Coping with Trauma: A Guide to Self-Understanding [Paperback]

Jon G. Allen (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0880489960 | ISBN-13: 978-0880489966 | Publication Date: January 1995

Those who struggle to cope with the direct effects of trauma will find this text an informative guide to better understanding themselves and their experience. Partners and family members of traumatized individuals can gain increased understanding of, and empathy for, their loved ones in addition to learning how to be more sensitive. Mental health professionals who work with people with a history of trauma should find the book to be a useful digest of current knowledge that they can share with their patients.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Coping With Trauma exudes a philosophy of empowerment through understanding. Dr. Allen achieves a remarkable balance between the dual tensions of accessibility and scientific accuracy -- Psychiatric Services

No other source [does] a better job of synthesizing this material, and in such a comprehensive and readable fashion -- Readings: A Journal of Reviews and Commentary in Mental Health

Overall, this is an excellent book. The expertise of the author is coupled with his unusual skill in writing in simple, readable style. It is also a well-organized book -- Behavorial Research Therapy

About the Author

Jon G. Allen, Ph.D.,is currently Adjunct Professor of Psychology at Washburn University of Topeka, Kansas. At The Menninger Clinic, he is editor of theBulletin of the Menninger Clinic, a scholarly journal for the mental health professions. He has authored and coauthored numerous publications based on his research and clinical work on testing, psychotherapy, and hospital treatment. Dr. Allen is senior staff psychologist in the Trauma Recovery Program at The Menninger Clinic and a member of the editorial boards ofPsychiatryandThe Menninger Letter.

Product Details

• Paperback: 385 pages
• Publisher: American Psychiatric Association (January 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0880489960
• ISBN-13: 978-0880489966
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #819,039 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best PTSD books I've read., June 21, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Coping With Trauma: A Guide to Self-Understanding (Hardcover)

As a mental health practitioner, the book provides in depth explanations and information which provides clients with information and validation of symptoms and behaviors.

Unfortunately, not all clients will be able to understand the book because of some terminology. However, it is useful information which can be dicussed in session.

As a person with PTSD, I found the book validating, informatiave, and positive. The author's tone throughout the book, is positive and hopeful. He answered questions I've had for years, but didn't ask

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If You Buy Nothing Else, Buy This, July 28, 2001

By 

Suzanne Mckinley "evalu8er" (Des Moines, Iowa United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Coping with Trauma: A Guide to Self-Understanding (Paperback)

Whether you are a professional working with trauma clients, a person who has undergone significant trauma, or the family member or friend of that person, you MUST get this book.

Buy it because you will want to return to it again and again. Jon Allen writes with compassion and respect about the effects of trauma, both psychological and physiological. In addition, he writes with great humility from a tremendous knowledge base.

The book is a great resource to read either from front to back, or in sections as they seem helpful. Every person I know who has read this book has gained significant insight.

If this review seems effusive, it is because this book is that WELL WRITTEN and USEFUL. It reflects both the horror of trauma as well as the hope for recovery.

It has set a new standard in understanding trauma and the recovery from trauma and is a must read for anyone who claims serious interest in the topic.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Good, May 21, 2000

By 

Cyndi Long - See all my reviews

This review is from: Coping with Trauma: A Guide to Self-Understanding (Paperback)

This book is great for people who have at least a rudimentary understanding of psychology. I had a number of revelations while reading it, and my psychiatrist even borrowed it for a court case he had to appear in.

I've suffered from PTSD for 25 years and found this book to be enlightening and informative. If you are unfamiliar with general psych terms, this book may not be the place to start--otherwise it's very good.