Trauma Recovery And Empowerment

This one-of-a-kind guide serves as a rich and essential resource for mental health professionals working with women whose lives have been shattered by the trauma of sexual, physical, or emotional abuse. The principles set forth are based on Maxine Harris's groundbreaking work with some of the most symptomatic trauma survivors, including women who have been incarcerated or institutionalized, and those with histories of drug addiction, serious mental illness, and/or homelessness.The detailed treatment presented in Trauma Recovery and Empowerment is based on the author's conviction that symptomatic behavior often begins as a survivor's response to overwhelming trauma.

Part One of the intervention focuses on empowerment and wellness issues designed to help women overcome feelings of victimization. Women are then better able to tackle the topics in parts Two and Three of the manual on emotional, sexual, and physical abuse and the far-reaching impact such trauma has on their relationships, emotional stability, and careers.

Leaders are guided through the intervention with specific discussion questions, a sampling of typical responses, and experimental exercise for each topic. The manual concludes with step-by-step procedures for tailoring the intervention to specific populations.