Must Read

If you want concise and comprehensive information concerning PTSD this is a must read. It is well written, clear, and provides a great review of the current literaure regarding treatments for PTSD. Highly recommended.

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A humane and rational book for clinicians

This is an excellent review of all the major modalities of treatment for PTSD, including some that have wide use with traditional or anecdotal support but little or no adequate scientific research, such as psychodynamic, hypnosis, and art therapies. New, relatively un-researched approaches such as EMDR are indeed included, as well as the 'gold standards' of CBT and medications.

Since the format emphasizes research-based discussions of each treatment's strengths, weaknesses, proper applications, cautions, etc., obviously the well-established, well-researched strategies get more space. In every case, the chapter authors are fair, practical, open-minded, and thorough, with none of the snide or patronizing attitude too often present in books that review a broad array of customary and alternative assessments or treatments.

I came away deeply impressed by the concern and compassion all of these clinician-researchers have for their patients, and their expressed awareness that the needs of the person being treated, not the diagnosis - and not scientific purity - must always be the priority. They also show attentiveness to the needs and difficulties facing clinicians. All this in a book that is scientifically and technically very sound, written in a clear, intelligent prose.

Good stuff.

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A good introduction

As the field of psychological trauma treatment matures, this book fills a need to provide a broad overview of where it is. It might be argued that the editors' investment in one of the therapies discussed in the book (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) colors their presentation and leads to the neglect of other therapies, both established (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing and promising (Cognitive Therapy), this is not a major flaw as the individual chapters are written by individuals with some knowledge of their subject areas. Nonetheless, given the ongoing research being conducted on treating PTSD, researchers should bear in mind that this book will likely need revisions within the next year or two to be truly accurate.

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