Life After Trauma, Second Edition: A Workbook for Healing [Paperback]

Dena Rosenbloom PhD (Author), Mary Beth Williams PhD (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 10, 2010

Trauma can turn your world upside down--afterward, nothing may look safe or familiar. This compassionate workbook has already helped tens of thousands of trauma survivors start rebuilding their lives. Full of practical strategies for coping and self-care, the book guides you toward reclaiming a solid sense of safety, self-worth, trust, and control, as well as the capacity to be close to others. The focus is on finding the way forward in your life today, no matter what has happened in the past. The updated second edition has a new section on managing emotions through mindfulness and an appendix on easing the stress of health care visits. Dozens of step-by-step questionnaires and exercises are included.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A thorough and compassionate workbook. The authors combine basic information, exercises, and examples in a highly readable and accessible format. This book will be particularly useful for readers taking their first steps on the journey of recovery from trauma."--Maxine Harris, PhD, coauthor of Healing the Trauma of Abuse

 

"Anyone who chances on this workbook or is referred to it is extremely fortunate. It offers hope and guidance, speaking to the reader in personal ways that open paths for growth. I am especially impressed by the number and diversity of practical, realistic exercises. The authors provide concrete direction as they share their collective wisdom and experience."--Carroll Ann Ellis, MA, Director of Victim Services, Fairfax County (Virginia) Police Department

 

"This practical workbook explains the impact of trauma and provides resources for coping. Survivors will benefit from the empathic tone and the personalized worksheets. Most important, this is a hopeful book that emphasizes that healing is possible, a much-needed message."--Christine A. Courtois, PhD, author of Healing the Incest Wound, and in private practice, Washington, DC

 

"Step by guided step, this workbook offers a careful, caring assist out of the emotional tangle that can result from trauma....Clear, comprehensive, well-grounded, and well-organized--real help for those in a vulnerable place."--Kirkus Reviews (on the prior edition)

 

"Life After Trauma is written by two attuned, experienced trauma professionals who connect with their readers’ pain, resources, and determination. The reader feels seen, held, guided, and respected all along the way."--from the foreword by Laurie Anne Pearlman, PhD

"A way to connect with readers' pain, resources, and determination....Reading this book has been an amazing journey. I highly recommend it."--Milton H. Erickson Foundation Newsletter

(Milton H. Erickson Foundation Newsletter 20100312)

"This book is full of helpful, practical strategies for coping and self-care....Would recommend this book as a good self-help workbook that offers a useful place to begin helping oneself following a trauma."--Transactional Analysis Journal

(Transactional Analysis Journal 20100312)

"I especially applaud the authors of this workbook, emphasizing the importance of clients acquiring or developing comforting and coping strategies early on in their healing process, and for their warm and accessible writing style. Packed with tips and dozens of exercises, the workbook is primarily aimed at survivors, but can be used by or with a therapist....I would recommend this practical volume to all counsellors as part of their trauma toolbox."--The Independent Practitioner

(The Independent Practitioner 20100312)

"Step by guided step, this workbook offers a careful, caring assist out of the emotional tangle that can result from trauma....Clear, comprehensive, well-grounded, and well-organized—real help for those in a vulnerable place."--Kirkus Reviews (on previous edition)

(Kirkus Reviews 20100312)

About the Author

Dena Rosenbloom, PhD, a clinical psychologist in private practice in Glastonbury, Connecticut, USA, specializes in supporting people through the healing process following traumatic life events. She also conducts trainings and workshops for a broad range of audiences as well as critical incident stress debriefings for groups of people who have shared a traumatic experience. Mary Beth Williams, PhD, LCSW, CTS, is in private practice in Warrenton, Virginia, USA, specializing in the treatment of trauma-related disorders. She is a former school social worker and also does adoption home studies for international and domestic adoptions. She is widely published in the field of trauma and is an instructor for the Office for Victims of Crime at the U.S. Department of Justice. Barbara E. Watkins is a writer and editor living in Boston.

Product Details

• Paperback: 295 pages
• Publisher: The Guilford Press; Second Edition edition (March 10, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1606236083
• ISBN-13: 978-1606236086
• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 0.7 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #288,232 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

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

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars . June 13, 2011

By Vickie

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I had just gone through the long road of recovery from severe childhood abuse and being on the other side I felt a little wobbly on things like setting healthy boundaries and building self-esteem. This book helped a lot. By following the advice and doing some of the excercises, I learned how to get on my feet and stand solid. The only downfall for this book in my personal case was a lot of it pertained to achieving that healthy life that you had before the trauma. With childhood abuse, for me, there was no reference point to compare too. Despite those sections, the exercises are solid, easy to follow, and work. You must be self motivated and willing to explore traumatic feelings.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars good workbook along side therapy July 1, 2011

By Jasmi Thotts

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

As a health care professional who treats trauma, ptsd,anxiety and mood disorders, I found this book helpful for the patient who can and wants to work through difficulties between sessions and is supported by a well trained therapist (psychologist) to do so. It is recommended among colleagues. I would not recommend it for someone as a self help book as the therapy needs to accompany such recovery and healing. Excellent exercises and explanations as to what a patient with trauma experiences is going through....well written and understandable. Highly recommend it.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars recommended September 12, 2011

By psychologist

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I was pleasantly surprized at how practical, user friendly and up-to-date this manual was. I haven't finished it yet, but have already started using it with a teen and an adult.