Trauma Essentials ─ The Go-To Guide

"Trauma Essentials is a clearly-written and accessible book for anyone suffering from trauma-related disorders, and for their therapists. Babette Rothschild covers psychological effects of traumatizing experiences (especially PTSD), introduces several approaches and adjuncts to treatment, and helps individuals determine how to tell if a treatment works for them. She wisely emphasizes the individuality of successful treatment."

Since 1980, when PTSD first appeared as a diagnostic category, the number of people seeking therapy for the often-debilitating symptoms of trauma has grown exponentially. Here, Babette Rothschild---a leading trauma specialist and bestselling psychotherapy author---presents the most relevant and current topics inherent in dealing with PTSD including overviews of the wide range of treatment options. Clients and clinicians will gain a deeper understanding of the issues they are facing, including tools to better identify, choose and assess their individualized treatment plans.

In her characteristically accessible style, Rothschild writes with the aim of improving the quality of day-to-day life for traumatized individuals, encouraging a safe and supportive therapy environment with healthy communication between therapist and client, no matter which treatment approach (or combination of approaches) therapist and client choose to follow. She emphasizes the need to address trauma slowly, identifying and building on the client's existing resources, and advocates an adaptive approach, whereby therapists mold therapeutic protocols to clients rather than vice versa. Reviewing both the psychology and physiology of trauma and PTSD, she notes the wide range of symptoms associated with trauma and offers treatment evaluation strategies, as well as useful adjuncts to therapy: mindfulness practice, meditation, and pharmaceuticals. The final chapters offer Rothschild's perspective on the prevention of trauma, importance of first aid training, and the importance of self-care for both therapists and clients.

In this book, clinicians and consumers have a concise go-to desk reference for their questions about trauma theory and treatment options.

Babette Rothschild, MSW, LCSW, has been a practicing psychotherapist since 1976. Author of four other books, including 8 Keys to Safe Trauma Recovery and the bestselling The Body Remembers, she is a member of the international Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, and gives lectures and professional trainings around the world.