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crime, military service, auto accidents and others. Support groups are
Naturally, since we are dealing with serious disorders, often with
unclear origins, most of the many books in this area are written for
therapists doing treatment. However, I've already cited a couple of
good, easily understood books in this area, Allen (1996) and Herman
(1992, 1997). Other clearly self-help oriented books for trauma
survivors are available--Rosenbloom, Williams & Watkins (1999),
Schiraldi (1999), and Matsakis (1996). Again, many books are
specialized (and may, therefore, be more triggering): Terr (1992),
Chase (1990), Freyd (1998) and Cameron (1996) describe the horrors
of some children's abuse, followed by amnesia or Multiple Personality
Disorder. Regina (1999) focuses on serious medical problems.
Alderman & Marshal (1998) and Olson (1997) describe ways of coping
with multiple personalities. Colodzin (1997) gives practical advice to
war veterans and Matsakis (1996) offers specific help to veterans'
wives. Davis (1991) also offers general help and advice to spouses of
trauma victims. Flannery (no date) addresses PTSD victims and their
families. Alexander (1999) and Gordon, Farberow & Maida (1999)
provide counselors, parents, teachers and others with advice about
identifying and helping traumatized children. Excellent research-based
comprehensive reviews of traumatic stress following disasters or abuse
are given in recent books: Van Der Kolk, McFarlane & Weisaeth
(1999), Gist & Lubin (1999), Levine (1997), Saigh & Bremner (1999),
and Figley (1998). There is a wealth of information in this area.
Please see chapter 7 in this book for domestic violence, physical
child abuse, and rape. See chapter 9 for child sexual abuse and incest.
See chapter 10 for date rape.
Remember, victims of serious trauma often make desperate,
sometimes self-defeating, efforts to cope with the intolerable stress.
These efforts, including repression, self-blame, self-injury, traumatic
bonding, addictions, somatization (conversion of stress into physical
symptoms), dissociation, multiple personalities, and other defenses,
are unconscious and, unfortunately, they can create almost as many
problems as they solve. These paradoxical emotional reactions by
clients, such as the "damaged goods" reactions of some incest and
rape/abuse victims, may arouse troubling and confusing responses in
their therapists and their families. Coffey (1998) has a book that might
be read by traumatized clients, their friends and family, and the
therapist; it presents diverse professional opinions and advice about
the distressing memories. Extensive therapy, family support, and well
directed self-help will all probably be needed.
The psychodynamics of trauma reactions
There is a strong natural tendency to think of the actual traumatic
experience as being "the" cause of the subsequent psychological
distress and disorders that may last for years. Examples: A highly
abusive parent is assumed to "cause" the child's high anxiety, bad
