It is well recognized that those who go through a major trauma can go on to experience psychological problems. Many seek psychological help and there is a now a range of psychotherapies specifically for those who have been through trauma.

In this authoritative book John Marzillier describes and reviews the various forms of trauma therapy, examining what the therapies consist of, their research basis, their similarities and differences, and what they tell us about trauma and its effects. Designed specifically for therapists, and engagingly written, the book ranges from established therapies such as prolonged exposure, EMDR and imaginal reliving to newer developments such as mindfulness meditation, compassionate-focused therapy and energy psychology techniques. Aware that therapy is more than a collection of techniques, Marzillier discusses the nature of psychological trauma, the therapeutic relationship and what psychotherapy can offer. The domination of a quasi-medical model, notably in terms of PTSD, and of evidence-based psychotherapy has led to a misleadingly simplistic notion that effective trauma therapies are those based exposure. This book does much to dispel this notion.

For all psychotherapists and counsellors, this is a valuable book describing the many and varied trauma therapies. It shows how therapists of all persuasions can benefit from further understanding of how best to help those who have been through a major trauma.

About the Author:
John Marzillier, Clinical Psychologist,

John Marzillier is a clinical psychologist and writer living in Oxford. He has a MA in Psychology & Philosophy for the University of Oxford, a MSc (Clinical Psychology) and a PhD (Psychology) from the University of London, and an MA in Creative Writing from Bath Spa University College. He had a long career as an academic clinical psychologist and as a psychotherapist, having been trained in behavioural, cognitive and psychodynamic therapies. He has written extensively about psychology and psychotherapy. In 2010 he published The Gossamer Thread. My Life as a Psychotherapist, which was short-listed for the Mind Book of the Year. In 2012 he published To Hell and Back. Personal Experiences of Trauma and How We Recover and Move On, based on his interviews with trauma sufferers. John has worked extensively in the trauma field as a therapist, as an expert in medico-legal work, and for the Thames Valley Police as their staff psychologist.