Publisher's Synopsis
Complex dissociative posttraumatic conditions are often found in the aftermath of chronic trauma, particularly severe child abuse and incest. Dr. Courtois presents treatments of various methodologies, durations, and intensities. She describes diagnostic criteria, treatment philosophy, the development and communication of a treatment frame, sequenced treatment and specific techniques and approaches, especially those directed toward ego-enhancement, symptom stabilization, and the maintenance of the client's functioning. She reviews current controversies regarding dissociated/repressed delayed memory and teaches strategies for working with open versus disguised presentation of an incest/trauma history. Finally, she articulates transference and countertransference reactions to working with this population and discusses the vicarious traumatization of the therapist and strategies for therapist self care.
