Book Review – Life After Trauma: A Workbook for Healing by Dena Rosenbloom, Ph.D. and Mary Beth Williams, Ph.D. (2nd Edition) 2010, The Guilford Press.

It is difficult to find workbooks for trauma survivors that are as well thought out as Life After Trauma by Drs. Rosenbloom and Williams. I usually approach workbooks or curriculums for support groups with some trepidation, fearful that the book will promote the telling of one’s trauma story or engaging in reconciliation with the abuser. Life After Trauma quickly dispelled my fears and I found it to be very sensitive in its approach and development of safety for the trauma survivor.
The workbook is primarily for use by an individual but could easily be adapted for group work. However, the ability to take the book at one’s own pace makes it particularly valuable for someone who may feel a need to move through the book thoughtfully and take breaks as needed. I would recommend that anyone who wishes to work with this book use it an excellent adjunct to individual therapy with a therapist who has specialized training in working with trauma survivors.
I was particularly impressed with the book’s progression from recognizing and coping with triggers to understanding reactions to trauma, ending with strategies on how to develop safe and secure relationships and heal for the long term. There are regular check-ins throughout the workbook that provide breathers and the opportunity for the survivor to assess whether or not she/he is able to move on.
The authors appear to use cognitive behavioral trauma- focused therapy techniques to develop strategies for survivors to use in addressing beliefs about the abuse or traumatic event. A strength based approach assists survivors in understanding how trauma has affected their self esteem and how they can gain value, esteem, power, and intimacy in their lives.
The appendix offers valuable information for trauma survivors on how to choose a doctor or other health practitioner and plan for appointments. It also has an excellent bibliography of books, articles and websites. Suggestions for find a therapist for trauma is also included along with a section on how mental health professionals can use the workbook with a warning to non-trauma specialists to not evoke or examine traumatic memories.
Dena Rosenbloom, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist in Glastonbury, CT and Mary Beth Williams, Ph.D. is an LCSW working in private practice in Warrenton, VA. Dr. Williams is widely published and is an instructor for the Office for Victims of Crime at the U.S. Department of Justice.