World Famous Comics: Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence--from Domestic Abuse to Political Terror
Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence--from Domestic Abuse to Political Terror
By: Judith Herman Publisher: Basic Books Average Rating: Binding: Paperback Label: Basic Books Number of Items: 1 Number of Pages: 304 Publication Date: May 29, 1997
When Trauma and Recovery was first published in 1992, it was hailed as a groundbreaking work. In the intervening years, Herman’s volume has changed the way we think about and treat traumatic events and trauma victims. In a new afterword, Herman chronicles the incredible response the book has elicited and explains how the issues surrounding the topic have shifted within the clinical community and the culture at large.Trauma and Recovery brings a new level of understanding to a set of problems usually considered individually. Herman draws on her own cutting-edge research in domestic violence as well as on the vast literature of combat veterans and victims of political terror, to show the parallels between private terrors such as rape and public traumas such as terrorism. The book puts individual experience in a broader political frame, arguing that psychological trauma can be understood only in a social context. Meticulously documented and frequently using the victims’ own words as well as those from classic literary works and prison diaries, Trauma and Recovery is a powerful work that will continue to profoundly impact our thinking.
Looking backwards with understanding in order to move forward I've had occasion to read a number of books that deal with the condition now classified as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This one was recommended to me a decade ago, and remains amongst the best of those I have read so far.
Increasingly, many people are familiar with what might be encompassed by PTSD. Unfortunately, it has become used by some as a catch-all phrase to explain, and sometimes to excuse, all manner of behaviours. This indeed unfortunate because one of the consequences of attaching convenient labels broadly without proper analysis and understanding is to trivialise the very real impacts that this disorder can have on sufferers, their families, friends and communities. To read this book is to look beyond (and beneath) the labels and into the causes, effects and impacts. For some sufferers, this will provide a level of self-awareness that may enable them to participate more actively and fully in claiming back their lives. For those who work with those who suffer from this condition, the knowledge in this book may well augment existing tools. For families and friends it may well provide some insight.
I am a big fan of Dr Herman's thoughtful, well presented works. Compassion, empathy and understanding supplement intellectual research, rigour and understanding in a special combination that provides something to many - regardless of whether they are observing the effects, participating in the treatment or experiencing PTSD firsthand.
This is not an easy topic and there are no easy answers. The journey is difficult but the promise of a safer destination can make it worthwhile. While this is not a book for all sufferers, especially perhaps for those in the early stage of treatment, it is worth considering by those who seek an intellectual understanding in order to try to move on.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Wonderful I am a senior Psychology student and this is seriously the most informative book I have read yet. It is extremely practical and well written, and gives a very comprehensive and well rounded view. I definitely recommend this book!
A Witness to Trauma and Recovery Judith Herman's Trauma and Recovery is as viable a narrative of human relations now as it was when first published @15 years ago. In a post-September 11 world of domestic and global trauma, the text is a must-read for all of us, not just those who have experienced abuse. Understanding the long-term consequences of abuse not only for the victim but also for those around her is crucial to creating an environment of personal safety and growth. Realizing the benefits of witness can diminish the fear that blocks so many of us from getting involved both personally and politically in affairs that rock our faith in humanity. Trauma and Recovery is not just for those in the field of psychoanalysis and psychotherapy; it is for all of us who have been shaken by the tremors of trauma - and that is all of us. Judith Herman as witness to both trauma and recovery sets a fine example for the power of testimony to change lives.
Invaluable for those in helping professions....clear, compassionate The subject matter is hard to read about in large doses but the information is very very helpful and clear. It helped me see the issue from the victims point of view.
Much of the info is distressing...our society is shown as self protective and without compassion.
Not for idle reading but very helpful if one is suddenly put in a place to help and understand the effects and recovery process.
Move Over Freud: Future Definitive Psychology Classic This book is a must read for anyone, male or female, who has suffered tragedy/abuse due to someone else's actions and who is struggling to make sense of their lives in the aftermath. It's not fair to label this book as a post-traumatic stress book: it is soooo much more than that. The author explains how trauma affects the psyche: particularly the developing psyche, explains the cycle of abuse, explains crime and the criminal mind, and pedophile behavior in a way that no one has before. The author is bar none brilliant. I predict that this book will become a definitive psychology classic: as far as this book defines things that no one has before, makes obvious connections that no one has stated before. It is the ultimate connect the dot book for trauma. This book and should be reading required reading in all psychology courses and especially criminal psychology courses.
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