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

by Claudia Herbert

Practical help for managing the after-effects of trauma

Traumatic life experiences can lead to persistent change. Those affected may become numb and shut off from those around them and grief, guilt or shame may constantly weigh them down. Memories of horrifying scenes may intrude unexpectedly during waking hours. Sleep may be disturbed by vivid, unpleasant dreams. Sudden mood swings, emotional overwhelm, impaired concentration, dissociation or feelings of constant alert make living difficult.

Traumatic stress responses, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (or PTSD), are caused by our mind and body's attempts to cope with experiences of extreme danger. They can affect and overwhelm anyone and are not a sign of personal weakness.

Written by an expert trauma therapist, this accessible self-help manual takes those affected by specific traumatic events on a journey of recovery and healing, based on the latest psychological research and advances in trauma therapy.

This fully revised and updated edition includes:
Clear explanations of the symptoms of trauma and how to recognize them
Guidance on seeking specialist psychological help
A step-by-step recovery programme, based on a positive growth approach
Practical advice, tested exercises and useful summary check points
Effective, integrative trauma healing techniques for body, mind and soul

Overcoming self-help guides use clinically proven techniques to treat long-standing and disabling conditions, both psychological and physical. Many guides in the Overcoming series are recommended under the Reading Well Books on Prescription scheme.

Series Editor: Professor Peter Cooper

Genres: Psychology, Self Help, Nonfiction, Education

544 pages, Paperback

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.