Perspectives on Loss and Trauma

Assaults on the Self

Written by a key founder in the field of loss and trauma, this book takes a broad perspective. It reviews theory and research on a sampling of loss and trauma phenomena that include losses due to the death of close others, divorce and dissolution, losses due to disease processes and injuries, losses due to unemployment and homelessness, war and violence, and the Holocaust and genocide. The book also discusses relevant therapy approaches and emphasizes a story-telling approach to coping with major loss. Focusing on many of the most challenging types of human loss and trauma, the book contains scores of stories of people confronting stress and of the courage displayed by so many in the face of profound loss in their personal lives.