Hi V, I finished that book last week and wanted it to sink in a bit. I have ordered body keeps score as the next book.
I agree with you that much of what was written seams to be less quantitative and more observation / extrapolation. Nonetheless, from my own experiences with W and with a few other folks in my life, there is plenty of the material that matches head on.
Other things, not so much. I guess what I am saying is looks to be a good starting point if you were to be looking for information to get started on. Actual treatment or support advice, not so sure. First thing, it doesn't say a word on advice getting started once the spouse begins to WANT to start treatment. Here in DB land, it is a given, that there is no motivation from the LBS for that will help start the process...they have to Want to do it and can't start for someone else. The book assumes that your spouse has basically already chosen to take this path towards healing.
BTW, I think you are dead on with the PTSD treatment being not a great place to start for treatment strategies for someone who has been hurt decades before and this is just starting to unravel the façade that has been worn all of these years. For that there are not a ton of treatments that I have read are all that affective. I have read EMdR has a little better success, but I think ultimately it is the desire and (of course) resiliency of the 'thriver' (I REALLY LIKE THAT TERM V - THANK YOU) to actually heal that will determine success or failure. but first they need to accept and be willing to move forward with that acceptance...something I know I have not seen from wife or her sister in all of the last 25 years I've known them. Hell, neither one has been the slightest bit open or honest about their past at all over the years...to the point of frustration and confusion for me on what actually took place, what could be trigger, what situations are problematic, etc.
my SIL husband actually lives in another city right now from her and their kids. Wife of course blames HIM for ALL of it, but I know there are problems on both sides of that curtain, his childhood and hers. just another example of the lack of openness and willingness from the start...that will destroy that marriage too (well pretty much has).
Have to get back to work, but I wanted to share that I did finish that one and am going to start the next one this weekend.
