Adaptive Disclosure: A New Treatment for Military Trauma, Loss, and Moral Injury

Adaptive disclosure approaches the treatment of war-related trauma from a perspective that distinguishes it from other types of trauma, which will revolutionize the treatment of PTSD in the military. The authors consider aspects of trauma that are too frequently ignored: grief and loss and moral injury. Litz, Lebowitz, Gray, and Nash are to be commended for taking us to the next level of caring for our service members and veterans. --Carl A. Castro, PhD, School of Social Work, University of Southern California; Colonel, U.S. Army (Retired)

Based on decades of clinical experience and scientific exploration, adaptive disclosure represents a novel approach to treatment. So few approaches exist for managing combat-related PTSD, making this book a welcome contribution. Adaptive disclosure holds great promise in its focus on a central problem for many military personnel: difficulty divulging the depths of the conflicts that emerge following traumatic experiences of war. Therapists of all disciplines will benefit from the compelling rationale and model of care presented here. --Terence M. Keane, PhD, National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System, and Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine

The approach in this manual will advance our understanding and treatment of PTSD in military personnel and veterans. Litz et al. provide detailed direction to help clinicians identify key clinical issues and themes, including experiences of moral injury and traumatic loss. The book offers thoughtful and accessible guidance for implementing interventions to facilitate more complete healing and recovery. This invaluable resource is a 'must' for any clinician working with this population. --David Forbes, PhD, Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne; Director, Phoenix Australia--Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health

This unique book presents a highly innovative and clinically wise approach to addressing the three harms--traumatic loss, life threat, and moral injury--that often continue to trouble our returning veterans. It offers detailed language with which to introduce and explain the many difficult clinical issues related to moral injury and loss, systematizes some of the secrets used by expert clinicians, and provides valuable education about military culture. The book will help all mental health treatment providers--whether trainees or seasoned clinicians--to better navigate the most difficult aspects of care. --Josef I. Ruzek, PhD, Director, Dissemination and Training Division, National Center for PTSD, VA Palo Alto Health Care System