Ruth A. Lanius

This forward-thinking book explores the impact of psychological trauma on the brain's sensory pathways and demonstrates the crucial role sensory-based interventions can play in recovery. Ruth A. Lanius and associates interweave neurobiological research with evocative case examples and narratives from survivors. The book shines a spotlight on the brain–body disconnect that is part of the lived experience of trauma, and traces what happens in all eight sensory systems when an individual is under threat. Featuring "Bridging to Practice" sections in each chapter, the book reveals how working with sensory pathways can engage the whole brain, promote neuroplasticity, and optimize the effectiveness of standard psychotherapies. Illustrations include eight pages in full color.

This forward-thinking book explores the impact of psychological trauma on the brain's sensory pathways and demonstrates the crucial role sensory-based interventions can play in recovery. Ruth A. Lanius and associates interweave neurobiological research with evocative case examples and narratives from survivors. The book shines a spotlight on the brain–body disconnect that is part of the lived experience of trauma, and traces what happens in all eight sensory systems when an individual is under threat. Featuring "Bridging to Practice" sections in each chapter, the book reveals how working with sensory pathways can engage the whole brain, promote neuroplasticity, and optimize the effectiveness of standard psychotherapies. Illustrations include eight pages in full color.

For those who have experienced trauma, life may sometimes feel hopeless, full of feeling too much or too little, and the world can feel like a terrifying and dangerous place. This can be especially true for those hurt by people they loved, trusted, or relied on. To escape the pain, many trauma survivors disconnect from themselves and the world, including in ways that are risky or unsafe. The good news is that survivors can heal, recover from trauma, and grow. The Finding Solid Ground Program Workbook is an invaluable guide through this important, meaningful work, providing a step-by-step approach at a pace designed to feel safe. In this workbook, which can be used independently or in the context of psychotherapy, expert authors guide readers step by step along the path of healing from trauma, and offer specific exercises to practice daily that will help survivors feel safer and develop a grounded, worthy sense of self. This book includes the Information Sheets and Exercises that are the foundation for the Finding Solid Ground program; the companion book for therapists, Finding Solid Ground: Overcoming Obstacles in Trauma Treatment provides the theoretical, clinical, and research rationale for the program. Therapists will find that this program breaks recovery into practical and manageable steps that can be immediately implemented. Participation in the Finding Solid Ground program in the TOP DD Network study was linked with improved ability to manage emotions in healthy ways and reduced dissociation, posttraumatic stress symptoms, and self-injury.

Even seasoned clinicians can struggle when trying to help to highly traumatized and dissociative patients. This book and its accompanying workbook for patients provide an evidence-informed, pragmatic, and compassionate approach to the stabilization and treatment of complex trauma and dissociation. These books will help clinicians immediately begin assessment and treatment with traumatized individuals using a comprehensive therapeutic program that includes session-by-session information sheets and exercises developed through decades of clinical experience, studies, and feedback from individuals living with trauma-related disorders. Finding Solid Ground: Overcoming Obstacles in Trauma Treatment offers guidance on how to use the program in individual and group contexts, expert recommendations for assessing dissociation, and clinical vignettes that focus on how to overcome common challenges in trauma treatment. The companion workbook includes the patient-facing Information Sheets and Exercises that are the foundation of the Finding Solid Ground program. Together, these books present a coherent, comprehensive approach to trauma treatment that rests upon a clearly articulated understanding of the neurobiological impacts of trauma. Clinicians of all levels of experience will find these books inspiring, informative, and accessible.