This book is part of the ongoing collection, "the
series in trauma and loss," with consulting editors
Charles Figley and Therese Rando. In introducing this volume the
editors remind us, "Trauma and grief therapy is faced with
the responsibility of responding to new challenges in the treatment
of traumatized persons. Understanding grief and trauma theory
and treatment well, and taking care of one's own trauma, is now
a responsibility of all psychotherapists."
In the foreword we are reminded of the world view change that
accompanied 9/11. While that redefined most everything, it is
also a strong spotlight on what trauma has always meant for its
victims. "Over and over, the theme that emerged from discussions
with those who survived - particularly those who knew victims
killed in the attack - was an extraordinary shift in worldviews.
Whether we speak here of the horrors with The World Trade Center
buildings or a recently captured newspaper photo of a grandmother
clutching her dead granddaughter on the front steps of her house
after being gunned down by a stray bullet in a gang war, trauma
changes everything, at least for a time, and victims need the
space of that journey and informed caregivers to accompany them.
"I never thought it could happen to me." The assumptions
of our world and our selves are changed by trauma. This book is
that story.
