Trauma and Dissociation Informed Psychotherapy

Howell elegantly transposes such grief-based work to moments of reparative experiences in attachment, relationality and dissociation that ultimately leads, in her final chapter, to an 'interpersonal intersubjectivity' that promotes 'intrapersonal intersubjectivity.' [The] nuanced clinical case studies adds substantial momentum to the current paradigm change in psychotherapy. A close reading of her trenchant, elegant arguments will benefit many patients and all therapists. [A]n extraordinary contribution to the growing library of contemporary psychotherapy literature and should be considered an essential addition the supplemental studies lists for Medical Neuropsychology and Psychopathology students and practitioners. Clear, well-written, engaging. Valuable for clinicians at all levels.--Lucie Grosvenor, LCSW, Executive Director, Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Study Center Elizabeth Howell writes from her heart, guided by her deeply felt and valued relationships with her patients, clearly cherished as her most important collaborators. Her original thinking shines through as she adds her own views and creatively spells out and interprets the work of both psychoanalytic thinkers and traumatologists, an integrative feat few writers have achieved. Sit down with Elizabeth, as I have, and enjoy her company. You will be delighted!--Richard A. Chefetz, M.D., Private Practice of Psychiatry, Washington, D.C. Elizabeth Howell's new book provides a masterful synthesis of the vital revolution in trauma theory and practice over the last 25 years. In this illuminating, indispensable guide, she weaves together the powerful insights of multiple disciplines with those of her own personal transformation as a relational trauma therapist. Dedicated to exploring the painful and complex reality of her subject, Howell's book is an invaluable guide to the newly hopeful field of trauma therapy.--Jessica Benjamin, Psychoanalyst and author of The Bonds of Love and Beyond Doer and Done To Howell's distinctive blend of trauma-informed clinical compassion, academic and analytic questioning reaches a new peak here. She exposes the trauma caused by Freud's creation of the Oedipus complex and the damage of one-person psychology. At the same time she offers hope through comprehensive non-dissociative theorizing, backed as always by solid clinical evidence. Gently, authentically, and relationally argued this is a powerful seminal bombshell of a book--albeit an elegant one.--Valerie Sinason, PhD, British psychoanalyst and author