Treating Survivors of Childhood Abuse and Interpersonal Trauma

“Wonderfully written, with quotes to reflect upon for each chapter, the book provides handouts, case scenarios, and explanations and summaries for the goals and skills developed per chapter section. It is a practice guide for anyone working with any type and any level of survivorship from trauma….This book meets the need of any audience who wants to be an agent of change in thought, word, and action for those who have somehow survived the very worst that life experiences could offer….Materials and descriptions provide step-by-step directives to reduce the potential for child trauma creating maladaptive adults with repetitive trauma-driven behaviors. Don't miss the chapters on resource loss, changing relationship patterns, and the resource of hope. The entire book is of benefit, but these chapters are amazing and substantive.”

—Doody's Review Service


“The book presents a solid theoretical foundation on which the authors have built a detailed plan of action to guide the therapist and, perhaps just as important, inform the client....The treatment sequence itself is brilliantly conceived.”

—PsycCRITIQUES (on the first edition)


“This is a wonderful book….Though trauma work is difficult, this book provides a coherent rationale and treatment program.”

—Doody's Electronic Review (on the first edition)


“The second edition of this amazing resource builds on and expands the first edition. It conveys a deep understanding of survivors of abuse and presents a treatment model that flexibly addresses their varied needs. The book contains practical discussion and application and includes a wealth of handouts. STAIR Narrative Therapy fulfills the criteria for an evidence-based treatment, as it is built on theory, research findings, clinical observation, and client preferences. STAIR is a fitting acronym—the book presents a set of skills in a developmental and progressive sequence, one step at a time.”

—Christine A. Courtois, PhD, ABPP, private practice (retired), Washington, DC; consultant and trainer, trauma psychology and treatment, Bethany Beach, Delaware


“Cloitre and colleagues have done a fabulous job updating and expanding their book on STAIR Narrative Therapy for childhood abuse and chronic interpersonal trauma. STAIR is now strongly supported by the authors' own research, as well as being grounded in the broader trauma research literature. The book offers a carefully delineated description of this brief yet comprehensive treatment. The step-by-step explanations and numerous downloadable handouts make this book an excellent learning tool for beginning therapists—it also has plenty to offer seasoned therapists. Highly recommended.”

—Catherine C. Classen, PhD, Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco


“The authors' theoretical and clinical model of early trauma and adversity leading to an interrupted life is a very helpful perspective to understand this important clinical group. This book provides a detailed treatment manual on how to conduct STAIR Narrative Therapy. Therapists will hugely benefit from the many case examples, handouts, and step-by-step instructions. A new chapter in the second edition describes adaptations of STAIR for specific populations and settings, showing that the authors constantly work on refining and developing their evidence-based approach.”

—Thomas Ehring, PhD, Department of Psychology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Germany


“This second edition leaves no stone unturned. It is an invaluable resource for both experienced clinicians and the next generation of therapists, who will gain a precise and systematic method for helping their clients with childhood trauma. This book uncovers the troubling complexities of trauma while presenting a promising path forward through STAIR Narrative Therapy.”

—David M. Greenberg, PhD, Zuckerman Postdoctoral Scholar, Bar-Ilan University, Israel; Visiting Researcher, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom