TRANSCENDING TRAUMA: ASSESSMENT, STABILIZATION, AND GROWTH
PRACTITIONER'S RESOURCE SERIES

By:
GARY W. BUFFONE

     A practical guide to assist practitioners in the assessment and treatment of adult trauma survivors. The author begins with a concise overview of the more commonly employed assessment and treatment approaches for traumatic psychological injuries. He then outlines the next, often neglected level of treatment, and offers concrete advice on how the therapist can help the trauma survivor grow from his or her experience in ways that promote a more positive adjustment. Specific recommendations are made for practitioners at both levels of trauma treatment that will guide thinking and future practice in this important area.

REVIEWS

   "Erik Erikson once defined crisis as 'a unique opportunity for growth.' Taking this perspective to heart, Dr. Buffone not only provides the clinician with timely and succinct guidelines for the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of traumatic stress, but continues on to 'the next level' where existential concerns and personal growth are explored with the client. He is to be applauded for describing a holistic and humanistic approach to the therapeutic process which has implications well beyond the scope of this book."
     *R. J. Russac, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, University of North Florida

   "If you think this is yet another attempt to capitalize on 9/11, think again. This work goes much further and deeper than merely assisting traumatized patients to achieve symptom relief. Dr. Buffone goes beyond the usual treatment of trauma work to focus on the paradox that the aftermath of horrific trauma experience is often pregnant with opportunities for trauma survivors to benefit and develop a more meaningful and fulfilling life. [The author provides] a comprehensive review of trauma diagnosis and interventions to assist the clinician in guiding traumatized patients in their search for answers to the most profound of questions: 'Why me?' and 'What now?'"
     *Ron Boddicker, PhD, Director of Behavioral Science, Family Practice Residency Program, St. Vincent's Medical Center