Treatment of Complex Trauma A Sequenced, Relationship-Based Approach

Authored by two experienced clinicians, this insightful guide provides a pragmatic roadmap for treating adult survivors of complex psychological trauma. Christine Courtois and Julian Ford present their effective, research-based approach for helping clients move through three clearly defined phases of posttraumatic recovery. Two detailed case examples run throughout the book, illustrating how to plan and implement strengths-based interventions that use a secure therapeutic alliance as a catalyst for change. Essential topics include managing crises, treating severe affect dysregulation and dissociation, and dealing with the emotional impact of this type of work. The companion Web page offers downloadable reflection questions for clinicians and extensive listings of professional and self-help resources. See also Drs. Courtois and Ford's edited volume, Treating Complex Traumatic Stress Disorders,which presents research on the nature of complex trauma and reviews a range of evidence-based treatment models for adults.

Christine A. Courtois, PhD, ABPP, is a psychologist in private practice in Washington, DC. She is cofounder and past Clinical and Training Director of The CENTER: Posttraumatic Disorders Program, also in Washington, and a past president of Division 56 (Psychological Trauma) of the American Psychological Association (APA). Dr. Courtois is a recipient of the Outstanding Contributions to Professional Practice Award from APA Division 56, the Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD), and the Sarah Haley Award for Clinical Excellence from the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS), among other honors. She has published numerous books, book chapters, and articles on trauma-related topics. Julian D. Ford, PhD, a clinical psychologist, is Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, where he is also Director of the Child Trauma Clinic and of the Center for Trauma Response, Recovery, and Preparedness. He is Associate Editor of the Journal of Trauma and Dissociation and serves on the board of directors of ISTSS. With Dr. Courtois, Dr. Ford is a recipient of the ISSTD's Print Media Award for their coedited volume Treating Complex Traumatic Stress Disorders; he has also published several other books on trauma-related topics. Dr. Ford developed and conducts research on the Trauma Affect Regulation: Guide for Education and Therapy (TARGET) psychosocial intervention for adolescents, adults, and families.

Foreword, John Briere I. Overview of Complex Traumatic Stressors and Sequelae 1. Understanding Complex Trauma and Traumatic Stress Reactions 2. Complex Traumatic Stress Reactions and Disorders II. Treatment of Complex Traumatic Stress Reactions and Disorders 3. Preparing for Treatment of Complex Trauma 4. Treatment Goals and Assessment 5. Phase 1: Safety, Stabilization, and Engagement--Measured in Skills, Not Time 6. Phases 2 and 3: Trauma Memory, Emotion Processing, and Application to the Present and Future 7. Systemic Therapy across Phases: Group, Couple, and Family Modalities III. Advanced Treatment Considerations and Relational Issues 8. Into the Breach: Voids, Absences, and the Posttraumatic/Dissociative Relational Field 9. Walking the Walk: The Therapeutic Relationship 10. Transference and Countertransference in Complex Trauma Treatment Postscript