Restoring Mentalizing in Attachment Relationships: Treating Trauma With Plain Old Therapy

by Jon G. Allen, Peter Fonagy (Foreword)

The essence of "plain old therapy," according to the author, is a mindful relationship between the patient and a trusted clinician who recognizes and understands the patient's trauma, and connects with the nature and magnitude of his or her suffering. In "Restoring Mentalizing in Attachment Treating Trauma With Plain Old Therapy", Allen, a clinical psychologist with widely respected expertise in trauma, makes a research-based case for the virtues of the healing relationship created and nurtured through traditional psychotherapy. Though in recent years, therapy has become just one of many treatment options for posttraumatic stress disorder and other trauma-related illnesses, the author argues that it remains the best. The book provides a conceptual framework for treating trauma patients and illuminates relationship factors that are empirically associated with positive outcomes. Patients who have suffered broken and dysfunctional attachments will benefit from its emphasis on trust, compassion, and true connection. Mental health clinicians of diverse theoretical orientations - be they psychiatrists, psychologists, or social workers, in training or practice - will benefit from its emphasis on what works.

Genres: Social Work

325 pages, Paperback

First published July 30, 2012

About the author

Jon G. Allen, Ph.D., holds the position of Clinical Professor as a member of the Voluntary Faculty in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Baylor College of Medicine. He is a member of the honorary faculty at the Houston Center for Psychoanalytic Studies and the adjunct faculty of the Institute for Spirituality and Health at the Texas Medical Center. He retired from clinical practice as a senior staff psychologist after 40 years at The Menninger Clinic, where he taught and supervised fellows and residents; conducted psychotherapy, diagnostic consultations, and psychoeducational programs; and led research on clinical outcomes. He continues to teach, write, and consult.

Reviews

[Lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing, insightful & compassionate approach to working with trauma. This book will remain my guide & reference as I continue to work with others. It has been empowering & caused me to even more highly value the therapeutic relationship & the healing that it bring forth. A must read for all counsellors & therapists. Highly recommended.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

“...’hoping is based on a belief that there is some benevolent disposition toward oneself somewhere in the universe, conveyed by a caring person.’ I love the way Pruyser placed an attachment perspective — a benevolent disposition exemplifies by a caring person — within such an open-ended frame: somewhere in the universe. This existential view of hope encompasses human relationships, spirituality, and religion...”

[Kathy Fogarty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent from start to finish, by a therapist who writes lucidly, expertly and with humility.