By Elizabeth G. Vermilyea, M.A.

Training is available for agencies or individuals who wish to learn to most effectively use this resource in their work.

Growing Beyond Survival is a self-management workbook, which teaches skills that empower survivors to take control of and de-escalate their most distressing trauma related symptoms. Developed with input from survivor advocates in Maine, New York, and Maryland, and with the support of the Departments of Mental Health in the states of Maine and New York, this self-help toolkit is both comprehensive and flexible.

This versatile workbook can be used as an independent self-help program, in the context of individual therapy, or in a group setting. It teaches trauma survivors to recognize, contextualize, and understand distressing dissociative and posttraumatic reactions. It also creates a structure in which to learn and practice skills for self-regulation of the troublesome thoughts, feelings, and impulses related to traumatic experiences.

Rather than simply offering "band aid"-type crisis intervention, this self-paced program empowers survivors with an understanding of where the symptoms come from and why. By learning a variety of interventions, skills, and techniques, survivors are able to select and make use of different "tools" for different self-regulation purposes. 

Who Will Benefit from Growing Beyond Survival?

• Survivors of recent or past traumatic events
• Victims of natural disasters, accidents, or interpersonal violence
• Adults who were abused as children 
• Mental health personnel who work with trauma survivors

• Psychoeducation group facilitators

By using the tools in this workbook, survivors who suffer from trauma-related symptoms (including poor concentration, sleep disturbances, panic attacks, nightmares, flashbacks, and other physical responses) may be able to find relief. The book also examines the relation between trauma and self-harming behaviors, difficulties with sexuality, and substance abuse.

What the Experts Say About Growing Beyond Survival

"Elizabeth Vermilyea offers trauma survivors a wealth of practical coping strategies in the context of a clinically sound rationale. Growing Beyond Survival integrates concrete techniques for regulating emotions into a systematic approach for enhancing self-awareness. The book's encouraging and supportive tone gives survivors much-needed permission to engage in self-care. Trauma therapists also will find the book a useful resource from which they can glean many tips for helping their clients with self-regulation."

-Jon G. Allen, Ph.D., Helen Malsin Palley Chair in Mental Health Research, The Menninger Clinic
Immediate Past Editor, Bulletin of the Menninger Clinic

"I plan to use Growing Beyond Survival in conjunction with my own therapy. My therapist has also reviewed the book and said it would be an excellent companion in our work together. Although some of these skills are not new to me, I have only seen or heard of them piecemeal. I look forward to using them to aid my healing process. I'd like to thank Elizabeth Vermilyea and Sidran for giving survivors such important tools for healing."

-K.W., Maine

Training Services are available for Growing Beyond Survival.

The Sidran Traumatic Stress Foundation is pleased to offer training for survivors and treatment providers on the specifics of using the tools in this workbook. We would be happy to customize a training program for your organization. Call Elizabeth Vermilyea at 410-825-8888, or write to discuss the range of training options.

About the Author

Growing Beyond Survival was developed in part and extensively field tested at Trauma Disorders Programs at Sheppard Pratt Hospital in Baltimore. The author, Elizabeth Vermilyea, led symptom management groups at Sheppard Pratt for several years. She currently provides training for Sidran Institute on topics related to traumatic stress.

Contents

 

• Identification of Symptoms/Adaptations
• Introduction to Basic Interventions
• The Concept of Self-Regulation
• The Toolbox
  • Grounding
  • Imagery
  • Journal Writing
  • Safety
  • Relaxation
  • Sleep Strategies
• What Does It All Mean?
  • Internal Awareness
  • Boundaries
  • Shame
  • Anger
• Putting It All Together: Self-Regulation of:
  • Thoughts
  • Feelings
  • Impulses
  • Sensory Experiences
  • Glossary of Terms
• Appendices

Format: Paperback
Number of Pages: 208