It's Not You, It's What Happened to You: Complex Trauma and Treatment

by Christine A. Courtois

With It's Not You, It's What Happened to Complex Trauma and Treatment, Dr. Christine Courtois has simplified her extensive and, until now, quite scholarly work geared toward understanding and developing the concept of "complex trauma," and the assessment and treatment thereof. A universally acknowledged leader in this emerging psychotherapeutic field, Dr. Courtois provides here an abbreviated and easy-to-read explanation of what complex trauma is, how it develops, the ways in which it manifests, and how it can effectively be dealt with. The book opens with an explanation of trauma in general-providing historical perspective, examining the various types of traumatic experience, and looking in-depth at the chronic, repetitive, and layered forms of trauma that often build upon and reinforce one another to create complex trauma. Next Dr. Courtois discusses trauma-driven emotional turmoil, and trauma's effects on memory, self-image, relationships, and even physical well-being. She then provides readers with a basic understanding of the ways in which complex trauma is diagnosed and assessed, with an explanation of all common trauma-related diagnoses-including stress disorders (such as PTSD), dissociative reactions and disorders, and frequently co-occurring issues (addictions, self-injury, sleep disorders, etc.) In the book's final section, Dr. Courtois presents rudimentary information about the ways in which complex trauma and related issues can effectively be treated, including brief explanations of all therapeutic approaches and methods that might be used. Importantly, she discusses in detail the sequenced, three-stage treatment model she and others have developed for work with addicted survivors of complex trauma, recognizing that complex trauma and addictions are often interrelated in powerful ways, and unless both issues are addressed simultaneously, the client may not heal from either. Though It's Not You, It's What Happened to You is written for people new to the concept of complex trauma and how it may be affecting them or a loved one, clinicians will also find the work useful, relying on it as a way to bolster their own knowledge and, perhaps more importantly, as a tool for informing their traumatized clients about the degree and nature of the therapeutic work to come.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Self Help, Professional Development, Social Work

102 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2014

Reviews

[Tom Britz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was like a primer for Complex PTSD. There is a lot of information and links for further research. Not so much a self-help book as it is pointing the reader in the direction to find the help. The author is big on twelve step programs and therapy with a therapist that has training or experience with Complex PTSD.

[Victoria · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was rather simplistic and informal. There's nothing particularly profound or groundbreaking by any means. The book is heavily focused on definitions but lacking in substance or insight (did we really need the definition of things like: romantic relationship, friendship, or family?).

I found it really hard to pay attention to because it was so repetitive, often using the same examples over and over, as well as restating the definition of a term each time it was brought up. There wasn't variation in the case studies, and in every single one of them, the person had an alcoholic parent or parents.There was absolutely no nuance.

I think it could have been better edited, I would guess that over a quarter of the information in this book was delivered in brackets when it didn't need to be. The author also commonly began sentences with the word Basically. It's apparent that she's well educated, but I would not be surprised if this was her first experience in writing.

It's only about 95 pages, and even so, it could have been way shorter.
It might be enlightening for somebody starting with zero knowledge of psychology, but I found it to be really boring and unhelpful.

[Travel Writing · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid overview of PTSD and cPTSD. The author is a therapist at Promises Treatment center, which explains the heavy leaning towards explaining both PTSD and cPTSD to and from the addiction lens and the heavy advertising at the end of the book for these treatment centers.

The resource chapter was extensive and useful, but the last few pages on the e-book was basically advertising for treatment centers: Promises, The Ranch, Malibu Vista, Clarity Way, Promises: Austin, Sundance etc. This did not sit well with me. It felt like a breech of professionalism.

Overall, a good read, but there are better without the 'shamwow' plug for the authors employer at the end.

[Tracey Lynn Pearson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

Very similar to other books on this topic. However it does a better job of pointing out the difference between complex trauma and how trauma is really simple in the lives of people we serve.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very in-depth look at trauma, but ultimately didn't learn much about how to conquer trauma like I thought I would. Good book though, I would recommend it to those first exploring the concept of trauma.

[Adrienne · Rating 3 out of 5]

It seems that most of this book is aimed towards people in recovery from addictive behaviors, but there are some interesting theories worth checking out for people who came from abusive backgrounds.

[Robert Graves · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good overview of complex trauma and its causes, symptoms, and treatments.

[Kylie Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a concise presentation of complex trauma and an introduction into how it forms, effects lives, and can be treated. It's a good starter for people wanting to learn about CPTSD.

[Swamp Ophelia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book on trauma in general, but it doesn't focus on complex trauma like the title would lead you to believe.

[Robert Bogue]

Over 40 years ago, post-traumatic stress disorder was recognized in DSM-III. Still, we’re finding that people who have encountered trauma are stigmatized and treated with suspicion about whether their symptoms are real. It’s Not You, It’s What Happened to You: Complex Trauma and Treatment unravels trauma and its aftereffects in a way designed to reduce stigma and legitimize the impacts of trauma.

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[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an excellent primer about PTSD and CPTSD that manages to convey a very dense amount of information within only about one hundred pages. I would highly recommend this book as a survey/summary regarding the topic for those who want to better understand what trauma is and how it occurs.

The primary con for this is that you need to purchase it, but there also aren't very many things that present this much information this concisely for free.

[Yvonne Boettcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very informative book for me . I am gong through trauma from having 2 major surgeries this year. Finding out the coping skills will really help me through this. I am see someone to talk to and that is really a big help for me. I recommend this book to anyone that has any type of trauma.

[Kay Wyma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, easy to understand, remarkably thorough overview of trauma.

Walking alongside amazing people who have experienced unthinkable things has had me searching to understand the what's, why's and how's that accompany brain health and trauma. I learned so much from Dr. Courtoise (a pioneer on this pervasive issue -that impacts SO many people).

Grateful.

[Anthony]

This book was not for me, as I do not suffer from PTSD. I believe that those who suffer from PTSD, are those to whom this book is meant. The main topic is PTSD, although it mentions trauma, in general, on the cover, but I think it needs/needed to be more specific.

[Cari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found this an incredibly informative read.

[Mike Cullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very structured approach to a complex subject

I found the book to be easy to navigate. The manner of the content made each subject transparent, for even a lay person.

[Brittany Buckler]

Good read

Simple straight forward read. Informative and quick to read. Would recommend as a supplement to other books on the subject

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Does a great job of making PTSD and cPTSD more understandable and providing relatable stories and treatment options. Pretty quick read for a therapist recommendation.

[Kaiden Aibhne · Rating 2 out of 5]

meh