Trauma Resolution and Integration Program

Steven N. Gold, Ph.D., president of the American Psychological Association Division of Trauma Psychology; inaugural editor of the division’s journal, Psychological Trauma; a past president of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation; editor in chief of the APA Handbook of Trauma Psychology; and author of Not Trauma Alone, which presents the approach to individual therapy developed at Trauma Resolution and Integration Program. T he Trauma Resolution and Integration Program is dedicated to helping adults (18 or older) who have experienced traumatic events such as childhood abuse (physical, emotional, or sexual), combat, criminal assault, rape, life threatening accidents, natural disasters (e.g., hurricanes, floods), or political torture to overcome the variety of difficulties that often occur as the result of the trauma. We also specialize in treating dissociation. Difficulties commonly experienced by trauma survivors include • periodic flashbacks or nightmares about the trauma • keeping feelings hidden, having difficulty asserting ourself, emotional numbness • escape into compulsive or addictive behaviors, such as substance abuse, self-injury, eating disorders, sexually compulsive behaviors • problems at work due to sleepless nights, difficulty concentrating, apprehension about leaving the house • feeling fearful, anxious, and guarded most of the time • extremely low self-esteem, craving for acceptance from others • spacing” or blanking out, having difficulty staying focused on the present, extensive forgetting, and significant gaps in memory • difficulty in personal relationships due to irritability, feelings of mistrust, a strong desire to pull away from others, or over- reliance on others About Our Program Trauma Resolution and Integration Program most frequently provides individual psychotherapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) groups. Many of our clients receive both individual and DBT group therapy weekly. When indicated, we also may offer couples and family therapy. Many people who experience the negative psychological impact of trauma may find that their distress and difficulties become worse instead of better if there is an intense focus on trauma too early in therapy. Our main initial objective, therefore, is to help the people we serve to improve the quality of their present-day life. In DBT group, we teach tools needed to cope effectively. In individual therapy, we identify daily living skills our clients may have never learned during their growing up years and help them master these abilities. These resources make it possible to confront past traumatic experiences in a way that is manageable and productive, rather than overwhelming. Services Offered About The Director