Written by a team of experts in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), this workbook offers powerful, symptom-specific skills from a variety of empirically supported cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) treatments, including acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and—for the first time—cognitive processing therapy (CPT).

PTSD is a debilitating condition that can leave you feeling numb, irritable, on guard, and distant. You may experience flashbacks and traumatic memories, suffer with sleep difficulties and nightmares, and struggle to manage intense emotions, impulses, and the desire to avoid closeness. But there has been rapid growth in the research and treatment of PTSD. This book combines the very best in proven-effective treatments to address specific symptoms, from the least disruptive to the most severe.

Presenting tools drawn from a number of approaches and treatment models—such as ACT, DBT, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), exposure treatment, behavioral activation, imagery rehearsal therapy, and a highly effective, twelve-session cognitive processing therapy (CPT) program, The Cognitive Behavioral Coping Skills Workbook for PTSD can help you overcome the most common and most difficult challenges people with PTSD face.

This practical guide is loaded with research-based skills from the most effective PTSD treatments available to help you manage your symptoms, reclaim your well-being, and maintain your recovery.

Matthew T. Tull's profile page

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Alexander L. Chapman's profile page

Matthew T. Tull, PhD, is professor in the department of psychology at the University of Toledo, OH. Tull is director of the Personality and Emotion Research and Treatment laboratory, where he conducts research on the role of emotion dysregulation in the development and maintenance of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as the unhealthy behaviors that are often observed in PTSD, such as substance abuse, risky behaviors, and suicidal and non-suicidal self-injury. Tull has authored over 135 peer-reviewed articles, and has been the recipient of grant funding from the National Institute on Drug Abuse. In recognition of his research and contributions to the field, Tull was awarded the 2009 Chaim and Bela Danieli Young Professional Award from the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, and the 2010 President’s New Researcher Award from the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies.
Kim L. Gratz, PhD, is professor and chair of the department of psychology at the University of Toledo, OH. Gratz directs the Personality and Emotion Research and Treatment laboratory, in which she conducts laboratory and treatment outcome research focused on the role of emotion dysregulation in the pathogenesis and treatment of borderline personality disorder (BPD), self-injury, and other risky behaviors. Gratz has received multiple awards for her research on personality disorders, including the Young Investigator’s Award from the National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder (NEA-BPD) in 2005, and the Mid-Career Investigator Award from the North American Society for the Study of Personality Disorders in 2015. She has been continuously funded since 2003 (with continuous federal funding as principal investigator since 2008), and has authored more than 145 peer-reviewed publications and six books on BPD, self-injury, and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).
Alexander L. Chapman, PhD, RPsych, is professor and coordinator of the clinical science area in the psychology department at Simon Fraser University, BC, Canada, as well as a registered psychologist and president of the DBT Centre of Vancouver. Chapman directs the Personality and Emotion Research and Treatment laboratory, where he studies the role of emotion regulation in borderline personality disorder (BPD), self-harm, impulsivity, as well as other related issues. His research is currently funded by major grants from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. Chapman has received the Young Investigator’s Award from the National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder, the Canadian Psychological Association’s Scientist Practitioner Early Career Award, and a Career Investigator award from the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research. He has coauthored ten books, three of which received the 2012 Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies’ Self-Help Book Seal of Merit Award. Board-certified in cognitive behavioral therapy(CBT) (Canadian Association for Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) (DBT®-Linehan Board of Certification), Chapman cofounded a large psychology practice, and regularly gives workshops and presentations to clinicians and community groups both nationally and internationally. He also has been practicing martial arts, Zen, and mindfulness meditation for many years, and enjoys cooking, hiking, skiing, and spending time with his wife and sons.

“In this outstanding manual, Tull, Gratz, and Chapman—leading experts in the field of emotion regulation—apply their considerable knowledge and skills to helping people with PTSD. If you are struggling with the emotional aftermath of a traumatic experience, this manual will walk you through the steps of managing out-of-control emotions, facing fears, correcting distorted thinking patterns, and increasing positive feelings. I anticipate that this book will help a great many people, and will recommend it to my own patients.”
—David Tolin, PhD, author of Face Your Fears

“Struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can take a considerable toll on one’s quality of life. And finding ways to move forward can be challenging. Fortunately, TheCognitive Behavioral Coping Skills Workbook for PTSD synthesizes an array of well-researched strategies, and offers readers a clear path toward expanding their coping repertoire and making meaningful life changes.”
—Susan M. Orsillo, PhD, professor of psychology at Suffolk University, and coauthor of Worry Less, Live More and Mindfulness- and Acceptance-Based Behavioral Therapies in Practice

“This workbook represents a major step forward for improving the acquisition and retention of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) skills. The authors are in an exceptionally good position, as clinicians and researchers, to identify needed skills and focus upon them in the therapeutic context. This book is strongly recommended for clinicians and for the clinics in which they work. It’s an important advance in the care of patients with trauma exposure and PTSD symptoms.”
—Terence M. Keane, PhD, associate chief of staff, research and development, VA Boston Healthcare System; director of the behavioral science division at the National Center for PTSD; and professor of psychiatry and psychology and assistant dean for research at Boston University School of Medicine

“I have been waiting for this book (or one like it) for many years! There are lots of self-help books out there on overcoming trauma, but none is as firmly grounded in proven therapeutic strategies as this one. The book is easy to read, and filled with examples and exercises that bring the therapy to life. The experience, expertise, and compassion of the authors shine through. Everyone who struggles with post-traumatic stress should read this book, and so should their therapists!”
—Martin M. Antony, PhD, ABPP, professor of psychology at Ryerson University, Toronto, Canada, and coauthor of TheShyness and Social Anxiety Workbook and The Anti-Anxiety Workbook

“The Cognitive Behavioral Coping Skills Workbook for PTSD provides an extremely helpful, evidence-based, accessible guide to addressing the range of challenges that people with PTSD face. Tull, Gratz, and Chapman draw from their research knowledge and clinical expertise to provide a range of strategies that can help people recovering from trauma to engage more fully in their lives. By grouping strategies according to different clusters of symptoms, they’ve created a book that can easily be used by people who are facing different challenges. The evidence-based strategies are helpful for those in great distress, as well as for those who are struggling less, but still want some help with lingering effects of trauma.”
—Lizabeth Roemer, PhD, professor of psychology at the University of Massachusetts Boston, and coauthor of Worry Less, Live More

“For those struggling after a traumatic life experience, this book offers practical steps to identify symptoms of PTSD, along with cutting-edge cognitive behavioral strategies. Readers can then choose which symptoms are most bothersome, and systematically address each one. Importantly, the authors also include strategies that can help readers to increase positive emotions and well-being. This is a practical, reader-friendly book written by leaders in the field of trauma, emotion regulation, and management of impulsive, risky behavior. I highly recommend this book for those trying to manage their PTSD symptoms, as well as for clinicians who may be seeking a companion text in therapy.”
—Sandra B. Morissette, PhD, professor of clinical psychology at The University of Texas at San Antonio