Description

A groundbreaking book that will expand your thinking, whether you are a trauma survivor, a clinician, someone who loves a survivor, or someone seeking to understand abuse.

In Reclaim, expert forensic and clinical psychologist Dr Ahona Guha explores complex traumas, how survivors can recover and heal, and the nature of those who abuse. She shines a light on the ‘difficult’ trauma victims that society often ignores, and tackles vital questions that plague us: ‘Why are psychological abuse and coercive control so difficult to spot?’, ‘What kinds of behaviours should we see as red flags?’, and ‘Why do some people harm others, and how do we protect ourselves from them?’

In her forensic work, Dr Guha has had extensive experience with those who perpetrate harm, and she has a deep understanding of the psychological and social factors that cause people to abuse, bully, and harass others. In turn, her clinical work has led her to recognise the impacts of complex trauma, and the way our systems fail those who have been victimised. By emphasising compassion above all else, Dr Guha gives a call to action: one that will help us reclaim a safer, healthier society for everyone.

Publisher Review

'What drew me to this book was the fact that its author works as both a clinical and forensic psychologist. As someone with a trauma history I'm always looking for new better ways to manage its impacts. As someone with a psychology degree (the most expensive piece of paper I own) I am interested in the why behind the what when people act in ways that victimise others. I love that this book delves into something that most people conveniently ignore: sometimes a person is both victim and perpetrator ... A blend of theory and case studies (composites so as not to breach confidentiality) this book would be of interest to both trauma survivors and those who work in helping professions.' -- Schizanthus Nerd, starred review 'Powerfully, accessibly, and with a clinician's depth of detail, Dr Guha writes directly about the violence we prefer to drape in darkness. She shows that it is only by seeking to understand its causes and consequences that we can work towards creating safer, fairer communities. I'm grateful to her for this illuminating, and urgently necessary, book.' -- Sarah Krasnostein, author of The Trauma Cleaner and The Believer "Reclaim gave me a better understanding of my own trauma. Huge gratitude to Dr Guha for this well-crafted book ... A must-read for everyone." -- Veronica Gorrie, author of Black and Blue 'In a world that so often turns away from the complexities of trauma and abuse, this book turns towards them ... Reclaim is a game-changer.' -- Chris Cheers, psychologist and author of The New Rulebook