As a layperson I recognize that these techniques while for professionals are being utilized to help patients cope and move on with their lives. A very highly recommended treatment book for anyone that suffers from trauma memories and for every mental health professional.

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meine Therapeutin hatte mir das Hörbuch empfohlen um die Zeit zu überbrücken bis ich einen Traumatherapieplatz bekomme. Die Übungen sind sehr hilfreich und wie der Titel sagt, ressourcenorientiert, anstatt einem mit dem Trauma zu konfrontieren.
Ich werde wahrscheinlich einige Übungen relativ regelmäßig machen & ich bin sehr froh dass ich das Hörbuch auf meinem iPod habe & deshalb überallhin mitnehmen kann.
Das Einzige was mich stört ist die Stimme der Vorleserin, aber dafür kann das Buch ja nichts.
Und ich würde es definitiv auch als Hörbuch weiterempfehlen, ich glaube das Buch selber wird nicht den gleichen Effekt haben, weil dich das Hörbuch wirklich bei den Übungen begleitet in einer Weise wie es das Buch nicht schaffen kann.

[Jessy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 Sterne

[Christine Scott · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good for therapists, but as a non-therapist it was a hard listen.

[Tobi ﾄﾋﾞ · Rating 4 out of 5]

a very good book with lots of approaches, taking lots of types of people and traumas into account, more geared towards professionals than victims though. but still good