Outsmarting the Riptide of Domestic Violence

Outsmarting the Riptide of Domestic Violence: Metaphor and Mindfulness for Change by Dr. Pat Pernicano translates issues central to domestic violence recovery into metaphorical stories and mindfulness narratives that will facilitate the change process. The stories are intended to be use in conjunction with trauma-focused interventions in order to reduce troubling symptoms, address risk and relapse-potential, change relational patterns, and remediate attachment deficits

Pat Pernicano, PsyD, is a licensed psychologist, has been director of clinical services at Providence House for Children since 2007 as well as associate clinical faculty at Spalding University since 1996. Pernicano develops, implements, and supervises treatment interventions for trauma resolution in children, adults, and families. She is the author of Metaphorical Stories for Child Therapy: Of Magic and Miracles and Family Focused Trauma-Intervention: Using Metaphor and Play with Victims of Abuse and Neglect (both Jason Aronson, 2010).

Contents Preface Acknowledgments Introduction Part I: Stories for Pre-Contemplation Chapter 1: Investing in Others: Relationships Chapter 2: Weighing the Risks and Benefits of Change Chapter 3: Tuning In: Parent-Child Interaction Chapter 4: Repeated Exposure to Domestic Violence Chapter 5: Self-Destructive Behavior Chapter 6: Confronting Entitlement Part II: Stories for Contemplation Chapter 7: Peeling away Defenses Chapter 8: Safety for Self and Others Chapter 9: The Blame Game Chapter 10: Self-Protection Chapter 11: Thinking and Planning in Relationships Chapter 12: Relationship Roles Chapter 13: The Cycle of Abuse Chapter 14: Beyond Sex to Intimacy Part III: Stories for Preparation Chapter 15: The Powerful Pull of the Past Chapter 16: Having the Right Tools: Survival Skills Chapter 17: Facing Your Own Monsters Chapter 18: Identifying and Expressing Feelings Chapter 19: Change Takes Time Chapter 20: Codependency Chapter 21: What Comes Next? Planning Ahead Chapter 22: Recognizing Danger Chapter 23: Opening Your Heart Chapter 24: Expecting the Worst: Fight or Flight Part IV: Stories for Action Chapter 25: Understanding PTSD Chapter 26: Telling Your Story: Trauma Narratives Chapter 27: Getting Past the Obstacles Chapter 28: The Whole Is Greater...: Becoming New and Different Chapter 29: Mood Management Chapter 30: Seeking Approval: Attachment Disruption Chapter 31: Cleaning up Addictive Behaviors Chapter 32: Trauma Reminders Chapter 33: Regulating Affect Chapter 34: Speaking the Same Language Chapter 35: Avoiding Blind Spots Chapter 36: Giving Birth to Something Remarkable Chapter 37: Unconditional Positive Self-Regard Part V: Stories for Maintenance Chapter 38: Leaving the Past Behind Chapter 39: Preventing Relapse Chapter 40: Becoming Whole Appendix A: Mindfulness Overview and Narratives Appendix B: Adult Attachment Questions References Index About the Author