Understanding Trauma and Dissociation: A Guide for Therapists, Patients and Loved Ones

Understanding Trauma and Dissociation: A Guide for Therapists, Patients and Loved Ones is a groundbreaking guide to unraveling the mysteries of trauma and dissociation and offering real hope for the chance to heal. Dr. Lynn Karjala, a renowned clinical psychologist, provides a comprehensive understanding of the debilitating physical and psychological effects of trauma. Written in clear and accessible language, this book is an invaluable resource for anyone who has experienced the aftereffects of trauma and for therapists who work with them.

Dr. Karjala deftly navigates the reader through the complexities of dissociation, explaining the connections between trauma and its effects. She offers a common language for trauma survivors, their loved ones, and psychotherapists to better understand and communicate with each other about their experiences.

One of the highlights of this book is a detailed guide to the Quintessential Safe Place, a powerful tool for containing traumatic memories and minimizing the terrifying phenomenon of retraumatization by flooding and flashbacks.

Dr. Karjala also sheds light on the “critical voice/protectors,” a complex internal system that can derail treatment and prevent recovery. Her innovative approach employing both conventional and mind-body techniques for trauma treatment makes this book a must-read for anyone interested in helping trauma survivors heal and recover.

Dr. Lynn Mary Karjala is a licensed psychologist in private practice in Roswell, Georgia. In addition to her general practice, she has specialized training and extensive clinical experience in the treatment of trauma in all its forms. She also trains other clinicians in the use of both conventional and innovative approaches to therapy and has given many presentations on these topics in the U.S., the U.K., and Canada. Before going into clinical practice, she was a university professor, teaching graduate and undergraduate courses on child, adolescent, and life-span development and the psychology of death and dying. She lives in Roswell with her husband of 38 years and assorted dogs and cats.