Humanising Mental Health Care in Australia: A Guide to Trauma-Informed Approaches

Humanising Mental Health Care in Australia is a unique and innovative contribution to the healthcare literature that outlines the trauma-informed approaches necessary to provide a more compassionate model of care for those who suffer with mental illness. The impact of abuse and trauma is frequently overlooked in this population, to the detriment of both individual and society. This work highlights the importance of recognising such a history and responding humanely.

The book explores the trauma-informed perspective across four sections. The first outlines theory, constructs and effects of abuse and trauma. The second section addresses the effects of abuse and trauma on specific populations. The third section outlines a diverse range of individual treatment approaches. The final section takes a broader perspective, examining the importance of culture and training as well as the organisation and delivery of services.

Written in an accessible style by a diverse group of national and international experts, Humanising Mental Health Care in Australia is an invaluable resource for mental health clinicians, the community managed and primary health sectors, policy makers and researchers, and will be a helpful reference for people who have experienced trauma and those who care for them.

Dr Richard Benjamin is a public sector psychiatrist and psychotherapist. He is particularly interested in the long-term effects of child abuse, their manifestations in adults presenting with mental illness, and the benefits of incorporating an understanding of both trauma and relationship in therapeutic responses.

Dr Joan Haliburn is a child, adolescent and family psychiatrist and psychotherapist. She is also a Lecturer at the University of Sydney, Australia. She is the former President and Director of Training of the Australian and New Zealand Association of Psychotherapy (ANZAP) and a member of the board of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD).

Serena King is a clinical psychologist. She has worked extensively in community mental health and the tertiary education sector. She has held senior roles as a clinician, manager, supervisor and training provider. She has a particular interest in trauma-informed and relational treatments when working with clients with complex mental health issues. She facilitates multidisciplinary training in trauma-informed and psychotherapeutic approaches.