A short journey into trauma - Frank Parkinson

This book aims to challenge and change unhelpful attitudes to those who suffer traumatic reactions, to show that they are not signs of weakness or a personality disorder and that there is understanding and help available for those who suffer. It draws on personal and professional experience. The author has worked as a counsellor, practising the psychological debriefing he describes in detail, dealing with many different kinds of traumatic events. He describes theories and methods used for understanding traumatic stress and outlines the history of treatments offered, up to the present. There are also descriptions of the coping strategies used by professionals in the Emergency and Social Services, which are also found in civilian organizations and in society in general. The author describes personal experience, counselling and psychological debriefing.