Seeking Safety: A Treatment Manual for PTSD and Substance Abuse 
asked by nutshell on November 3, 2006 4:19 PM
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.
Reviews
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This book, intended for therapists, is a comprehensive, compassionate, and accessible guide to what Najavits establishes is the first crucial step for someone struggling with PTSD and substance abuse: learning to feel safe. It is also an excellent resource for patients who want to help themselves. What I like best is that the book is filled with checklists, stories, exercises, and quotations such that I can open to nearly any page and find ideas that are both practical and inspirational. In short, this is a great book.
reviewed by anexpert on November 5, 2006 6:12 PM
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Thank you for writing such a great book. I have suffered from addictions for years, tried many books and many methods. Working with a group or individual is one thing, but for me, nothing helps more than a book. It's on call twenty four hours a day and I can easily reference it. As far as books go...this one is by far the best. The most comprehensive and in-depth book I've read so far. It provided tremendous support and guidance on issues that often result in isolation. Most of all, it didn't talk down to me as a reader. That's something I don't need! Thank you for making this book available and writing it in such a helpful way.
reviewed by ibook on November 27, 2006 3:12 AM
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I can see why this book got such rave reviews and is such a best-seller. It's a superb book, offering both real insight into trauma and addiction, as well as hands-on clinical tools. As someone in the field, I have found both the philosophical and practical aspects of Najavits' work incomparable. On top of the impeccable professionalism, is her impressive writing. This is a must buy for anyone interested in this area.
reviewed by jdog on November 28, 2006 4:33 AM
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This is the best treatment manual I have ever read. It is inspiring, hopeful, carefully constructed, and has exceptional clinical sensitivity for clients. So many books in psychology are written in a dry, academic style, and lack real awareness of clients. This book is a rare and notable exception.
reviewed by mattisboss on November 29, 2006 1:50 PM
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I have 35 years clinical experience in this field, and frankly found this book to be a disappointment. Would not recommend this book.
reviewed by macfan on November 29, 2006 2:01 PM