Mindfulness-Oriented Interventions for Trauma

Grounded in research and accumulated clinical wisdom, this book describes a range of ways to integrate mindfulness and other contemplative practices into clinical work with trauma survivors. The volume showcases treatment approaches that can be tailored to this population's needs, such as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), and mindful self-compassion (MSC), among others. Featuring vivid case material, the book explores which elements of contemplative traditions support recovery and how to apply them safely. Neurobiological foundations of mindfulness-oriented work are examined. Treatment applications are illustrated for specific trauma populations, such as clients with chronic pain, military veterans, and children and adolescents.

Victoria M. Follette, PhD, is Foundation Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Nevada/n-/Reno. Her work has focused on treating complex trauma using acceptance and commitment therapy. A Fellow of the Western Psychological Association, of which she currently serves as President, Dr. Follette is coeditor of Mindfulness and Acceptance: Expanding the Cognitive-Behavioral Tradition. John Briere, PhD is Associate Professor in the Departments of Psychiatry and Psychology at the Kirk School of Medicine, University of Southern California (USC), and Director of the Psychological Trauma Program at the Los Angeles County/USC Medical Center. He is a recipient of the Robert S. Laufer Memorial Award for Scientific Achievement from the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies and the Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Science of Trauma Psychology from Division 56 (Trauma Psychology) of the American Psychological Association. Designated a "Highly Cited Researcher" by the Institute of Scientific Information, Dr. Briere has published widely in the areas of trauma, child abuse, and interpersonal violence. Deborah Rozelle, PsyD, a clinical psychologist, is a certified therapist and Approved Consultant in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). She trains and consults widely on psychological trauma, trauma therapy, and their relation to contemplative practice. Dr. Rozelle is on the faculties of the Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and the Nalanda Institute for Contemplative Science in New York City. She is a long-time practicing Buddhist and has a clinical practice in Lexington, Massachusetts. James W. Hopper, PhD, is Clinical Instructor in Psychology in the Department of Psychiatry of Harvard Medical School. His work as a consultant, clinician, and researcher has focused on the effects of child abuse and sexual assault, the nature of traumatic memories, the psychology and biology of trauma, and the brain bases of meditation and other spiritual practices. Dr. Hopper trains and consults to a wide range of organizations and professionals. David I. Rome is a teacher, writer, and editor focusing on applications of contemplative methods in personal and social change. He has directed the development of the Garrison Institute's Transforming Trauma initiative as well as programs applying contemplative methods in K-12 education and environmental change work. Mr. Rome is the developer of Mindful Focusing, a contemplative technique integrating Focusing and Buddhist mindfulness-awareness practices, and is a senior trainer with the Focusing Institute and Shambhala International.

"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, cofounder of the Insight Meditation Society and author of "Real Happiness" "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, Washington, DC; national clinical trauma consultant, Elements Behavioral Health "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