Mindfulness-Oriented Interventions for Trauma: Integrating Contemplative Practices

Grounded in research and accumulated clinical wisdom, this book describes a range of ways to integrate mindfulness and other contemplative practices into clinical work with trauma survivors. The volume showcases treatment approaches that can be tailored to this population's needs, such as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), and mindful self-compassion (MSC), among others. Featuring vivid case material, the book explores which elements of contemplative traditions support recovery and how to apply them safely. Neurobiological foundations of mindfulness-oriented work are examined. Treatment applications are illustrated for specific trauma populations, such as clients with chronic pain, military veterans, and children and adolescents.

Victoria M. Follette, PhD, is Foundation Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Nevada, Reno. Her work has focused on treating complex trauma using acceptance and commitment therapy. A Fellow and past president of the Western Psychological Association, Dr. Follette is coeditor of Mindfulness and Acceptance: Expanding the Cognitive-Behavioral Tradition.

John Briere, PhD, is Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California (USC); Director of the USC Adolescent Trauma Training Center of the National Child Traumatic Stress Network; and Remote Program Faculty at the Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy. Past president of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS), Dr. Briere is a recipient of the Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Science of Trauma Psychology from Division 56 of the American Psychological Association and the Robert S. Laufer Memorial Award for Scientific Achievement from ISTSS, among other honors. At USC, he teaches and consults in the burn center and in the inpatient psychiatry and emergency services. He lectures internationally on trauma, therapy, and mindfulness.

Deborah Rozelle, PsyD, is a certified therapist and Approved Consultant in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. She trains and consults widely on psychological trauma, trauma therapy, and their relation to contemplative practice. Dr. Rozelle is on the faculties of the Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and the Nalanda Institute for Contemplative Science in New York City. She is a long-time practicing Buddhist and has a clinical practice in Lexington, Massachusetts.

James W. Hopper, PhD, is Clinical Instructor in Psychology in the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. His work as a consultant, clinician, and researcher has focused on the effects of child abuse and sexual assault, the nature of traumatic memories, the psychology and biology of trauma, and the brain bases of meditation and other spiritual practices. Dr. Hopper trains and consults with a wide range of organizations and professionals.

David I. Rome is a teacher, writer, and editor focusing on applications of contemplative methods in personal and social change. He has directed the development of the Garrison Institute’s Transforming Trauma initiative as well as programs applying contemplative methods in K-12 education and environmental change work. Mr. Rome is the developer of mindful focusing, a contemplative technique integrating Focusing and Buddhist mindfulness-awareness practices, and is a senior trainer with the Focusing Institute and Shambhala International.