Seeking Safety: A Treatment Manual for PTSD and Substance Abuse » (1st Edition)

Lisa M. Najavits, PhD, is Professor of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine; Lecturer, Harvard Medical School; clinical psychologist, VA Boston Healthcare System; and clinical associate, McLean Hospital. Her primary focus is the development and outcome testing of new therapy models for vulnerable populations, especially in the areas of co-occurring disorders, trauma, and addictions. The author of over 135 professional publications, Dr. Najavits is a recipient of the Chaim and Bela Danieli Young Professional Award of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, the Early Career Contribution Award of the Society for Psychotherapy Research, the Emerging Leadership Award of the American Psychological Association's Committee on Women, and the Betty Ford Award of the Association for Medical Education and Research in Substance Abuse.

This manual presents the first empirically studied, integrative treatment approach developed specifically for PTSD and substance abuse. For persons with this prevalent and difficult-to-treat dual diagnosis, the most urgent clinical need is to establish safety--to work toward discontinuing substance use, letting go of dangerous relationships, and gaining control over such extreme symptoms as dissociation and self-harm. The manual is divided into 25 specific units or topics, addressing a range of different cognitive, behavioral, and interpersonal domains. Each topic provides highly practical tools and techniques to engage patients in treatment; teach "safe coping skills" that apply to both disorders; and restore ideals that have been lost, including respect, care, protection, and healing. Structured yet flexible, topics can be conducted in any order and in a range of different formats and settings. The volume is designed for maximum ease of use with a large format, lay-flat binding, and helpful reproducible therapist sheets and handouts.

Doody Review Services

Reviewer:Lavinia L. Myers, MD(Rush University Medical Center)
Description:This interesting book on the treatment of patients with a dual diagnosis of PTSD and substance abuse presents a structured therapy format based on the author's own research.
Purpose:The purpose is to provide a directive, specific treatment modality for patients who suffer from both post-traumatic stress disorder and substance abuse. This is an area about which little is written; specific treatments addressing both problems are few. It attempts to give therapists flexibility in using the materials it provides, with a modular design to its topics. Its objectives are timely and significant for the population with which it deals. The book meets its overall objective.
Audience:Intended for psychotherapists in general, this book provides a step-by-step approach and extensive suggested reading for additional training in specific areas. It will be useful to therapists dealing with patients in a variety of settings, from inpatient to group to individual therapy. The author has done extensive research in this area, and has received numerous awards and grants for her work.
Features:The book includes multiple handouts, intended to be copied and used within the therapy. These are attractive as well as practical. The reference list is thorough and up-to-date, with suggestions for further learning.
Assessment:This is an excellent book for psychotherapists treating patients with PTSD and substance abuse. It provides a step-by-step guide to structured therapy in an area in which little is written. It helps fill the need for more dual-diagnosis oriented therapy.

Contents
1. Overview
2. Conducting the Treatment Treatment Topics Introduction to Treatment/Case Management Safety PTSD: Taking Back Your Power Detaching from Emotional Pain (Grounding)
When Substances Control You Asking for Help Taking Good Care of Yourself Compassion Red and Green Flags Honesty Recovery Thinking Integrating the Split Self Commitment Creating Meaning Community Resources Setting Boundaries in Relationships Discovery Getting Others to Support Your Recovery Coping with Triggers Respecting Your Time Healthy Relationships Self-Nurturing Healing from Anger Life Choices Game (Review)
Termination