Rebuilding Shattered Lives: Treating Complex PTSD and Dissociative Disorders

In the past there have been experts who believed tht catharsis was proper -- it drove people over the edge.One expert in the past wrote that children who grew into adults with MPD/DID had created the alters with their imagination and could then un-imagine them. How did that expert develop, as a child, his singular personality, wasn't it using his imaginaton? That's how children develop.Children use play and imagination to create their grasp on reality. The development of alter personalities is what a normal child does when presented with a horrendous, sexually abusive early childhood. It is normal. For an adult it is disfunctional and help is needed to develop coping skills for dealing with an adult reality.This book presents a much more balanced approach. Fusion is not the answer. MPD/DID could almst be likened to a family all living in one body: which auntie will you murder first? Eliminating alters will be viewed as murder. It is internal awareness and cooperation that will allow the person to function as an adult inspite of the abuse that caused a shatttered personality.

I paid the for a new copy of this book. The prints looks new but the back cover has very obvious wear and tear. I don't know why such should have been shipped as new in the first place. I would have given it a 5 if not for the book cover.

This book is not simply for therapists. For those who have suffered severe trauma in childhood and who have been diagnosed with Complex PTSD and dissociative disorders in later years, this work can help them understand their complicated and often frightening world. Among other themes, it allows patients to gain an insight into the often challenging therapeutic relationship which must be established and maintained in order to heal, as well as the three main stages of treatment. Chapter 8 was especially useful, with hands-on strategies for controlling posttraumatic and dissociative symptoms. Although some may find the language and concepts demanding at times, I would still thoroughly recommend it.

While I am not a professional therapist, as a minister I meet many people whose lives have been horribly harmed by unspeakable childhood physical and sexual abuse. Dr. Chu's book is the best I have read on this subject. In additional to explaining the psychological theories of how this kind of trauma wounds people and disables their ability to sustain relationships, he includes very practical suggestions for helping survivors that are dealing with disassociative symptoms including flashbacks and nightmares. I am on my second reading and taking notes this time.

This book should be required reading for anyone working with traumatized clients. No matter your level of experience, you will learn something new and useful from this book. I have read a lot in this area, and this is above and beyond. It was recommended in an online course for diagnosing and treating dissociative disorders as absolutely essential. If you can only afford one, this is the one.

This book has helped me through solving, or helping to, solve problems for a loved one.

What a treat to get a headlines review of the research as well as some valuable tips for working with survivors, and in such a readable form. Dr. Chu has gifted us all by passing along his 30+ years of experience.

I found this book to be well written and informative. The clinical vignettes were very helpful in elucidating teaching points. I would recommend this for anyone, either clinician or patient who was interested in learning more about dissociative disorders.

Great so far, arrived on time, well packaged. Interesting read

Love the book content and writing style. Unfortunately the print job was incomplete. The subject index only goes up to "M" at medications. To me the subject index is one of the most important parts of a reference book. Disappointed.. Will exchange.Update: was sent a replacement the next day, which was recieved in excellent and complete condition! Thank you – 5 stars.

This author is not afraid of plunging the depths. He addresses tough issues in both the diagnosis and treatment of long term trauma. He does not lose sight of the fact that trauma means suffering.