Post-traumatic Stress

by Stephen Regel, Stephen Joseph

Post-traumatic stress and its associated disorders, including Post-traumatic Stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after exposure to one or more terrifying events. It is a severe and ongoing emotional reaction to an extreme psychological trauma, such as a death or a threat to life, serious
physical injury, or threat to physical and/or psychological integrity.

The book begins with a description of PTSD and other related problems often experienced by survivors, and a short history of developments in the field. Information on assessment, theory, research findings, and treatment procedures are provided. Further chapters reflect new theoretical thinking and
directions in the field of trauma. It discusses the types of support that should be provided at an early stage for people and families affected by a sudden traumatic bereavement (e.g., homicide), and presents this information in a practical and accessible way.
Though mainly intended for sufferers of post-traumatic stress, and their families and friends, it will also be of interest to the general reader. The book will also be an invaluable resource for professionals, particularly those who want to know about the psychological impact and management of
trauma in a variety of contexts, such as general practitioners, clinical psychologists, psychiatric nurses and those in the voluntary sector.

136 pages, Paperback

First published April 22, 2010

Reviews

[Andrew Scott]

This was recommended by one of my coaching supervisors, to inform my work as a supervisor of coaches working with people in potentially traumatising contexts. I have found it very clear and helpful in informing my understanding of Post-Traumatic Stress. For my purposes, it is most important to be able to help my coaches to recognise it, to know what they can do to support their clients, and in particular to acknowledge the boundaries of their competence and the need to refer clients to appropriately trained professionals for specialist support. Regel has really helped my understanding here, as well as giving me useful insight into what that specialist support might look like. My only reservation is that some non-specialists, such as myself, might then take it up on themselves to try to offer such support without the appropriate training and experience, which I think would be potentially harmful to their clients. That is not Regel's responsibility, of course, but I think a precautionary note to that effect might be helpful.

[Andrew Phillips]

Academic, not a self help book, but good for practitioners

It's not too long, clearly written, with a broad range of situations covered and lots of suggestions for further study. A good primer for those who want to specialize in this field.