Trauma and the Twelve Steps: A Complete Guide For Enhancing Recovery

Criticism of 12-step recovery is nothing new; however, 12-step programs are increasingly getting a bad rap for being too “one size fits all,” or not applicable to individuals struggling with issues beyond the scope of simple alcoholism or addiction, especially issues surrounding traumatic stress. "Trauma and the Twelve Steps: A Complete Guide to Enhancing Recovery" takes the posture that there is nothing wrong with using 12-step recovery principles in treatment or in continuing care with individuals who are affected by trauma-related issues. However, this book also explains how rigid application of 12-step principles can do more harm than good for a traumatized person, and that learning some simple accommodations based on the latest knowledge of traumatic stress can enhance the 12-step recovery experiences for trauma survivors. Written for professionals, sponsors, and those in a position to reach out and help recovering addicts, the user-friendly language in this book will teach you how to unify the traditional knowledge of 12-step recovery with the latest findings on healing trauma. In doing so, you will be able to help others, and maybe even yourself, "work a recovery" program like never before!___________________________________"At last, someone has thoughtfully and intelligently reconciled the practical wisdom of the 12 steps with best practices for posttraumatic stress. In “Trauma and the Twelve Steps,” Jamie Marich tosses aside the rigid orthodoxies that have hampered both fields and delivers - in beautiful, eminently readable English - a coherent treatment approach that is sure to maximize sobriety and healing."-Belleruth Naparstek, Author of Invisible Heroes: Survivors of Trauma and How They Heal; creator of the Health Journeys guided imagery audio series"It's critically important for people in 12 step based-treatment to keep trauma in mind and not re-traumatize people with coercive practices like forced 4th and 5th steps or misguided ideas that addiction has nothing to do with trauma. I support these efforts, promoted in Dr. Marich’s work, to help those whose choice of recovery paths is within the 12-step framework."-Maia Szalavitz, Journalist and best-selling author of Born for Love and The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog

Dr. Jamie Marich has worked in mental health residential treatment, and in chemical dependency treatment as an inpatient, outpatient, and dual diagnosis counselor. Jamie travels the country offering original workshops for counselors and social workers on a regular basis, and she serves as a contributing faculty member for several online universities. Jamie is a Certified EMDR Therapist and Approved Consultant through the EMDR International Association. In 2008, Jamie was the 1st place outstanding poster research winner at the association's international conference, and she was honored with several peer reviewed publications in 2009, 2010, & 2012 on her work with EMDR. Her first major book, "EMDR Made Simple: 4 Approaches For Using EMDR With Every Client" went on the market in September 2011 (Premiere Education & Media). Jamie is also a member of the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress, the International Center for Clinical Excellence, the National Association of Alcohol, Drug, and Addiction Counselors (NAADAC), and the Ohio Counseling Association. Jamie developed a conscious dance practice, "Dancing Mindfulness" (www.dancingmindfulness.com) following extensive training in and exploration of community-based movement resources for healing and wellness. Jamie teaches these classes in her local area and at conferences/retreats. Jamie specializes in addiction treatment (chemical & behavioral), PTSD/issues related to abuse and trauma, peak performance enhancement, dissociative disorders, spiritual issues (including recovery from spiritual abuse), cross-cultural issues, consultation/mentoring, grief/loss, group therapy, and she has a special passion for treating young adults and women. Much of the enthusiasm that Jamie brings to the counseling setting has sprung forth from her own recovery and experiences with the healing process. Jamie has also been praised by clients and colleagues for her ability to use the creative arts, including her first love, music, into the counseling and healing process. A folk musician, Jamie has also recorded several CDs. Her fourth release, "Grace of a Woman" dropped in 2012 (www.cdbaby.com/cd/jamiemarich); this can also be accessed on iTunes. To read more on Jamie, go to www.jamiemarich.com www.drjamiemarich.com www.TraumaTwelve.com www.dancingmindfulness.com