Working with Complexity in PTSD

This accessible, evidence-based book provides readers with a practical framework to understand, formulate, and treat PTSD using the cognitive model while creatively adapting for complexity.

Dr Hannah Murray is a Research Clinical Psychologist based at the Oxford Centre for Anxiety Disorders and Trauma, University of Oxford. She works clinically and in research to develop, test and disseminate treatments for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, particularly Cognitive Therapy for PTSD. Dr Sharif El-Leithy is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist specialising in psychological reactions to life-threatening traumas. He has over 20 years of experience in using cognitive-behavioural therapy to treat PTSD arising from complex traumatic experiences, including victims of war, torture, and domestic and childhood abuse.

Foreword: Dr Nick Grey; Part 1: Foundations; 1: Understanding PTSD and complexity; 2: Cognitive Therapy for PTSD; 3: Assessment and formulation; Part 2: Complexity in memory work; 4: Over-activation of trauma memories; 5: Under-activation of trauma memories; 6: Dissociation; 7: Multiple trauma memories; 8: Gaps in trauma memories; 9: Recovered memories; 10: Constructed memories; 11: Psychosis-related PTSD; Part 3: Complexity in cognitive work; 12: Strongly-held or longstanding beliefs; 13: Self-attacking beliefs and emotions; 14: The head-heart gap; 15: Loss; 16: Moral injury; Part 4: Complexity in coping strategies; 17: Drugs and alcohol; 18: Reckless behaviour; 19: Avoidance; Part 5: Comorbidity; 20: Psychological comorbidity; 21: Physical comorbidity; 22: Social comorbidity; 23: Risk; Part 6: Complexities for the therapist; 24: The therapeutic relationship; 25: Diversity; 26: Looking after yourself; References