This book provides a theoretical framework and an innovative model of intervention for distressed couples whose relationships are affected by the echoes of trauma. Combining attachment theory, trauma research, and emotionally focused therapeutic techniques, Susan M. Johnson guides the clinician in modifying the interactional patterns that maintain traumatic stress and fostering positive, healing relationships among survivors and their partners. In-depth case material brings to life the process of assessment and treatment with couples coping with the impact of different kinds of trauma, including childhood abuse, serious illness, and combat experiences. The concluding chapter features valuable advice on therapist self-care.
An Exceptional Resource for Experienced Clinicians
(11 of 11 Found this Helpful)
September 29, 2007
This slim volume offers a clear overview of the essentials of successful treatment with this very difficult population.
Trauma survivors frequently evince high levels of emotional pain, can be hostile and controlling in their attachment interactions, have difficulty trusting their partners, and have high needs for reassurance and emotional security. It is not uncommon for trauma survivors to have histories of early attachment disorganization that, even in adulthood, result in high levels of emotional reactivity, suspicion, hostile attribution, revivification of early traumatic experience, affect dysregulation, deficits in metacognition, and low stress tolerance. These characteristics seriously hinder the formation of secure attachment bonds in adult romantic relationships and present a therapeutic mine field for both the couple and therapist.
Johnson clarifies the underlying issues inherent in the couple dynamics of trauma survivors and describes how she models affective attunement, empathic mirroring, and guides the couple into safe mutual emotional disclosure and responsiveness.
Other reviewers have criticized this book for its dry academic style and lack of accessiblity. Because of this there may be better volumes for those who seek to learn the fundamentals of couple therapy or for those who want to learn the basics of working with trauma survivors. However, for the experienced clinician Johnson provides a concise guide that pinpoints precise clinical leverage points and a theoretically coherent rationale for specific interventions.
Johnson's approach is theoretically and empirically grounded and is written with compassion, sensitivity, and clarity. It is the best resource I've found for this important treatment niche.
Systemic treatment for trauma
(8 of 8 Found this Helpful)
February 15, 2007
Sue Johnson's Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy with Trauma Survivors: Strengthening Attachment Bonds provides a rich resource for MFTs. First, Johnson argues for the necessity of placing relationship treatment in what is often thought of as an "individual" form of psychopathology. Second, she clearly delineated the differences between the standard approach to EFT and modifications for addressing trauma with EFT. Her inclusion of several case studies has been helpful for understanding the application of EFT with different kinds of trauma. Finally, her text is replete with systems thinking that I find invaluable as both a marriage and family therapist and a professor.
Great book
(6 of 6 Found this Helpful)
November 29, 2007
Thia book was a really good tool in creating a stronger relationship with my husband. The case studies in chapter 6 to the end of the book were the most helpful in providing clear guidance. I am recommnending this book to all my friends to strengthen their relationships.
Great book for attachment based therapists
(5 of 6 Found this Helpful)
March 26, 2006
As a doctoral student in marriage and family therapy with an interest in an attachment based approaches to working with traumatized couples, I found this book extremely helpful. Susan Johnson really spells out the theory, and gives powerful examples.
Disapointing and boring
(5 of 7 Found this Helpful)
December 24, 2006
This book adds little to the present litterature on the subject of traum and is written in a boring, academic, removed style. You can get much better informaion about trauma in other works and as for EFT, Dr. Johnson's first book is a gem and just read and reread that.
