In this remarkable book, the authors' extensive clinical experience with traumatized clients, as well as their profound awareness of the limitations of existing paradigms, have directed them to construct a new, comprehensive heuristic theory that can be applied effectively across different victim populations. The Constructivist Self Development Theory crucially pivots on the interaction between the survivor's own objective responses and the objective situation that provokes them - with particular emphasis paid to the context of the former. A superb tool for traumatic stress scholars and clinicians alike, and a fundamental textbook for graduate courses in the field.

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First published in 1991. In this book, the authors present a new conceptualization of the unique experience of trauma survivors. They offer both a new theoretical model which we call constructivist self-development theory (CSDT) and a description of its application to clinical assessment of and intervention with adult trauma survivors.

In your profession, do you help or work with people who have been traumatized? Do you listen to stories of abuse, suffering, or trauma from your clients every day? If so, you know it is important to hear and bear witness to trauma survivors' experiences and not be changed. You know firsthand the personal cost of the work you do and the struggle to make sense of powerful, often painful, feelings and altered beliefs. This transformation of a helper's inner experience is called vicarious traumatization (VT); it is an inescapable effect of trauma work. Transforming the Pain is the first workbook to address VT. It is designed to take care of the helper - to help you asses, address, and transform your own VT. Authors Karen W. Saakvitne and Laurie Anne Pearlman define and describesthe VT process and offer reassurance that you are not alone with these painful experiences. The book includes self-assessment worksheets, and guidelines and specific exercises for addressing VT and improving self-care. It is designed to be used by a wide range of professionals and paraprofessionals, including, but not limited to, therapists, police, medical personnel, crisis workers, and clergy. After working with Transforming the Pain, you will find that you have a new awareness of the ways your work affects your life as well as new skills and tools for improving your emotional well-being.

Trauma and the Therapist explores the role and experience of the therapist in the therapeutic relationship by examining countertransference (the therapist's response to the client) and vicarious traumatization (the therapist's response to the stories of abuse told by client after client). Therapists' awareness of attunement to these processes will inform their therapeutic interventions, enrich their work, and protect themselves and their clients. The authors also offer many strategies for avoiding the countertransference vicarious traumatization cycle. While the topic is specific, the authors' approach is broad, drawing from and synthesizing the diverse literature on countertransference and trauma theory. Utilizing the sophistication of psychoanalytic theory and the specificity of contemporary trauma theory, Pearlman and Saakvitne present their approach clearly and compellingly. This book will help all therapists treating incest survivors feel less isolated and traumatized by their work, and give them a renewed appreciation of its rewards.

This book presents an integrated treatment approach for those struggling to adapt after the sudden, traumatic death of a loved one. The authors weave together evidence-based clinical strategies grounded in cutting-edge knowledge about both trauma and grief. The book offers a clear framework and many practical tools for building survivors' psychological and interpersonal resources, processing their trauma, and facilitating mourning. In a large-size format for easy photocopying, the book includes over 30 reproducible handouts. Purchasers can access a companion website to download and print these materials as well as supplemental handouts and a sample 25-session treatment plan. Winner (Second Place)--American Journal of Nursing Book of the Year Award, Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing Category