Complex Trauma: Dissociation, Fragmentation, and Self Understanding

For those of us working in the field of complex trauma, one of the most exciting events of 2017 was the release of Healing the Fragmented Selves of Trauma Survivors by Dr. Janina Fisher. The book is a wonderful summary and synthesis of the current state of knowledge in trauma research enlivened with wisdom, insight and deep compassion for the victims of abuse. Dr. Fisher draws together neurobiological research, psychological theory, and a productive, if sometimes painful, process of trial and error in which dozens of committed therapists sought out better ways of helping survivors of trauma. Unfortunately, many people suffering from the after effects of a traumatic childhood have summoned up the courage necessary to start a course of therapy only to be forced to stop because confronting their repressed or partially repressed memories caused a breakdown or personal crisis that made it impossible to continue with therapy. While it can be argued that therapy on the “it must get worse before it gets better” model nevertheless helped many people, the desirability of finding a less painful model is obvious. Dr. Fisher describes both the new, improved model for trauma therapy and the process by which it came about, which is itself a fascinating story. The book is, I believe, required reading for anyone in the psychology profession, but is also aimed at victims of complex trauma, especially those starting therapy, and can be profitably read by anyone who has friends or f...
Source: Psych Central - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Tags: Abuse Caregivers Children and Teens Dissociation Dissociative Motivation and Inspiration Neuroscience Parenting Personality Psychology Psychotherapy Self-Esteem Trauma Treatment Alienation C-PTSD Child Abuse child neglect Source Type: news