Deepening Trauma Practice: A Gestalt Approach to Ecology and Ethics

This book explores how therapists can work with individuals affected by trauma to develop therapeutic relationships, focusing on how trauma is embedded in our fragmented world, the relational space in the therapy session, and the Gestalt premise that the complex and interconnected network of relationships is greater than the sum of its parts. It also examines how healing requires reconnection in equally multiple layers and argues for an ecological perspective on healing.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 16 August 2021
Publisher: Open University Press

This book is a courageous exploration for therapists seeking a radically ethical practice. It has been praised as a treasured companion in the quest for a transformative therapeutic approach.

In the aftermath of the pandemic, trauma has touched the lives of individuals across the globe, patients and therapists alike. However, author Miriam Taylor sees this as an opportunity for growth and connection. Through her work, she emphasizes that trauma can be a catalyst for becoming better human beings, more capable of understanding and empathizing with others.

Margherita Spagnuolo Lobb, a Psy.D. from the Istituto di Gestalt HCC in Italy, praises the book for its thought-provoking and scholarly nature. She highlights the real-life examples and practical invitations to practices that make it an invaluable resource for therapists.

Kim S. Golding, a Clinical Psychologist and Author from the UK, commends the book for its comprehensive exploration of trauma. She notes that it goes beyond individualism, delving into the interconnectedness of our fragmented world, the relational space within the therapy session, and the Gestalt premise that the complex web of relationships is greater than the sum of its parts.

Deepening Trauma Practice offers a comprehensive overview of collective and intergenerational trauma, shedding light on how these echoes shape the work in the consulting room. It redefines relational therapy, emphasizing the importance of the therapist's self-hood and the ethics of self-care as key interventions. The book also advocates for an ecological perspective on healing, recognizing the interconnectedness of individuals and the environment in the healing process.

Through clinical vignettes and reflection points, the book weaves together its major themes with the metaphor of the Trickster. This metaphor serves as a guide for therapists, encouraging them to embrace complexity, playfulness, and a sense of humor in their work.

This book is a valuable companion for therapists who are committed to working with individuals affected by trauma in a deeply ethical and transformative way. It provides a wealth of knowledge, practical insights, and inspiring stories that will deepen their understanding and practice of trauma therapy.

Weight: 346g
Dimension: 153 x 228 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780335249770