Practical Help Understanding Traumatic Stress and Managing The After-Effects of Trauma
Traumatic life experiences can lead to a persistent change. Those affected may become numb and shut off from those around them, and grief, guilt or shame may constantly weigh them down. Memories of horrifying scenes may intrude unexpectedly during waking hours. Sleep may be disturbed by vivid, unpleasant dreams. Sudden mood swings, emotional overwhelm, impaired concentration, dissociation or feelings of constant alert can make living difficult.
Traumatic stress responses, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), are caused by our mind and body’s attempt to cope with experiences of extreme danger. They can affect and overwhelm anyone and are not a sign of personal weakness.
Written by an expert trauma therapist, this accessible 2018 BMA Book Award Highly Commended self-help manual, takes those affected by specific traumatic events on a journey of recovery & healing, based on the latest psychological research and advances in trauma therapy.
Contents
- Clear explanations of the symptoms of trauma
- Guidance on seeking specialist psychology help
- Step-by-step recovery programme
- Practical advice, tested exercises and useful summary check-points
- Effective, integrative trauma-healing techniques for body, mind and soul
BMA Medical Book Awards
Overcoming Traumatic Stress – 2nd Edition, was Highly Commended in the Popular Medicine Category of the 2018 BMA Medical Book Awards, receiving positive feedback from the peer reviewers:
“The tone and style is important here – the author has balanced a compassionate style that avoids being condescending, she emphasises the safety of the reader and gives clear practical advice. I was pleased to see that professional help was emphasised as an important option and that the book advised caution at points, this book does not suggest that it is a panacea or suitable for everyone who has experienced trauma. It is a long book and this might feel overwhelming for people but actually it doesn’t read like one because it is broken up into such clear sections.”
Reader Reviews
Reviews from the Overcoming Traumatic Stress Amazon page:
“This second edition of Overcoming Traumatic Stress is extremely well-written and a valuable recommendation to give to patients who have suffered trauma. It offers an excellent companion to working with people across the range from single traumatic events to Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder as Dr Herbert manages to cover a broad range of symptoms and experience in this one volume.
There are clear step-by-step descriptions of practical exercises for people to use, either purely as self-help, or as part of therapy. The exercises are mainly derived from cognitive behavioural therapy, but a particular strength of the book is that they are not limited to CBT and they introduce people to techniques from EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing), mindfulness and beyond.
Sensitively and compassionately written, I strongly recommend this book.”
“This book is an invaluable resource for those who suffer with traumatic stress, as well as those who support them. Its scope is broader than CBT, incorporating somatic-focussed approaches to the management of trauma activation symptoms. It provides clear explanations of how trauma can affect thinking, emotions, bodily symptoms and behaviour, and facilitates a compassionate and non-shaming approach to those trapped in the ‘trauma vortex’. The rich detail in each chapter is usefully summarised to consolidate learning. Unlike many self-help guides to trauma, it also provides vital information and guidance to those indirectly affected by trauma, including loved ones and professionals working in the field. Considering the additional factor of its reasonable price, I would recommend this book without hesitation.”
Additional Info
- Paperback: 530 pages
- Published: By Robinson in Great Britain, 2017
- Language: English
About The Author
Dr Claudia Herbert is a chartered Consultant Clinical Psychologist, CBT Psychotherapist, EMDR Consultant, Schema Therapist, Psychological Practice Supervisor and Director of the Oxford Development Centre Ltd.