Outsmarting the Riptide of Domestic Violence

In Outsmarting the Riptide of Domestic Violence: Metaphor and Mindfulness for Change, 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 used in conjunction with trauma-focused interventions in order to reduce troubling symptoms, address risk and relapse-potential, change relational patterns, and remediate attachment deficits. Pernicano provides practitioners with a needed bridge between theory and practice, a one-of-a-kind resource for therapists, counselors, and social workers who aid victims of domestic violence.
Pernicano's book is organized according to the Transtheoretical Stages of Change Model and includes stories within each section to facilitate the change process in the individual while using TF-CBT PRACTICE elements: Psycho-education about domestic violence and trauma, Relaxation (and stress reduction), Affective expression and regulation, Cognitive restructuring, Trauma narrative development and processing, In vivo exposure to avoided situations, Conjoint sessions with children, and Enhancing future safety and healthy relationship development.

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