Customer Reviews

Beyond Trauma: Conversations on Traumatic Incident Reduction

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"Beyond Trauma" is a compilation of short essays about Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR) as delivered by various professionals. It begins with an examination of trauma, the trauma incident network, and unblocking. This is followed by an excellent essay on the psychological foundations of TIR. Included in this chapter is an examination of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and why cognitive restructuring is required for successful treatment of PTSD.

After this foundational chapter the essays start examining particular types of trauma, how they function, how they are similar, how they are different, and how to work with them. First is an examination of the traumas of war, both as a civilian caught up in it and as a soldier. Then come essays on grief and loss, crime and punishment, terrorism, accident victims, accidental death, and various other type of emotional trauma.

The final portion of the book examines working with TIR and children, integrating TIR and Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy, using TIR in a psychotherapy practice, and integrating TIR with other disciplines.

If you are working with trauma or just want to understand TIR this is a good beginning book. It clearly delineates the basics of TIR as a desensitization procedure and its effectiveness as a true resolution to trauma related problems. "Beyond Trauma" is a recommended book for the professional or for the lay reader who wants to know about this technique before possibly seeking out a practitioner.

"TIR allows practitioners to address trauma more deeply while simultaneously resolving trauma quickly." ~Victor R. Volkman

TIR (Trauma Incident Reduction) can be used on the frontlines of disasters. It can help people cope with what has just occurred and it can permanently eliminate PTSD (Post-traumatic Stress Disorder) symptoms.

This one-on-one, non-hypnotic, person-centered, structured therapy helps patients to run experience through their minds until insights appear. This time of reflection seems to encourage people to not only face what has happened, but to understand the impact and then to begin the journey out of trauma and into healing.

As a survivor of PSTD, I can truly say this book is rather enlightening. I experienced many of the symptoms discussed in this book after a few very troubling years of major breakups, car accidents and dramatic life changes including surviving a hurricane in the Caribbean on my honeymoon. A hurricane is truly one of the most frightening experiences you can endure. My own experience happened 10 years ago during the same time of year as Hurricane Katrina.

The process I went through to stabilize my own psyche involved many of the techniques discussed in this book, however my recovery was based on friends and family listening. In fact, the main concept in TIR seems to be "listening."

When a patient begins to experience PTSD they may not even realize what is happening. I didn't even know about PTSD or what a panic attack was until I read about the symptoms. People who experience devastation not only have to rebuild their lives, they have to deal with anger, anxiety, panic attacks, flashbacks, claustrophobia, insomnia, nightmares, rage, depression, fatigue, obsessive thoughts, guilt and a number of issues relating to PTSD.

The techniques described in this book will help individuals dealing with adjustment disorders, acute stress, phobias, sexual abuse, domestic violence, mourning and depression. The topics also include crime, grief, loss, abuse, accident victims, loss of a child, loss of a partner and surviving the experiences in a war. There is an excellent example of a woman who goes from experiencing a great loss to recounting the memory and then comes to terms with her grief. Psychotherapists also tell about their experiences and how TIR helped their patients:

When he finished, looked at me and was
crying, he said, "You Know, you are the only person
who has ever listened to me.
I feel better already. ~Alex Frater, Psychotherapist

The next logical step after reading this book seems to be attending a workshop or ordering the TIR and Metapsychology Lecture Series. There is a list of TIR trainers with Q & A to help you decide on a teacher or find out about a website filled with information on TIR. The interviews with people who have training in TIR makes this entire solution much easier to understand. I would suggest reading the question and answer section in the Appendix B first because it truly introduces you to TIR.

This book does seem to be written to encourage professionals to take a TIR workshop. Recommended to Psychologists, Social Workers, Traumatologists, Compassion Fatigue Specialists and anyone interested in Post-traumatic Stress Syndrome.

In my own life and the life of family members and friend I have seen that talking about incidents is more healing than repressing feelings. It might be painful to talk about your experiences, but that is how many people find a path to healing and sometimes you really can't heal the trauma until you face and understand the circumstances that caused the PTSD. The healing seems to be very rapid after you identify the causes and then implement solutions. TIR seems to take patients to a place where they can begin the healing process much more quickly.

~The Rebecca Review

Compiled and edited by Victor R. Volkman, Beyond Trauma: Conversations On Traumatic Incident Reduction is an anthology of engaging essays by learned authors discussing Traumatic Incident Reduction -- a desensitization procedure developed by Frank A. Gerbode, M.D., Gerald French, and others, as a useful aid to help those suffering from trauma-related conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder and many other DSM-IV diagnoses. Straightforward dialogues concerning the treatment methodology, individuals it has helped, methods for incorporating Traumatic Incident Reduction into psychiatric practice, and more fill the pages of this superbly organized and presented survey. Beyond Trauma is a welcome and much appreciated contribution to professional and academic reference collections and supplemental reading lists.

I am aware of patients suffering from severe PTSD who have become markedly worse when the therapist encouraged regression and/or full recovery of memories as a means of healing. TIR may work for some people. It may push others over the edge. No technique is capable of healing everyone with PTSD and no technique should be used which might increase suicidality or other serious symptoms.

"This is the first time I read about Applied Metapsychology in clinical practice. I am lucky to have come across a concise, eminently-readable, empathic, joy-filled, hands-on text.

Replete with examples, exercises, episodes from the author's life, and tips - this is a must for therapists (the book uses a much more benign term: "facilitators"), clients, and anyone who seeks heightened emotional welfare - or merely to recover from a trauma.

The book avoids the twin traps of professional condescension and incomprehensible argot. The author treats both mental health practitioners and laymen with equal respect and provides them with the tools they need. It is all about enhancing personal growth by finding your place among others - a kind of adult re-socialization for better relationships in the broadest sense of the word.

Contrary to the psychodynamic schools of treatment, Applied Metapsychology, as the author continuously emphasizes, is person-centered. It revolves around the client - it is user-friendly. The therapist is there (if at all) only as a catalyst. The exercises, concepts, and tools made available in this rich volume are geared to be easily applied without external facilitation. Metapsychology strikes me as disintermediation at its best - and this little book is a treasure trove. Sam Vaknin, author of "Malignant Self Love - Narcissism Revisited".

Beyond Trauma is written for those with a history of trauma who are looking for answers and resolution of their past. It is also written as a resource for mental health professionals who are interested in a powerful and proven approach to resolving the effects of past traumas.

The structure of the book is well organized and arranged so that each chapter is self-contained and stands alone. After reading chapter one which introduces the subject of "Trauma and Traumatic Incident Reduction" (TRI) the reader can move to a specific area of application of interest or need. The chapters cover various experiences such as: trauma experienced by veterans, by crime victims, by victims of terrorism, by those going through grief, and those experiencing trauma as the result of the death of a child, etc. Volkman has dedicated an entire chapter to using TIR in dealing with children. I found this to be interesting and insightful.

Mental health practitioners in addition to gaining insights on the above applications of TRI will also find the chapters on Traumatology, Research Projects, and Integrating Therapies helpful.

The final chapter on Metapsychology will enhance the reader's understanding of why TIR works as it does. This final chapter is made up of articles by Frank A. Gerbode, M.D., former Director of the Institute for Research in Metapsychology. Gerbode has been a leader in establishing Applied Metapsychology.

Informational material and case studies have been provided by experienced practicing Metapsycholoy facilitators from around the world from various points of view who have found TRI effective in their practice. The book shares the stories of people from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Their stories will not only be of interest for the insight they provide the reader but become excellent examples for clinical study. Recorded interviews by Victor Volkman and the testimonies of the victims themselves attest to the success of the TRI approach of treatment.

This second edition of Beyond Trauma is especially timely and important in light of battle scared servicemen returning from the Gulf War. Editor Victor Volkman has added two new chapters and a dozen new articles to this edition. The two new chapters are, "TIR Research Projects," and "TIR in the Workplace." The new articles and papers update existing chapters and shed new light on this revolutionary technique for helping traumatized clients.

Well documented research, tables, appendices, end notes, references and a comprehensive index add to the value of this book as a resource tool for future reference.

I personally found the material relating to veterans helpful. I have a new understanding of the difficulty of those who served in Viet Nam. TIR gives hope for a quicker transition for some of those now serving in the Middle East. Another area of personal interest was the study on "Trauma Resolution in an At-Risk Youth Program." This kind of research is a proactive measure in crime prevention and offers hope for the growing number of at-risk youth in American society today.

These "Conversations on Traumatic Incident Reduction" provide a remarkable resource for trauma victims and professional facilitators alike.

Beyond Trauma is a fascinating collection of essays, interviews, case studies, personal experiences, research, and resources for therapists and individuals seeking information about traumatic incident reduction (TIR), a person-centered therapy primarily used for patients with posttraumatic stress disorder. The authors of the various articles include the founders of TIR, therapists who use the treatment in their practices-with veterans, children, bereaved parents, and other groups-and patients who have been successfully treated with TIR. The majority of the book is devoted to the theory and experience of TIR therapy; readers hoping to find a "cookbook"-style how-to guide for TIR will be disappointed. However, the appendixes provide excellent FAQs, references, and resources for learning more about TIR in practice. Beyond Trauma is an excellent starting point for patients and therapists alike to discover TIR and begin applying its theories.

This collection of stories about Traumatic Incident Reduction is valuable not only to professionals, but may help those suffering from past traumas better understand the healing process. As a School Psychologist, I was particularly interested in the chapter on children which not only followed personal recovery stories, but suggested coping skills for traumatized children so they can move into society and become productive stable adults.
Carolyn Harris, MS

Review by Dr Bob Rich http://anxietyanddepression-help.com

`Traumatic Incident Reduction' is a technique developed by Dr Frank Gerbode in the 1980s. Volkman's book is intended to publicize the technique to sufferers and professional helpers alike, through `conversations' with qualified exponents of the technique, and with people who have been helped by it.

As he points out in the Introduction, the general perception is that trauma produces scarring for life, and sufferers can achieve no more than to learn to live with the results. As I know from my own work, this is simply untrue, and if Beyond Trauma does nothing beyond attacking this myth, then it will have been worthwhile.

The opening chapter is by Frank Gerbode, in which he writes, "Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR) operates on the principle that a permanent resolution of a case requires... recovery of repressed memories, rather than mere catharsis or coping." This is because "...you can't stop doing something you don't know you are doing."

The second author in the collection, psychologist Dr Robert Moore, refers to TIR as "a regressive desensitization procedure for reducing or eliminating the negative residual impact of traumatic experience." This will immediately orient most people with psychological knowledge. `Desensitization' is getting rid of a fear by safe exposure. A `regressive' technique is one that goes back in time. And there you are.

Just having read this opening chapter told me that TIR works, because it is based on sound, scientifically validated principles. I use hypnotic regression combined with cognitive-behavioral therapy with trauma survivors. The style and activities may be different. The processes invoked are very similar.

Also, I am pleased that the cart is not put before the horse. All the research on the outcome of psychotherapy shows that the major part of what we do depends on forming a strong, positive, trusting relationship with the client, and an ability to mobilize the client's strengths and resources. Specific techniques are less important. TIR emphasizes being `client centered', and insists on the attitude that the client makes the choices. This is necessary for any successful therapeutic encounter.

After the Introduction comes an illuminating, and very moving chapter on the Vietnam experience. Anyone with no understanding of war MUST read this. Especially, since some of the horror is what presumably well-meaning professionals did to them in the name of therapy.

I was moved to tears by a wonderful tape transcript, recorded by Colonel Chris Christensen about several of his cases. I wish I'd met him...

Experimental studies supporting the efficacy of the approach are cited. TIR is shown to work at least as well as other ways of approaching trauma victims. Then there are a series of case presentations, by professionals working in a wide variety of settings.

Here is a quote from a client: `Now with the therapy and everything I worked through, it was gradual. I couldn't see beyond this wall. Then it got further where there was a wall in front of me. Then I got to the point where I could see over the wall, but I couldn't get there. Then I finally got over that and I'm trying to get on with my life. Basically I think if I wouldn't have had TIR, I wouldn't even be here. I'm serious... I knew what I was going to do -- nothing. I would get up every day and I would just wait until 11 PM [to go to bed] because I couldn't wait for my life to be over.'

Some of the `conversations' involve exponents of different approaches, some of whom also use TIR. This gives the book a depth and breadth I found very informative.

There are things that could be done to improve the book. One is to combine all the references as the end-at the moment, each author has a separate list, which can be hard to access later. "Now, which chapter was that book in?" Another minor point is the presence of repetition of content, perhaps inevitable in a collection from multiple authors. But, having read the book, I feel that I have already become better at working with distressed clients.

If you are interested in an overview of Traumatic Incident Reduction model of treating traumatic experiences, read Beyond Trauma. The book offers a compilation of comments, experiences, and explanations of Tramatic Incident Reduction (TIR) and addresses the use of TIR in various types of trauma, including that of soldiers, people feeling grief and loss, victims of crimes, the incarcerated, survivors of terrorism, accident victims, and children. Treatment of phobias and anxiety is also covered. The components of TIR, including cognitive restructuring, and desensitization, are discussed.

The technique is person-centered, highly structured, and brief. The therapist does not offer any interpretations, only instructions to view a traumatic incident from beginning through the end. The book gives transcripts of the same story as it is retold, allowing the reader to see how the story changes as the person retells it.

The TIR model adheres to the idea that permanent resolution of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is possible, but depends on the recovery of repressed memories (Anamnesis). It is viewed as a simple technique and is taught to lay people as well as psychiatrists, social workers, pastors, nurses and other mental health professionals.

TIR is described from different perspectives, including that of practitioners and those whose suffering has been alleviated by it. Transcripts of sessions are included as are the rules of practice. In addition, TIR is compared to other treatment techniques. Many success stories are included. Patients are cured and clinicians report that the effectiveness of TIR is beyond their expectations. This book addresses the myth that people who suffer from trauma cannot recover and must remain scarred and helpless for life.

People with a history of trauma and mental health professionals are the target audience. The purpose is to educate them about the effectiveness of the technique. Some concepts are complicated, however, and the explanation of trauma is not easy to comprehend. The lay reader probably will benefit most from the stories of victims and how the therapy led to recovery.

A proponent of TIR edited this book and practitioners who advocate TIR wrote the articles. Some research studies are reported, but case studies are the main focus.