Understanding trauma is central in this book, for both a practical and theoretical challenge from a relational psychoanalytical perspective, with the view that childhood trauma of a patient is a dual narration along with the developmental processes as a factor creating resilient qualities. The theoretical material is presented in close conjunction with clinical data in the form of vignettes and case studies to illustrate the key points. Presentation of vignettes and case studies focuses on the multidimensional approach examining the contributions of psychoanalysis, emphasizing the act of dissociation (healthy and unhealthy). Specific attention is given to the internalization of the m/other/object as the âlistening otherâ, and the dissociated part/s that may result in an over idealized yet feared object. The final discussion focuses on how patients in therapy become able to transform fears into âpsychic spaceâ and breaking away from vulnerability, by developing a better âsense of selfâ, as the result of having the therapists as the âlistening otherâ. The central theory of psychoanalysis as a form of treatment that enhances resilience in relation in working with patient experienced trauma considered, by the mean of assessing relationship change in transference as an objective method of determining patience psychical alteration. "Dr Alayarian’s work on dissociation is an important contribution to research rooted in the psychoanalytic tradition. Like Winnicott (1986) who discussed the splitting of the self as an achievement of personal growth in some circumstances, she sees healthy dissociation as a skill of survival for the traumatized. The research is the fruition of therapy with children and adults over decades and is valuable for those working with the increasing scope of trauma both in the NHS and private practice."
- Lennox K. Thomas, Consultant Psychotherapist, British Association of Psychotherapists; Fellow , UKCP Contents:
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
FOREWORD—John Denford
PREFACE—Valerie Sinason
AUTHOR’S PREFACE
INTRODUCTION
PART I: LITERATURE REVIEW
1) Introduction to literature review
2) Methodology
3) Psychological trauma
4) Literature and post traumatic stress disorder
5) Resilience
6) Dissociation
7) A non-clinical encounter
PART II: CASE STUDIES
8) Introduction to case studies
9) Case one: Farina
10) Case two: Daniel
11) Discussion and results
12) Conclusion
REFERENCES
INDEX
Aida Alayarian is a Chartered Clinical Psychologist based in London. |
