Traumatic events strike unexpectedly and turn everyday experiences upside down. Frequently, people suffering such trauma cannot shake the experience and develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Psychological debriefing (PD) is a widely practised process used as an intervention for treating people who have been exposed to trauma. It allows people who have been exposed to trauma to re-examine the traumatic event in a safe and controlled environment, and reduces the risks of developing PTSD.This book is a practical introduction to PTSD and psychological debriefing, and offers an enhanced model of PD which the author terms Emotional Decompression'. Structured like a deep-sea dive, which has to include carefully planned safety stops on the way back to the surface to avoid getting the bends', this model provides time frames for how long to spend at various stages of the PD process, and when to stop for discussions and explanations. The focus is on aiding recovery from this invisible injury' over carefully structured time. The book presents a range of recovery models, from the simple' models developed by Williams and Horowitz to the more complex Snakes and Ladders' model developed by the author. Appendices include an essay by one of the world's leading exponents of psychological debriefing, Atle Dyregrov, as well as case studies of debriefs completed by the author, including that of a survivor of the July 7th bombings in London.A Guide to Psychological Debriefing is an essential book for health practitioners, counsellors, psychologists and professionals working with clients suffering from PTSD, as well as students.
Introduction.; 1. Introduction to PSTD and Traumatic Events.; 2. Introduction to Debriefing.; 3. Emotional Decompression.; 4. Introduction to Defusing.; 5. Recovery from PTSD.; 6. Training.; Appendices.; References.; Subject index.; Author index.
PTSD occurs when traumatic events strike unexpectedly and turn everyday experiences upside down. The need to try and make sense of what has happened especially when survival has been threatened is very important for a good recovery. The book examines in well defined chapters the basis of PTSD and looks beyond - at the treatment processes particulary Psychological Debriefing, what Emotional Decompression actually is, and the process of Defusing. The last two chapters cover recovery from PTSD and Training for Debriefers.
