Mindfulness-Oriented Interventions for Trauma: Integrating Contemplative Practices

Provides a wealth of resources. This book shares the broad scope of mindfulness-based interventions for trauma. Follette et al. bring many wise voices into one room for an important learning conversation. --Sharon Salzberg, author of Lovingkindness and Real Love

Traumatized individuals frequently identify with and internalize what happened to them in ways that are highly negative and stigmatizing. Treatment approaches that interrupt this process have long been needed. Follette et al. have produced a pioneering volume of innovative and integrative techniques that help survivors resolve the effects of the past in order to live self-fulfilling, positive lives in the present and future. A major advance in the trauma treatment literature. --Christine A. Courtois, PhD, ABPP, private practice (retired), Washington, DC; consultant and trainer, trauma psychology and treatment

This comprehensive review of mindfulness-based interventions for trauma holds promise both for improving our understanding of the processes of change and for stimulating innovations in treatment. The book points the way toward a potentially valuable integration of Western psychological thinking and Eastern Buddhist perspectives, while stressing the importance of grounding any integration in carefully crafted theory and empirical research. --Josef I. Ruzek, PhD, Director, Dissemination and Training Division, National Center for PTSD, VA Palo Alto Health Care System

This book is especially useful for clinicians working with trauma survivors who do not respond to standard treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder but who may benefit from mindfulness-based interventions delivered within the context of the therapeutic relationship. The book describes a wide range of treatments consistent with a contemplative approach to therapy and validated in part by neurobiological studies and meta-analyses. Whether through the therapist's philosophical commitment to contemplative insights or the client's learning of specific contemplative skills, mindfulness has the potential to decrease a client's identification with the trauma and to increase metacognition, self-awareness, emotion regulation, and life satisfaction. --Pamela Carlson Alexander, PhD, Senior Researcher, Outcome Referrals, Inc., Massachusetts

A brilliant and clear exposition of how contemplative practices can be applied to the modern treatment of trauma. The editors weave together the rigor of science, the wisdom of reflection, and years of practical clinical application to offer an illuminating work. I highly recommend this book. --Shauna Shapiro, PhD, Department of Counseling Psychology, Santa Clara University