Abstract

In its essence, this is a practical book that focuses on aiding recovery from trauma over a carefully structured timeframe. Amongst other things, it provides an introduction to the concept of psychological debriefing and some of the effects of trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This book will appeal to a broad audience because it is easily accessible, not only to those professionals working with clients suffering from PTSD, but also to health practitioners, psychologists, social workers and counsellors, as well as students.'

- Well-Being

'David Kinchin pays special attention to setting up optimal conditions to facilitate emotional decompression. He takes into account that trauma reactions, primarily concerned with survival, are whole-system reactions, affecting both the body and mind. He also reminds us that the initial impact of the trauma is on physical structures in the brain, disrupting memory-processing capacity, which is designed to create space and time to heal. We should all pay a great deal of attention to what he says.'

- Professor Gordon Turnbull, Consultant Psychiatrist, University of Chester, Capio Nightingale Hospital, London and Ridgeway Hospital, Swindon, UK

Traumatic events strike unexpectedly and turn everyday experiences upside down. Frequently, people suffering such trauma cannot shake the experience and develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Psychological debriefing (PD) is a widely practised process used as an intervention for treating people who have been exposed to trauma. It allows people who have been exposed to trauma to re-examine the traumatic event in a safe and controlled environment, and reduces the risks of developing PTSD.

This book is a practical introduction to PTSD and psychological debriefing, and offers an enhanced model of PD which the author terms `Emotional Decompression'. Structured like a deep-sea dive, which has to include carefully planned safety stops on the way back to the surface to avoid getting `the bends', this model provides time frames for how long to spend at various stages of the PD process, and when to stop for discussions and explanations. The focus is on aiding recovery from this `invisible injury' over carefully structured time. The book presents a range of recovery models, from the `simple' models developed by Williams and Horowitz to the more complex `Snakes and Ladders' model developed by the author. Appendices include an essay by one of the world's leading exponents of psychological debriefing, Atle Dyregrov, as well as case studies of debriefs completed by the author, including that of a survivor of the July 7th bombings in London.

A Guide to Psychological Debriefing is an essential book for health practitioners, counsellors, psychologists and professionals working with clients suffering from PTSD, as well as students.

PTSD occurs when traumatic events strike unexpectedly and turn everyday experiences upside down. The need to try and make sense of what has happened especially when survival has been threatened is very important for a good recovery. The book examines in well defined chapters the basis of PTSD and looks beyond - at the treatment processes particulary Psychological Debriefing, what Emotional Decompression actually is, and the process of Defusing. The last two chapters cover recovery from PTSD and Training for Debriefers.
Accord (Assoc. of Christian Counselleors)
If I were to receive an urgent email from my line manager, "What psychological support should we be providing in the aftermath of a critical incident? I need an answer for meeting on Tuesday", this is the first book to which I would turn. Not a word, not a bullet point is wasted in this brief guide.
Healthcare Counselling and Psychotherapy Journal
What is most interesting about this work is an engagement with the recent debates and controversy about debriefing effectiveness, and whether it harms more than it helps those who participate in it... He clearly is talking from a knowledge base of personal and professional experience, and there is much to learn from this perspective.
Therapy Today, Vee Howard-Jones, University of Salford
David Kinchin was medically retired from Thames Valley Police in 1992 suffering from Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. He has since worked as a writer, researcher and broadcaster to improve knowledge and understanding of this condition, and has published widely on the subject. He facilitates workshops and seminars on PTSD and Emotional Decompression for a variety of medical and educational organisations, and writes and presents training courses for the emergency services and other groups.
Unencumbered by over-theorising and based on personal experience, this practical "manual" will be a useful and easily accessible resource for professionals involved in providing psychological debriefing to trauma victims.
Educational Psychology in Practice
I found this book informative and insightful. The author speaks with with authority, understanding and clarity. I recommend this book for any who counsel people who have suffered trauma.
Accord (Association of Christian Counsellors)