Synopsis

"This is a phenomenal compilation of clinical, biological, neuropsychiatric, and psychotherapeutic information on the subject of trauma. The authors move from the very basic subject of 'what trauma is' to the most complicated subjects of etiology and intervention. The usefulness of the book is greatly enhanced by the many case examples. This is a major contribution, both for those who treat and for theoreticians.... a must for every clinician!"
--Marcia Goin, MD, PhD, Psychoanalyst; Past-president, American Psychiatric Association; Professor of Clinical Psychiatry, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA

Principles of Trauma Therapy provides a creative synthesis of cognitive-behavioral, relational/psychodynamic, and psychopharmacologic approaches to the "real world" treatment of acute and chronic posttraumatic states. Grounded in empirically-supported trauma treatment techniques, and adapted to the complexities of actual clinical practice, it is a hands-on resource for both front-line clinicians in public mental health and those in private practice. Trauma-related disturbance can be complex, requiring careful assessment and multimodal, symptom-focused treatment. This book describes assessment approaches and specific interventions not only for the cognitive and emotional processing of trauma memories, but also for the treatment of problems related to affect dysregulation, identity/self-disturbance, cognitive distortions, negative relational schema, and avoidance responses such as substance abuse, dissociation, and tension-reduction behavior. A special chapter on trauma psychopharmacology, accessible to both prescribing and nonprescribing clinicians, outlines the indications and limitations of psychoactive medication in the treatment of trauma survivors.

Written by trauma researcher and clinician John Briere, Ph.D., and medical director of the USC Psychological Trauma Clinic, Catherine Scott, M.D., this book articulates a nonpathologizing, phenomenological perspective on trauma and recovery - one that emphasizes both specific therapeutic techniques and the general, but critical, role of the therapeutic relationship.

Intended Audience: This is an essential resource for practicing clinicians interested in the area of trauma. It also serves as an ideal supplemental text for graduate students studying psychotherapy, clinical psychology, and traumatic stress in the fields of Psychology, Psychiatry, and Social Work.

Biography

John Briere, Ph.D. is Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, and Director of the Psychological Trauma Program at LAC-USC Medical Center. A past president of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS), he is recipient of the Robert S. Laufer Memorial Award for Scientific Achievement from ISTSS and the Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Science of Trauma Psychology from the American Psychological Association (Division 56). He has been designated as "Highly Cited Researcher" by the Institute for Scientific Information, and is author or co-author of over 100 articles and chapters, 11 books, two treatment manuals, and nine psychological tests in the areas of trauma, child abuse, and interpersonal violence.

Catherine Scott, M.D., is Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at the Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, and attending psychiatrist at the Psychiatric Emergency Service of LAC+USC Medical Center. She teaches and supervises resident physicians and medical students in the assessment and treatment (including psychopharmacology) of trauma-related issues and disorders. Her clinical and research interests include human rights, women’s issues, forensics, and the remediation of sexual violence and its effects.