"This psychoanalytic synthesis of clinical expertise and conceptual reach goes beyond time-honored formulations, communicating a timeless but previously untapped reservoir of coherent wisdom. Its originality and unique emphasis on resiliency to trauma are embedded in the historical seedlings of psychoanalysis. Trauma and Countertrauma, Resilience and Counterresilience lingers within you long after you read it and place it lovingly on your desk, available for return engagements. Individual chapters are breathtaking tributes to Richard Gartner's widely celebrated ability to mutually engage, recognize, and expand the mind and soul of "self" and "other." Discover this groundbreaking contribution for yourself."
-Philip Bromberg, Ph.D., Author, The Shadow of the Tsunami.
"This important book presents an impressive array of compassionate insight on the complexities of trauma therapists’ countertransference to their patients―both countertraumatic and counterresilient― from some of the foremost leaders in the field. The work we do with trauma survivors deeply affects who we are and how we function, both in and outside the office. All mental health professionals who work with trauma survivors could benefit from having this volume with the combined wisdom of such diverse master clinicians on hand. Offering guidance and remedies, this excellent in-depth compilation should make a valuable impact on training as well as potentially lead to more successful therapy outcomes."
-Joan M. Cook, Ph.D.,Yale School of Medicine, 2016 President, Division of Trauma Psychology (56) of the American Psychological Association.
"Richard Gartner’s book of essays by trauma practitioners is an important contribution to the realities of working with the psychologically traumatized. With different voices and experiences, the contributors sing together in tune and with harmony about the challenges of this work and ways of thriving and rejoicing."
-Charles R. Figley, Ph.D., Tulane University Distinguished Chair and Professor of Disaster Mental Health, New Orleans, LA, USA.
"Trauma and Countertrauma, Resilience and Counterresilience moves our understanding of vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue to the next level. Richard Gartner has assembled outstanding senior clinicians to write about their experiences dealing repeatedly with horrifically traumatized clients. This book is powerful, a must read for both new and experienced clinicians, reminding us of the potential toll on therapists and individuals, and ways to counter it. This is not an academic exercise, but an important reflection by key authors of their own experiences, inspiring us to explore our reactions and feelings as we work with clients. I appreciate the risk these authors take exposing their reactions, and their suggestions in dealing with these issues."
-Robert Geffner, Ph.D., ABPP, ABN, Founding President, Institute on Violence, Abuse & Trauma, San Diego, CA
"Gartner’s book is a comprehensive, rich, and varied collection of essays by seasoned trauma therapists. They contain forthright and honest explorations and perspectives on the authors’ diverse experiences with countertrauma and counterresilience when working with those suffering from trauma. These experts describe their walk with their clients through a murky but also exhilarating healing pathway, as well as the challenging responses within themselves that they must recognize and manage. Countertransference and vicarious traumatization take on new perspectives with Gartner’s concepts of countertrauma and counterresilience, which closely examine the interactional relationship between providers and clients. This book also critiques concepts of betrayal trauma by colleagues and institutions and the wisdom learned from such heartbreaking experiences. It is an immense contribution and a must for all those working within a therapeutic community -- clinicians, supervisors, and organizations. And it is not just for those in the field of complex trauma!"
-Frances S. Waters, DCSW, author of Healing the Fractured Child: Diagnosis and Treatment of Youth with Dissociation, and past President, International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD).
"In all, this is a powerful and important book. (...) it has a lot to offer anyone interested in the field of trauma work."
- Paul Brand, psychodynamic counsellor and trainer in Hampshire and West Sussex
"Gartner is a leader in bringing attention to the suffering of men who were sexually abused as boys and in describing their treatment (Gartner 1999a, 1999b). In this new book he has expanded his focus to the relations between men, women, and their therapists working with trauma of all sorts. "
-Daniel Gensler, PhD, William Alanson White Institute, New York, NY , The American Journal of Psychoanalysis