I Can't Get Over It: A Handbook for Trauma Survivors [Paperback]

Aphrodite T. Matsakis PhD (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 1996

In this ground-breaking book, Dr. Matsakis explains that post-traumatic stress disorder affects not just soldiers, but also suruvivors of many other types of trauma including:

• crime
• vehicular accidents
• rape
• family violence
• sexual abuse
• natural catastrophes

I Can’t Get Over It directly addresses survivors of trauma. It explains the nature of PTSD and describes the healing process. This book will help you:

• Find out whether you have PTSD
• Cope with post-traumatic anger, grief, and survivor guilt
• Recognize related problems such as depression, substance abuse , compulsive behavior and low self-esteem
• Identify “triggers” that set off flashbacks, anxiety attacks, and other symptoms
• Relieve wounding caused by others’ blaming and insensitivity
• Gain a sense of empowerment and hope for the future

Editorial Reviews

Review

“The book provides a wealth of information about specific traumas and suggests techniques for dealing with them as well. While many trauma survivors believe they ‘can’t get over it,’ use of this book, combined with appropriate therapy, will certainly assist them on their healing journeys.”
—Mary Beth Williams, Ph.D., author of Handbook of Post-Traumatic Therapy

“For the trauma survivor and the field professional, Dr. Matsakis has written on the most informative and sensitive books on surviving violent trauma. I Can’t Get Over It covers most useful techniques and self-help suggestions for safe recovery, empowerment, and growth following trauma.”
—Yigal Ben-Haim, Ph.D., Trauma Specialist with the Veterans Assistance Center and Alta Bates Burn Center in Berkeley, California

About the Author

As a specialist in post-traumatic stress disorder, Aphrodite Matsakis, Ph.D., has counseled thousands of clients ranging from combat veterans to victims of crime and abuse and other traumatic events. She conducts a private psychotherapy practice specializing in post-traumatic stress disorder and child abuse.

Product Details

• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: New Harbinger Publications; 2 edition (November 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 157224058X
• ISBN-13: 978-1572240582
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.9 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (34 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #13,485 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #11 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Mental Health > Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
  • #27 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Psychology & Counseling > Mental Illness
  • #46 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Psychology & Counseling > Neuropsychology

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

120 of 124 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Overall Reference both for Professionals and Self-help July 31, 2001

By Rosemary Bannon Tyksinski

Format:Paperback

This is the best self-help book on the topic of trauma recovery. I have used this book with literally hundreds of patients who have experienced severe trauma -- and have yet to find a better single reference. The author guides you (and your therapist, if you have one) step by step through the entire process of recovery. She takes a psychoeducational approach through out. This approach helps to create necessary cognitive frameworks that trauma survivors desperately need in order to begin to make sense of the strange experiences they are often frightened to share with others. The careful building of these frameworks buffer the survivor against overwhelming emotions and feelings of helplessness. The author includes exercises for each phase of recovery, helps you with pacing and timing, and most of all, normalizes the subjective experience of the survivor. One of the most important things she articulates is the phenomenon of "secondary victimization." In brief, secondary victimization results from the well-meaning but damaging responses of your friends and loved ones to your trauma. Often, these ignorant reactions amplify the original trauma and complicate, or completely prohibit, healing. Her description of the biological reaction to traumatic incidents is priceless. Many fail to connect the many possible negative physical reactions to trauma with the traumatic experience itself. Because the physical symptoms sometimes occur weeks or even months after the event, people fail to see them as connected to the trauma. They often see them as isolated entities, adding to the feelings of craziness and being out of control. Just understanding how trauma can affect us biologically (sometimes permanently) lessens the pain and confusion of those reactions and can help the survivor reduce feelings of weakness and self-blame. This enables a person to begin to design effective strategies to address these symptoms. One of the other strengths of this book the inclusion of various kinds of trauma -- from childhood sexual abuse to military terror to auto accidents. This normalization of the survior's reaction across domains of trauma helps to de-emphasize the event and to refocus the indiviudal on moving through the sequale to complete healing. Healing is truly possible. This book is a wonderful tool.

67 of 69 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Sensitive and concise December 19, 2002

By Cathleen M. Walker VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback

I am so impressed with this book! I have read a lot of books on being a survivor over the years, but this one tops them all. Sensitive and concise, with no agenda but the compassionate healing of the survivor, Aphrodite Matsakis is an impressive and knowledgeable author who will take you wherever you need to go gently, but clearly and firmly. Questions addressed include a clear definition of PTSD, its biochemistry, traumatic events, three levels of victimization, triggers, the healing process, and specific traumas: crimes committed by strangers, rape and sexual assault, domestic violence and sexual abuse, suicide of a loved one, natural catastrophes (like earthquakes, tornadoes, floods, fires), vehicular accidents, and war and combat.

Add to that the extensive list of resources in the appendices, and I can't think of a better place for a survivor to begin, continue or complete a journey through the recovery process.

46 of 47 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Becoming required reading for my trauma patients December 10, 1998

By [e-mail]

Format:Paperback

I stumbled across this book in a professional journal, obtained and read a copy, and now I've referred at least 15 patients to read this book as part of our ongoing psychotherapy. The breadth of the book is excellent as it appeals to many different aspects of trauma; this is a nice departure from similar books in that so many others are limited to addressing one type of trauma (e.g., sexual abuse, automobile accident, battle victims, etc.).

I'm finding that although the reading can be intense for my clients, the book is making full use of the supervision and support provided in therapy.

I'm very pleased with the book and will continue to use it in my practice.