Restoring Mentalizing in Attachment Relationships: Treating Trauma With Plain Old Therapy

In Restoring Mentalizing in Attachment Relationships: Treating Trauma With
Plain Old Therapy, Jon G. Allen, Ph.D., argues that the incorporation of
mentalizing into attachment theory and research provides a solid foundation for
trauma treatment, and offers therapists and patients a pathway to recovery. In
plain language accessible to clinicians and laypeople alike, Allen describes
trauma in attachment relationships, reviews the literature, and makes a
compelling, evidence-based argument for the efficacy of psychotherapy.
Specifically, the book: Presents a comprehensive view of attachment trauma
across diverse diagnostic conditions, directly linking these to the
psychotherapeutic interventions that work best. Allows therapists from
different theoretical frameworks, by using these best practices, to treat
patients with a wide range of problems and disorders. Situates mindfulness and
mentalizing as central to secure attachment, focusing clinicians' attention on
these most critical dimensions of healing relationships. Provides a thorough
review of the research on attachment, mindfulness, and mentalizing, and
evaluates the effectiveness of the most popular trauma treatments, thereby
equipping clinicians to treat patients across the spectrum of trauma-related
psychiatric disorders. Employs a down-to-earth, conversational writing style
that makes the book accessible to patients and family members as well as to
professionals.

Trauma can be the result of blatant events, such as
violence, abuse, and neglect, or the subtle yet pervasive failure to connect.
Both contribute to developmental psychopathology and cause lasting emotional
pain. "Plain old therapy," according to Allen, is a valuable and proven resource
for addressing trauma and treating patients with complex psychiatric disorders.
This fascinating and eminently useful book should help to restore psychotherapy
to its well-deserved stature.