Treating Complex Traumatic Stress Disorders in Adults

“An unparalleled contribution to the existing literature on assessment and intervention with survivors of complex trauma....Courtois and Ford have assembled an impressive volume of empirically informed assessment and treatment approaches that 'honor and support the resilience of trauma survivors as they carry on with their lives and enrich the lives of their families and communities.’”

—Trauma Psychology Newsletter (on the first edition)


“This book is likely to appeal to clinicians who are eager to learn more about the area of complex traumatic stress and novel approaches to treating associated problems. The text is well written and organized, making it easy to follow.”

—Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy (on the first edition)


“Will surely become a classic textbook on complex traumatic stress. This book is appropriate for students, clinicians, and academics alike....The editors and contributors are leaders in the field of trauma and they artfully illustrate the nuances of the disorder as well as subsequent treatment through rich case examples.”

—Clinical Social Work Journal (on the first edition)


“This book is welcome as it pulls together theoretical and clinical approaches to understanding and helping people with difficulties following multiple and prolonged traumatic experiences.”

—Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy (on the first edition)


“Editors Courtois and Ford unite to provide a thorough, stimulating, and current work on treating a very challenging population....This is an important and highly relevant book.”

—Child and Family Behavior Therapy (on the first edition)


“I heartily recommend this book to any psychological therapist or medical practitioner who is called upon to help those whose life experiences have resulted in intransigent mental health issues that may thus far have been diagnosed as a developmental disorder, personality disorder (particularly borderline), or posttraumatic stress disorder.”

—Healthcare Counselling and Psychotherapy Journal (on the first edition)


“A valuable addition….This book will enhance the knowledge and therapeutic toolbox of any practitioner working with clients who have had complex psychological traumas.”

—Addiction Today (on the first edition)


“Bringing together the voices of numerous leaders in the field, this work has become a classic text on CTSDs and should be considered an essential guide for students. Beginning with foundations such as developmental neurobiology and therapeutic best practices, the volume reviews a range of treatments—from cognitive and exposure-based therapies to body-based therapies—developed or adapted for complex trauma. The second edition significantly expands the number of approaches discussed and includes important issues such as treatment of co-occurring substance use disorders. It deftly integrates scientific perspectives with clinical experience and wisdom, including sound evidence-based practice recommendations that cut across treatment models. Well written and packed with information.”

—Elizabeth K. Hopper, PhD, Justice Resource Institute, Brookline, Massachusetts


“Essential reading for practitioners in all disciplines who work with trauma-affected populations. Edited and written by international leaders in the area, the volume provides deep insight into the nature and phenomenology of CTSDs and details an array of expert approaches to intervention. This work—combining the current best science and practice—is an outstanding reference for any clinician working to improve the lives of those experiencing CTSDs.”

—David Forbes, PhD, Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne; Director, Phoenix Australia Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health


“This comprehensive work delves into the assessment and treatment of the wide symptom array associated with developmental trauma. The book provides incredible depth, breadth, and cutting-edge research on CTSDs. This fully revised second edition will be the leading text for years to come. A 'must read' for all clinicians, trainees, and researchers working in the area of complex traumatic stress.”

—Ruth A. Lanius, MD, PhD, Professor and Harris–Woodman Chair in Mind–Body Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Western University, Canada


“Ford and Courtois are among the most knowledgeable authorities in the complex trauma field today. This volume provides a thorough update on the clinical and scientific controversies surrounding CTSDs in adults, as well as the rapidly expanding evidence base. Exciting theoretical and research developments on the neurobiology of the survival brain, complex PTSD, self-regulation, developmental trauma, vicarious trauma, and posttraumatic resilience are highlighted and translated into practical guidelines for culturally responsive clinical practice. I highly recommend this second edition as a valuable resource, both for students learning about complex trauma for the first time and for practitioners who wish to stay up to date on knowledge and treatment approaches.”

—David L. Corwin, MD, Professor and Director of Forensic Services, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine


“The definitive international handbook on CTSDs. This superb book yields wonderful insights into the therapeutic treatment of an important but difficult-to-treat group of patients. Every reader from a health care profession can learn something from it. Experts who have been working in the field of complex trauma for decades are complemented by highly respected scholars on classic PTSD. The case studies and therapy dialogues in the various treatment chapters are highly practical.”

—Andreas Maercker, PhD, MD, Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Switzerland; Chair, ICD-11 working group on trauma-associated disorders