Facilitating Posttraumatic Growth: A Clinician's Guide (Personality & Clinical Psychology) [Hardcover]

Lawrence G. Calhoun (Author), Richard G. Tedeschi (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 080582412X | ISBN-13: 978-0805824124 | Publication Date: July 1, 1999 | Edition: 1

In this book, Calhoun and Tedeschi construct the first systematic framework for clinical efforts to enhance the processes they sum up as posttraumatic growth.

Posttraumatic growth is the phenomenon of positive change through struggle with even the most horrible sets of circumstances. People who experience it tend to describe three general types of change: realistically stronger feelings of vulnerability that are nonetheless accompanied by stronger feelings of personal resilience, closer and deeper relationships with others, and a stronger sense of spirituality.

Posttraumatic growth has only recently become an important focus of interest for researchers and practitioners. Drawing on a burgeoning professional literature as well as on their own extensive clinical experience, the authors present strategies for helping clients effect all three types of positive change - strategies that have been tested in a variety of groups facing a variety of crises and traumas. Their concise yet comprehensive practical guide will be welcomed by all those who counsel persons grappling with the worst life has to offer.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Calhoun and Tedeschi have written a masterful book that takes on the dialectic of traumatic experience: that strength and growth can emerge from and accompany terrible pain and loss. This important text succeeds in challenging clinicians to notice resilience and strength among their trauma survivor clients, while never turning away from or diminishing the horror and pain of personal trauma. The authors tackle a complicated and difficult subject with scholarly care and clinical sensitivity. They carefully avoid the potential pitfalls of naivete, insensitivity, and moralism while emphasizing the need for complex thinking about the long term effects of traumatic life events. The book has a clear, sensible organization that will make it valuable to clinicians at all levels of experience.
—Karen W. Saakvitne, Ph.D.
Traumatic Stress Institute/Center for Adult and Adolescent Psychotherapy South W

Drawing on their extensive experience as both researchers and clinicians, Calhoun and Tedeschi have produced a very readable and practical book for any clinician who works with clients struggling to cope with traumatic events. While acknowledging the negative aftermath of trauma, Calhoun and Tedeschi describe valuable techniques for encouraging posttraumatic growth in clients. Particularly helpful are the numerous case examples, homework assignments for both clinicians and clients, and an extensive resource list.
—Patricia A. Frazier, Ph.D.
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis

The Phoenix is the mythological bird who rises anew from the ashes of its own funeral pyre. In their work on posttraumatic growth, Calhoun and Tedeschi put flesh and feathers on our hazy outline of this ancient symbol of resurrection. By focusing on the possibility of positive transformation after trauma, the authors urge clinicians to think outside the box, to consider all the ways in which the overwhelming energy of traumatic experience can be refocused on accelerating the dynamic of health instead of illness and injury.
—Sandra L. Bloom, MD
The Sanctuary, Horsham Clinic, Ambler PA; Author of Creating Sanctuary: Toward t

Product Details

• Hardcover: 184 pages
• Publisher: Routledge; 1 edition (July 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 080582412X
• ISBN-13: 978-0805824124
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #996,978 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent Source, October 1, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Facilitating Posttraumatic Growth: A Clinician's Guide (Personality & Clinical Psychology) (Hardcover)

This is an excellent source not only for clinical workers, but also for nonprofessionals interested in how to help others, and perhaps themselves, after a trauma. Easy to read, full of really good suggestions, and it is a steal at the price!

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hope After Trauma, October 1, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Facilitating Posttraumatic Growth: A Clinician's Guide (Personality & Clinical Psychology) (Hardcover)

Calhoun and Tedeschi, psychologists for some years have been studying and writing about posttraumatic growth, offer an excellent source for clinicians and for laypersons too. The book focuses on how some people who struggle with trauma can grow and develop in sometimes unexpected ways. In this book, the authors suggest ways by which the counselor can enhance the chances that clients, who have experienced major life crises, can grow from their difficult struggles.
The volume is not too long,it is full of helpful ideas, and it is written in a clear and engaging style.

4.0 out of 5 stars Post Traumatic Growth, January 21, 2010

By 

Daniels - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Facilitating Posttraumatic Growth: A Clinician's Guide (Personality & Clinical Psychology) (Hardcover)

This is a well set out book with some very intersting ideas that are pertinent to the field. relevant to all clinicians working with PTSD clients.