Books for Prep | |
 - Feminist view of traumaDr. Herman has a new book out with almost the same title; I have not read it, so don't know how it compares to this one. This seems to me to be a view of trauma from a feminist clinician and researcher's point of view, not from a victim's or survivor's. The author is at pains to legitimize the fact of abuse to her psychiatric colleagues and to the public. Male readers will probably have a lot of trouble with it, since male survivors are mentioned almost exclusively when they are combat veterans. When a pronoun is used as a substitute for the word sufferer or the like, it is virtually always "she" or "her" -- never "he" or "his" (unless it is to speak of the abuser). The author speaks of several periods of "amnesia" in the history of the psychology of trauma, the last one being reversed through the "political" efforts of the women's movement. From this book it would appear that recognition of trauma affecting men outside of combat is still in a period of amnesia. On the cover of the book is a quote: "One of the most important psychiatric works to be published since Freud -- New York Times". Now of course the New York Times said no such thing. It must be *someone* *at* the New York Times. The author cannot be held responsible for the book jacket, but to me it is representative of the blind spots or omissions in the book itself. Rating:  - An excellent foundation bookThis book has been around for a while (first published in 1992), but it's still an excellent resource for understanding trauma. I believe that reading Trauma and Recovery will be helpful to trauma victims, although it does not cover current treatments such as EMDR, Somatic Experiencing (SE), and Energy Psychology (EP). --Fred P. Gallo, PhD, author of Energy Tapping for Trauma: Rapid Relief from Post-Traumatic Stress Using Energy Psychology Rating:  - Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence--from Domestic Abuse to Political TerrorJudith Herman has done an incredible service to all mankind with this book. This book is a must for women who have been victims of abuse and trauma. Her amazing ability to understand and articulate trauma is nothing short of empowering! Rating: - Toss out the rest and stick with the bestI've read lots of books about trauma but this, by far, is the best I've found. It is written with great compassion and without bias. This is a well written clinical analysis of trauma in all it's forms and the recovery process which follows. I highly recommend. Rating: - EnlighteningThis book was a suggested read from a counselor/pastor, and I'm glad I did. The author offers the reader an enlightening description and understanding of Complex PTSD. It is a great educational tool. It was exactly what was needed at the time. It can also be a good "first step" item. It helped pinpoint the issue and explain the authour's theories on addressing the issue. It set a great course to also find appropriate assistance. Armed with a name, understanding, and appropriate language the enlightened reader can pursue even more education and professional assistance if needed. This book turned out to be a light in a very dark place and I have already recommended it to others. In association with Amazon.com | |