Trauma Therapy Books
In this psychotherapy bestseller, Dr. Robert T Muller explores how psychotherapists can effectively engage traumatized clients who avoid attachment, closeness, & painful feelings. Voted 2011 Best Written Work on Truama by the International Society for the Study of Trauma & Dissociation
Trauma and the Avoidant Client: Attachment-Based Strategies for Healing
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— Jeremy Holmes (M.D., Professor of Psychological Therapies at the University of Exeter in the UK and author of Exploring in Security)
“In this sensitive yet intellectually robust volume Muller shows, in the face of loss and trauma, how self-defeating and health-endangering avoidant strategies can be… A major, highly accessible contribution to the attachment literature and required reading for all mental health clinicians.”
— Clare Pain (M.D., M.Sc., FRCPC, Director of the Psychological Trauma Program at Mount Sinai Hospital)
“I very much enjoyed reading this book, and it is rare to find one so practical, focused, and well-researched. Avoidance is a common and notoriously difficult to treat sequelae of trauma, but taking on the challenge, Muller helps readers recognize and use the therapeutic relationship as the key to reaching these clients effectively. Constructed thoughtfully and insightfully around relevant research, his use of case examples, dialogue of key therapy moments, and point summaries all make it an eminently accessible and practical book.”
— Leslie S. Greenberg (Ph.D., Distinguished Research Professor at York University)
“Clinically perceptive, theoretically clear, and research-informed, this book is filled with clinical gems.”
Offering new insights into the dynamic between patient and therapist, Dr Robert T Muller’s second book explores how to navigate the therapeutic relationship with trauma survivors, to help bring recovery and growth. Voted 2019 Best Written Work on Truama by the International Society for the Study of Trauma & Dissociation
Trauma and the Struggle to Open Up: From Avoidance to Recovery and Growth
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— Kathy Steele (M.N., Past President, International Society for the Study of Trauma & Dissociation)
“Every therapist interested in helping clients with developmental trauma should read this book. A jewel of clinical wisdom, it focuses not only on the content of trauma, but on the relational process of being with highly traumatized clients, and how to understand and work with the many avoidance strategies to dealing with trauma that we encounter in therapy. An approachable, culturally sensitive, and compassionate book, full of clinical vignettes, it illustrates the neglected but essential need to stay with the process: what a client feels when telling the story, how the client experiences telling the story to someone else, what happens in the therapeutic relationship when the client tells the story. A joy to read.”
— James Chu (M.D., Consultant in Psychiatry, McLean Hospital; Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School)
“Dr. Robert T. Muller has provided a gem of a book for clinicians working with persons who have experienced psychological trauma. It is beautifully written, drawing on the accumulated wisdom of experts in the trauma field, and richly illustrated with descriptions of his work with clients. Dr. Muller explores the complex relational dynamics of work with traumatized patients and charts a thoughtful course to their treatment. His wisdom clearly comes from deep understanding of how his clients have experienced their lives, and his skill in walking with them through the process of recovery.”
— Leslie S. Greenberg (Ph.D., Distinguished Research Professor at York University)
“An incredibly useful book showing you how to understand and manage therapy with relational trauma. Grounded in attachment theory, trauma theory, and psychotherapy research, it demonstrates the importance of repair of relationship difficulties.”
Meet robert
Toronto-Based Trauma Psychotherapist
Clinical Psychologist and Trauma Therapist Dr. Robert T. Muller completed his training at Harvard in 1994, and is a registered psychologist. Toronto-based psychotherapist, and professor of clinical psychology at York University, he teaches trauma therapy and supervises psychotherapists.
He practices individual therapy and couples & family psychology, helping people improve their lives. Dr. Muller offers in-person and online therapy and counselling, for those with trauma histories and other mental health difficulties.
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Explore More Psychotherapy Resources
Psychotherapy Lessons & Seminars
Discussing trauma, therapy, and the challenges of avoidant attachment, Dr Robert T. Muller explores how counselling can bring resilience, and can help work through infidelities, losses, & other painful experiences.
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Podcasts
Follow Dr. Robert T. Muller’s latest featured podcasts where he joins other psychotherapy experts and discusses issues of trauma and psychotherapy.
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Blog
Keep up to date with current trauma and mental health news on Robert T. Muller’s YorkU psychology blog that focuses on issues of trauma and trauma therapy, PTSD treatment and more.
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Helping people feel like themselves again
“Dr. Muller is an an expert on the topic of trauma due to his experience as a professor, workshop presenter, researcher, and author. He is also an extremely compassionate and empathetic psychologist. It is clear that he has spent years treating children, teens, and adults making him an amazing clinician who has given me tremendous insight into my challenges and how to resolve them. Dr. Muller has made a significant difference in my life, and I would highly recommend him.”
— S. K.
"I wish I could write a book about Dr. Muller—the journey of how I turned my life around. I feel free to be vulnerable and elaborate on my past struggles in life. I feel more secure in the world, and I have gained the capacity to form a secure attachment with my son as a result of my safe and supportive therapeutic relationship with Dr. Muller. I grew in my ability to make better decisions, develop a conscience, and embrace altruism. It took me a long time to realize there's more to life than just the present moment..."
— t. z.
"...Through Dr. Muller's artistic work, I have transcended an intergenerational traumatic life to a fulfilling one, changing my narrative to a positive story. The silver lining of my life is the unconditional care I received through all the therapeutic sessions with Dr. Muller. His reflective practice helped cultivate my potential and strength, empowering me and restoring my resilience."
— t. z.
"Dr. Muller is an extremely capable psychologist. His knowledge, experience, and ability to genuinely connect with people truly set him apart. I could not recommend him enough!"
— g. l.
"Dr. Muller is an excellent psychologist with 30 years of experience. He is compassionate, empathic, and thoughtful when working with clients, colleagues, and students. His insights lead to a better understanding of the self and open the door to change. His expertise in the areas of trauma and attachment was developed through both his clinical work and research initiatives. His knowledge base and clinical skills create the trusting environment needed in therapy."
— j. C.
"Dr. Muller is a competent and empathic clinician. He demonstrates excellent skill and his expertise in trauma therapy is evident in both a treatment and supervision context."
— S. R.
"I strongly recommend Dr. Muller as a trauma therapist and trauma expert! He is an excellent psychologist who is very warm, kind, and genuine. He is incredibly knowledgeable and skilled, with over 30 years of experience providing therapy to those in need and training the next generation of psychologists."
— k. c.
"Dr. Muller is an incredible psychologist with decades of experience, particularly in the area of trauma. He is empathic, warm, and has a wealth of clinical knowledge. He also has done decades of research on trauma so he is very trusted and respected in the field. I would highly recommend him as a therapist!"
— M. S.
"Dr. Muller is an incredibly compassionate, understanding, and knowledgeable expert on trauma recovery. I often recommend him to many people, because of his expertise on the treatment of trauma disorders. He is an amazing professor, mentor, and advocate for individuals struggling with PTSD."
— Y. L.
"I cannot recommend Dr. Muller strongly enough. If I could I'd give him even more stars! Not only is he an expert as a researcher and teacher, but he is a highly skilled therapist and supervisor who brings warmth, compassion and kindness into the consulting room."
— K. J.
"Robert Muller is a knowlegeable and skilled clinician. He is patient and warm. He can hold your experience whether you are a client or a supervisee, and can help you discover what it means to you."
— L. R.
