Teresa
Trauma and Recovery by Judith L Herman is a nonfiction book that deals with the psychology of trauma and its aftermath. How does one deal with the aftermath of either single or ongoing trauma? Also, how do the family and friends understand the victims of trauma? This book deals with these topics. [The author also argues that psychological trauma is inseparable in a social or political context.]
Author uses combat trauma, child abuse, rape, and political terror as examples of the trauma people have faced. She discusses the history of the study of trauma that covers the early historic studies of hysteria and war neuroses. The author discusses what trauma is: “Psychological trauma is an affliction of the powerless.” She also says: “Traumatic reactions occur when action is of no avail. When neither resistance nor escape is possible, the human system of self-defense becomes overwhelmed and disorganized.”
She goes on the discuss the symptoms of PTSD (hyperarousal, intrusion, and constriction) and how the trauma itself damages the connection of the victim to themselves and others by damaging the victim’s self. This leads to a disconnection not only with the victim themselves, but family, friends, and the society around them. The only way to heal is to create new connections with a support system that empowers and makes new connections that replace the old connections that have been broken by the past trauma. The recovery occurs in stages: the establishment of safety, remembrance and mourning, and re-connection with ordinary life.
This book touches on much more than the above topics. The in-depth information and examples cover the history of the study of trauma as well as what constitutes trauma and the recovery from it. The book discusses the cautions a therapist must consider when consulting with a trauma survivor for there a mental traps that can cause a therapist to fall on the side of perpetrator or victim too.
This is a book I recommend if one wishes to know more about trauma faced by others, what it is, how to navigate it, and how to help others recover from it. It offers good advice for the victim, family, and therapists to help people navigate life during and after trauma.
Trauma and Recovery by Judith L Herman is a nonfiction book that deals with the psychology of trauma and its aftermath. How does one deal with the aftermath of either single or ongoing trauma? Also, how do the family and friends understand the victims of trauma? This book deals with these topics. [The author also argues that psychological trauma is inseparable in a social or political context.]
Author uses combat trauma, child abuse, rape, and political terror as examples of the trauma people have faced. She discusses the history of the study of trauma that covers the early historic studies of hysteria and war neuroses. The author discusses what trauma is: “Psychological trauma is an affliction of the powerless.” She also says: “Traumatic reactions occur when action is of no avail. When neither resistance nor escape is possible, the human system of self-defense becomes overwhelmed and disorganized.”
She goes on the discuss the symptoms of PTSD (hyperarousal, intrusion, and constriction) and how the trauma itself damages the connection of the victim to themselves and others by damaging the victim’s self. This leads to a disconnection not only with the victim themselves, but family, friends, and the society around them. The only way to heal is to create new connections with a support system that empowers and makes new connections that replace the old connections that have been broken by the past trauma. The recovery occurs in stages: the establishment of safety, remembrance and mourning, and re-connection with ordinary life.
This book touches on much more than the above topics. The in-depth information and examples cover the history of the study of trauma as well as what constitutes trauma and the recovery from it. The book discusses the cautions a therapist must consider when consulting with a trauma survivor for there a mental traps that can cause a therapist to fall on the side of perpetrator or victim too.
This is a book I recommend if one wishes to know more about trauma faced by others, what it is, how to navigate it, and how to help others recover from it. It offers good advice for the victim, family, and therapists to help people navigate life during and after trauma.