Contextual Trauma Therapy

This book weaves together clinical insights, research findings, a cohesive theoretical model, and a detailed account of how to implement the components of contextual trauma therapy, a form of treatment specifically designed for survivors of complex traumatization.

Contextual trauma therapy draws on a unique premise: that many survivors suffer not just from multiple traumatic events, but also from the consequences of childhood developmental deprivation. They have not only repeatedly encountered trauma and violence, but also have been denied some of the most fundamental interpersonal resources that all children require.

Author Steven Gold guides readers through the process of forming collaborative relationships with patients who may lack confidence in any social connection, fostering sound judgment and reasoning in clients who grew up with capricious and unpredictable caretakers, and transmitting capacities that promote not only resolution to traumatization, but also a foundation for a gratifying and productive adult life.

Dedication

Acknowledgments

Introduction

1. The Context of Complex Traumatization: Overview and Conceptual Foundations
2. In the Foreground: The Presence of Trauma
3. In the Background: Inadequate Interpersonal Developmental Resources
4. Integrating Figure and Ground: A Major Shift in Perspective
5. Initial Contact, Assessment, and Case Formulation: Setting the Stage for Success
6. Forging a Collaborative Relationship: Fostering Connection and Growth
7. Collaborative Conceptualization: Developing the Capacity for Sound Reasoning
8. Establishing a Sense of Safety and Contentment: Overcoming Chronic Dysphoria
9. Learning to Modulate Dissociation: Expanding Focus and Awareness
10. Identifying Complex Dissociation: Annotated Transcript of An Initial Assessment Interview
11. Relinquishing Addictions and Compulsions: Acquiring Adaptive Coping Abilities
12. Resolving Trauma: Exorcising the Destabilizing Past
13. Enhancing the Life Trajectory: Trauma Integration and Competency Consolidation

Epilogue. One Final Little Thing: Applying CTT to Short Term Treatment

References

Index

About the Author

Steven N. Gold, PhD, is a professor in the College of Psychology at Nova Southeastern University and director of the Trauma Resolution and Integration Program, which he established in 1990.

He was a founding coeditor of the Journal of Trauma Practice, inaugural editor of Psychological Trauma, editor-in-chief of the two-volume APA Handbook of Trauma Psychology, and authored the book Not Trauma Alone: Therapy for Child Abuse Survivors in Family and Social Context.

Dr. Gold served as president of APA Division 56 (Trauma Psychology) in 2009 and has held various other professional leadership roles in addition to lecturing throughout the United States and internationally.

A certified traumatologist and consultant in clinical hypnosis, Dr. Gold maintains an independent psychology practice in Plantation, Florida, and has regularly been retained as an expert witness in legal cases.