Trauma Redefined in the DSM-5: Rationale and Implications for Counseling Practice

Abstract

Back to Basics: Using the DSM-5 to Benefit Clients It is a pleasure to introduce this special DSM-5 edition of The Professional Counselor, which provides a solid primer regarding changes in the DSM-5 diagnosis process and how these changes will likely impact mental health professionals. Changes within the DSM-5 have prompted counselors to revisit the basics of diagnosis and consider the cessation of certain conventions (e.g., the multiaxial system) and what these changes mean to counselors as they perform their vital work for the benefit of clients. The unprecedented inclusion of various mental health professionals in the development of the DSM-5 is an inherent recognition of how this tool is being used across a wide range of professional disciplines that focus on psychopathology. I hope these articles not only inform, but encourage further research into the practical use of the DSM-5, "stimulate new clinical perspectives" in mental illness (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2013, p. 10), and inspire continued professional dialogue around DSM nosology and the diagnostic processes.

“If somebody could just understand what I am going through, it would make all the difference”: Conceptualizations of trauma in homeless populations experiencing severe mental illness

“…For the purpose of this study, we will distinguish between traumatic events and trauma as a condition that follows as a consequence of a traumatic event. Though the lifetime prevalence of exposure to traumatic events has been reported as 40 to 90% of the population (Breslau, Davis, Andreski, & Peterson, 1991;Breslau et al, 1998), the psychological consequences of traumatic exposure vary widely (Jones & Cureton, 2014). Only a minority of those exposed to traumatic events (approximately 24%) go on to experience clinically significant symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) (Breslau et al, 1991).…”

Shelter From the Storm: Addressing Vicarious Traumatization Through Wellness-Based Clinical Supervision

“…Consequently, the study of trauma has become quite popular in the professional literature (see Alvarez, 2009;Brown-Rice, 2013;Buss, Warren, & Horton, 2015;Cohen et al, 2009;Fernandez & Short, 2014;Hudspeth, 2015;Jones & Cureton, 2014;Jaycox et al, 2010;Langley et al, 2013;Parker & Henfield, 2012;Tosone, Bauwens, & Glassman, 2014). As one mental health professional pointed out, a natural disaster not only precipitates the distress resulting from the crisis experiences, but also brings unresolved prior trauma to the surface for many clients.…”

Advising Master’s Students Pursuing Doctoral Study: A Survey of Counselor Educators and Supervisors

“…A focus and specialty has emerged in most mental health agencies in New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina around issues of trauma. Consequently, the study of trauma has become quite popular in the professional literature (see Alvarez, 2009;Brown-Rice, 2013;Buss, Warren, & Horton, 2015;Cohen et al, 2009;Fernandez & Short, 2014;Hudspeth, 2015;Jones & Cureton, 2014;Jaycox et al, 2010;Langley et al, 2013;Parker & Henfield, 2012;Tosone, Bauwens, & Glassman, 2014). As one mental health professional pointed out, a natural disaster not only precipitates the distress resulting from the crisis experiences, but also brings unresolved prior trauma to the surface for many clients.…”