Systemic Treatment of Trauma-Impacted Families

This book provides a holistic and nuanced metatheoretical perspective to working with trauma in the family system.

The authors use a systemic lens, conceptualizing mental health as inextricably intertwined with the dynamics of family relationships, environment, and social context. Here, the authors explore how these interactions can both contribute to trauma and be a vital source of healing. Drawing from almost 40 years of combined clinical work, research, teaching, and theorizing, the authors synthesize key systemic principles and practices relevant to clinical practice with children, couples, and families. Therapists and trainees will find practical guidance for conceptualizing and addressing relational patterns and family system processes to promote healing after trauma. Each chapter begins with a brief illustrative vignette that sets the stage for relevant theory and research, with a focus throughout the book on practical application to real‑world clinical practice. The authors emphasize the mechanisms of change underlying diverse treatment approaches, and personalizing treatment in consideration of each client or family’s culture and preferences. To enhance understanding and application of systemic concepts and strategies, they integrate a case study in detail across several chapters to show how systemic assessment, case formulation, treatment, and consultation might look in practice, inviting readers to consider how to creatively apply systemic principles and concepts in their own work.

Whether you primarily interact with a single member of a family, family subgroups, an entire family, or a larger milieu, gaining a comprehensive understanding of trauma and systems can elucidate important details that deepen understanding and change your approach to trauma intervention.

Acknowledgements

Dedications

Series Preface

Foreword
Marianne Celano

Introduction: A Systemic Lens as Vital for Trauma Treatment

• Chapter 1. Families and Systemic Contexts
• Chapter 2. The Multi-Dimensional Nature of Trauma: An Intersubjective, Systemic Approach to Clinical Competencies
• Chapter 3. Dyadic and Family-Based Approaches for Treating Trauma: Integrating Multiple Frameworks as Part of Evidence-Based Systemic Practice
• Chapter 4. Systemic Assessment of Family Trauma: Uncovering Underlying Patterns and Processes
• Chapter 5. Systemic Formulation, Treatment Planning, and Intervention: Facilitating Second-Order Changes as Part of Trauma Healing
• Chapter 6. Beyond the Family: Consultation, Advocacy, and Creating Change in Larger Systems
• Chapter 7. Challenges and Possibilities as a Family Trauma Therapist: A Communal Approach to Cultivating Resilience and Sustainability

Conclusion: A Shift in Trauma-Informed Care that Holds the Family in Mind

References

Index

About the Authors

Shelley A. Riggs, PhD, LP, is a professor at Sam Houston State University, where she is director of clinical training for the master’s program in clinical psychology. Dr. Riggs also provides therapeutic services and is a clinical trainer. Her research focuses on the roles of family systems, attachment relationships, and trauma in psychological functioning. She has authored numerous scholarly publications and serves on the two journal editorial boards. Dr. Riggs is the recipient of several awards for teaching excellence and contributions to the field and is active in the American Psychological Association’s Society for Couple and Family Psychology (Division 43)./p>

Laura E. Captari, PhD, LP, is a staff psychologist and academic researcher at The Albert and Jessie Danielsen Institute at Boston University, and incoming assistant professor in the Counseling, Developmental, and Educational Psychology department at Boston College. She brings a holistic, depth-oriented, and systemic perspective to her roles as a psychotherapist, researcher, supervisor, and teacher. Dr. Captari’s research explores developmental and relational impacts of trauma, disaster, and loss across the lifespan and family system. Her work also explores approaches to address clinicians’ risks for vicarious trauma and build professional longevity. Dr. Captari has authored over 50 professional articles and chapters and serves on multiple editorial boards.

This book represents a significant and much-needed contribution to the literature on systemic approaches to trauma and to the fields of couple and family therapy, counseling, and psychology...this book offers a sophisticated yet highly practical framework that will be of value to clinicians, educators, and trainees seeking to integrate trauma-informed and systemic thinking into their practice.
—Doody's Reviews

In this unique and very special book, Shelley A. Riggs and Laura E. Captari provide the definitive systemic guide to working with trauma. The authors build on the foundation of a clearly articulated multisystemic understanding of trauma that is deeply ingrained in relevant research. They draw from the best of evidence-based practice to help the reader learn to shape helpful case formulations and intervene in the context of trauma. Filled with practical advice and evocative illustrative cases, the authors brilliantly bridge evidence-based practice and clinical wisdom. This book should be read by every clinician and therapist in training who works with or plans to work with trauma.
—Jay Lebow, PhD, ABPP, Clinical Professor, The Family Institute at Northwestern University, Evanston, IL

This text is a timely addition to the literature on systemic and communal healing practices for trauma-impacted individuals and families. It contributes new ways to conceptualize trauma and its impact on others and the reciprocal role played by trauma in its relational and cultural contexts. The authors make explicit how the family system, even intergenerational “ghosts,” can affect the occurrence of trauma and serve to further traumatize or as a healing resource.
—Christine A. Courtois, PhD, ABPP, consultant/trainer in trauma psychology and treatment, Lewes, DE; author, Healing the Incest Wound: Adult Survivors in Therapy; coeditor, Treating Complex Traumatic Stress Disorders; author, It’s Not You, It’s What Happened to You: Complex Trauma and Treatment

This book provides a much-needed integration of systemic family and couples theory and practice with traumatic stress assessment and treatment. The impact of psychological trauma on family systems, and the vital importance of understanding family systems dynamics, is brought to life with vivid case studies and an illuminating overview of treatment models from both fields. The authors have provided a unique resource for both preprofessional trainees and practicing professionals on how to be both systemic and trauma-informed.
—Julian D. Ford, PhD, ABPP, Professor of Psychiatry and Law, University of Connecticut, Storrs; Past President, International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies; Fellow of The American Psychological Association