Systemic Treatment of Trauma-Impacted Families

“In this unique and very special book, Shelley A. Riggs and Laura E. Captari provide the definitive systemic guide to working with trauma. The authors build on the foundation of a clearly articulated multisystemic understanding of trauma that is deeply ingrained in relevant research. They draw from the best of evidence-based practice to help the reader learn to shape helpful case formulations and intervene in the context of trauma. Filled with practical advice and evocative illustrative cases, the authors brilliantly bridge evidence-based practice and clinical wisdom. This book should be read by every clinician and therapist in training who works with or plans to work with trauma.” - Jay Lebow, PhD, ABPP, Clinical Professor, The Family Institute at Northwestern University, Evanston, IL

“This text is a timely addition to the literature on systemic and communal healing practices for trauma-impacted individuals and families. It contributes new ways to conceptualize trauma and its impact on others and the reciprocal role played by trauma in its relational and cultural contexts. The authors make explicit how the family system, even intergenerational “ghosts,” can affect the occurrence of trauma and serve to further traumatize or as a healing resource.” - Christine A. Courtois, PhD, ABPP, consultant/trainer in trauma psychology and treatment, Lewes, DE; author, Healing the Incest Wound: Adult Survivors in Therapy; coeditor, Treating Complex Traumatic Stress Disorders; author, It’s Not You, It’s What Happened to You: Complex Trauma and Treatment

“This book provides a much-needed integration of systemic family and couples theory and practice with traumatic stress assessment and treatment. The impact of psychological trauma on family systems, and the vital importance of understanding family systems dynamics, is brought to life with vivid case studies and an illuminating overview of treatment models from both fields. The authors have provided a unique resource for both preprofessional trainees and practicing professionals on how to be both systemic and trauma-informed.” - Julian D. Ford, PhD, ABPP, Professor of Psychiatry and Law, University of Connecticut, Storrs; Past President, International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies; Fellow of The American Psychological Association

Shelley A. Riggs, PhD, LP, is a professor at Sam Houston State University, where she is director of clinical training for the master’s program in clinical psychology. Dr. Riggs also provides therapeutic services and is a clinical trainer. Her research focuses on the roles of family systems, attachment relationships, and trauma in psychological functioning. She has authored numerous scholarly publications and serves on two journal editorial boards. Dr. Riggs is the recipient of several awards for teaching excellence and contributions to the field and is active in the American Psychological Association’s Society for Couple and Family Psychology (Division 43).

Laura E. Captari, PhD, LP, is a staff psychologist and academic researcher at The Albert and Jessie Danielsen Institute at Boston University, and incoming assistant professor in the Counseling, Developmental, and Educational Psychology department at Boston College. She brings a holistic, depth-oriented, and systemic perspective to her roles as a psychotherapist, researcher, supervisor, and teacher. Dr. Captari’s research explores developmental and relational impacts of trauma, disaster, and loss across the lifespan and family system. Her work also explores approaches to address clinicians’ risks for vicarious trauma and build professional longevity. Dr. Captari has authored over 50 professional articles and chapters and serves on multiple editorial boards.

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