The forces that develop the self—somatic, emotional, mental, interpersonal, social, and spiritual—must all be considered by therapists in treating any patient. Each article in this important anthology deals in some way with these various elements. The writing is focused on the body-mind connection, exploring the practices and theories of this popular branch of psychology. Topics include the significance of family systems; dealing with trauma and shock in therapy; and the importance of breathing, offering valuable insights for the student and practitioner alike. Contributors include Marianne Bentzen, a trainer in Somatic Developmental Psychology; Peter Bernhardt, a professor of psychology; and Peter A. Levine, author of Waking the Tiger.

In Beyond the Trauma Vortex, Gina Ross proposes a collaboration between the media, trauma researchers, and helping officials in order to break the vicious cycle of trauma and violence. The media, Ross suggests, can use their tremendous influence to promote peace rather than violence and to heal wounded psyches, communities, and nations. Delving first into the destructive nature of the 'trauma vortex' through a variety of individual and historical examples, Ross then offers her insight into an alternate, restorative 'healing vortex.' By focusing on the interrelatedness of personal and collective healing, the author makes a compelling case for why—and how—media professionals can play an influential role in effecting widespread healing for their viewers and for themselves.

Mira Rothenberg pioneered both the clinical distinction and treatment protocol for autistic and severely disturbed children as separate from those for the mentally retarded. Winner of a Woman of the Year award from the New York City Chamber of Commerce and the National Organization for Mentally Ill Children, she eloquently recounts a lifetime of taking on seemingly hopeless cases and bringing these children, through painstaking therapy and love, back into the world. Unflinchingly honest, whether dealing with the raw pain of her patients' lives or with Rothenberg's own complex feelings for them, Children with Emerald Eyes explores the landscape of mental illness while never losing sight of the humanity within each patient.

Healing the wounds of sexual trauma has long been considered by many psychotherapists to be one of the most challenging tasks a person will ever face. The good news, teaches Dr. Peter A. Levine, is that new and more effective tools are emerging. On Sexual Healing, Dr. Levine a pioneer in the field of healing trauma teaches you his innovative series of body-based practices to release the sexual trauma of your past. Join him to learn: What new research reveals about the way we store the energies and memories of distressing events in the body Understanding the signs of sexual trauma How to create a 'container' for your emotions and release them safely - without becoming overwhelmed Gentle exercises to reconnect with your body and recover your ability to experience pleasure and joy Your body has a natural process for healing trauma and restoring resilience in your nervous system. Unfortunately, few of us are taught to identify and allow this process to happen when it arises. Sexual Healing shares the principles and skills you need to restore your sacred inner space and move forward in your life with greater presence, focus, and passion.

Nature's Lessons in Healing Trauma...

Waking the Tiger offers a new and hopeful vision of trauma. It views the human animal as a unique being, endowed with an instinctual capacity. It asks and answers an intriguing question: why are animals in the wild, though threatened routinely, rarely traumatized? By understanding the dynamics that make wild animals virtually immune to traumatic symptoms, the mystery of human trauma is revealed.

Waking the Tiger normalizes the symptoms of trauma and the steps needed to heal them. People are often traumatized by seemingly ordinary experiences. The reader is taken on a guided tour of the subtle, yet powerful impulses that govern our responses to overwhelming life events. To do this, it employs a series of exercises that help us focus on bodily sensations. Through heightened awareness of these sensations trauma can be healed.