Principles and Techniques of Trauma-Centered Psychotherapy: A Comprehensive Guide for Clinicians

This psychotherapeutic guidebook integrates cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, and humanistic methods of trauma treatment, offering a unique approach to building competence and confidence in trauma-centered interventions. The authors, David Read Johnson, present evidence-based and clinically-supported techniques that are readily applicable to clinical practice.

A Focused Approach to Trauma Treatment

Rather than presenting a general text, this book provides a specialized approach to trauma-centered psychotherapy, recognizing the intimate and demanding nature of this work. The authors emphasize the importance of the therapist being both compassionate and dispassionate in their approach, ensuring the client’s well-being is paramount.

A Valuable Resource for Clinicians

This book is an invaluable resource for clinicians of all theoretical orientations, including cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, humanistic, and sociocultural. Its practical approach and down-to-earth strategies make it accessible to a range of clinicians, from psychiatrists and psychologists to social workers, marriage and family therapists, and professional counselors.

Clinical Case Examples and Practical Strategies

The book includes dozens of detailed clinical case examples that illustrate effective communication strategies in a variety of situations, as well as practical techniques for:

• Setting up a trauma-centered frame for therapeutic work
• Conducting a detailed trauma history
• Exploring the effects of trauma on present-day behavior
• Handling disruptions in the therapeutic relationship

Additional Resources and Study Aids

The book also features study questions at the end of each chapter, as well as valuable appendices that provide:

• A template for a consent-to-treatment form
• A traumatic life events questionnaire
• A clinical assessment interview guide

Principles and Techniques of Trauma-Centered Psychotherapy is an essential resource for clinicians working with trauma survivors, providing a comprehensive and empathetic approach to this complex and demanding work.