Overcoming Traumatic Stress: A Self-Help Guide Using Cognitive Behavioral Techniques

by Claudia Herbert, Ann Wetmore

Terrible events are very hard to deal with. Those who go through a catastrophic life experience often feel permanently changed by the impact of what has happened. They become numb and shut off from those around them, or grief or guilt may constantly weigh them down. Memories of horrifying scenes may intrude unexpectedly during waking hours while sleep may be disturbed by vivid, unpleasant dreams.

Traumatic stress responses, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder are psychological conditions that result from a person's coping mechanisms having been completely overwhelmed by a terrible experience. These 'flashbacks' may be so severe that sufferers may feel that they are losing their sanity and subsequently become ever more isolated in their distress.

To overcome the effects of trauma it is necessary to change those reactions and begin to see events in a different light. This book demonstrates, with practical advice and tested exercises, how to find new, effective ways of coping with, and finally overcoming traumatic stress.

Genres: Psychology, Self Help, Nonfiction, Education

251 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 27, 1999

Reviews

[Kylie Abecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is not easy to get through. It helps you tackle so many obstacles when overcoming trauma and for me, it made me realise that the most recent trauma is not the only one tormenting me.

This book was very helpful and made me realise a lot, not only about dealing with my grief and after effects of my trauma, but about myself I'm general.

I wish I could write so much more, but I am still getting my head around everything. A must read for anyone who has faced any sort of trauma in their life - and even if you think you haven't suffered from a trauma, you will likely still get a lot out of this one.

Not light reading and not one to read before bed.

[Kelly Lou 🐝 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really informative read with plenty of resources and advice. It’s very interactive with lots of activities to help you understand and recognise your trauma and how to cope with it moving forward.
It’s a book I will keep on my shelf for life and will revisit when I feel the need for the support.
All information is really well explained and easy to understand if your committed to you and moving forward after trauma then pick this book up and start moving forward today x

[Simon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been trying to read this for quite literally months, and finally something clicked in my head and I was able to open it and finish reading it.

(Before, was having quite extreme stress response to the mere idea of reading it.)

Which probably signifies a quite important change in my thinking, that I was able to finish and progress through it. Movement.

[Faye Sirs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this a really good comprehensive overview of trauma and the treatment for it. Very easy to read, no jargon and can be used for self help or for therapists in training.

[Koist Spence · Rating 2 out of 5]

**books I need to read for work**

Would be a good book for young folks, wouldn’t recommend this to someone older/someone who has had therapy before.