Book - A Practical Guide to Complex PTSD, Arielle Schwartz (2020)

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A practical guide to Complex PTSD: Compassionate strategies to begin healing from childhood trauma - Arielle Schwartz (2020).

Dr Arielle Schwartz is an experienced psychologist in the field of trauma recovery and has written several books and articles on the topic of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD). 

CPTSD is usually associated with repeated or prolonged traumatic events; Schwartz makes clear from the start that the book is focused on childhood events but there can be other experiences throughout the lifespan which can affect someone’s wellbeing.  From clinical experience, I would say this is helpful as some people may dismiss their trauma if they had a good childhood but experienced repeated traumatic events later in life. It’s written in an understandable, easy to read way and the composite case studies throughout illustrate the use of some coping strategies.

“Your process of making meaning out of trauma is unique to you; nobody else can answer these profound, existential questions in the way you can.” 

Each chapter covers the indicators of CPTSD alongside relevant coping strategies.  This includes dissociation, emotions, avoidance, relational difficulties, self perception and intrusive or unhelpful thoughts.  The strategies are derived from CBT, DBT and somatic experiencing techniques, with introductory chapters discussing CPTSD, attachment and summaries of treatments available for recovery. 

Recommended for:

People who have experienced trauma and their supporters.

This book has such a caring and gentle tone throughout and is primarily written for people who have experienced childhood abuse, trauma and neglect.

The book can provide supporters, family and friends wishing to gain a deeper understanding of the effects of childhood trauma. It may also help them understand strategies for coping and supporting their person who is developing use of these.

Counsellors, psychologists and therapists.

This could be a useful addition within therapy.  I can introduce or use the strategies in therapy and, if appropriate, would recommend the book to clients as a companion to therapy or a resource once therapy ends.  Although it’s written in the style of a self-help type book, Schwartz refers to the therapeutic relationship being a space where some of the strategies can be discussed or used, or with a supportive person in case of anything upsetting arising.

It is also a reminder about the range of evidence-based treatments available to use in therapy that could be helpful, particularly with the spectrum of outcomes that can come from experiencing trauma.  This book emphasises our professional standards to keep up to date with evidence-based treatments that are available.