"One of the most important psychiatric works to be published since Freud."¡ªNew York Times
"A landmark."¡ªGloria Steinem
"A stunning achievement ... a classic for our generation."¡ªBessel van der Kolk, M.D., author of The Body Keeps the Score
"A book of luminous intelligence. You must read it as soon as possible."¡ªSophie Freud
"Astute, accessible, and beautifully documented. Bridging the worlds of war veterans, prisoners of war, battered women, and incest victims, Herman presents a compelling analysis of trauma and the process of healing. A triumph."¡ªLaura Davis, coauthor of The Courage to Heal
"Brilliant."¡ªBoston Globe
"This book will surely become a landmark work on the social impact of psychological trauma and on its treatments.... A magnificent gift to survivors."¡ªWomen's Review of Books
"Herman's brilliant insights into the nature of trauma and the process of healing shine through in every page of this rich and compassionate book."¡ªLenore Walker, ED.D., Director, Domestic Violence Institute, and author of Terrifying Love
"Herman links the public traumas of society to those of domestic life in this provocative work of psychiatric theory."¡ªPublishers Weekly
Chapter Page
Introduction 1
Part I Traumatic Disorders
Chapter 1 A Forgotten History 9
Chapter 2 Terror 48
Chapter 3 Disconnection 74
Chapter 4 Captivity 108
Chapter 5 Child Abuse 140
Chapter 6 A New Diagnosis 168
Part II Stages of Recovery
Chapter 7 A Healing Relationship 191
Chapter 8 Safety 223
Chapter 9 Remembrance and Mourning 254
Chapter 10 Reconnection 286
Chapter 11 Commonality 313
Afterword: The Dialectic of Trauma Continues (2015) 345
Epilogue (2022) 385
Acknowledgments 399
Notes 403
Index 449