Counselling for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (Counselling in Practice Series)

This practical, accessible guide covers the whole spectrum of trauma that may initiate post-traumatic stress disorder. It provides clear, detailed guidelines for the counselling of afflicted clients. Mike Scott and Steve Stradling begin with a description of the hallmarks of post-traumatic stress disorder - intrusive imagery, avoidance of anything reminiscent of the trauma and uncharacteristic irritability - and discuss the factors which make an individual vulnerable to the disorder along with those which serve to maintain it. They argue that post-traumatic stress disorder manifests itself in two ways: the first involving a single, dramatic trauma such as a natural disaster; the second, and probably more common manifestation, as a result of enduring extreme circumstances, such as persistent maltreatment at work. The authors outline a range of techniques, illustrated by case examples, which can be applied to help sufferers displaying symptoms of both types of post-traumatic stress disorder. They highlight the different methods needed for the effective treatment of acute and chronic cases. They go on to emphasize the importance of recognizing that post-traumatic stress disorder rarely occurs by itself, often appearing in conjunction with depression and anxiety, and that the irritability component of post-traumatic stress disorder causes major problems in relationships. Chapters are devoted to the appropriate counselling responses to these difficulties.