Published in 2023
8 hrs and 25 mins
Dr Ahona Guha is a clinical and forensic psychologist, and a survivor with lived experience of complex trauma. Her first book is Reclaim: understanding complex trauma and those who abuse.
She works with victims of abuse and trauma, and clients with a range of other difficulties ― such as anxiety, depression, perfectionism, burn-out, and relationship problems. She also works with perpetrators of harmful behaviours to assess risk, and provides treatment to reduce the risk they pose to others. She writes widely for the media on matters related to mental health, health, social justice, and equity. Her work has appeared in The Age, The Guardian, The Saturday Paper, Breathe Magazine, SBS, and ABC.
What is this book about?
What is damaged when someone experiences trauma within a relationship? How do trauma survivors heal? Why do some people harm others, and how do we protect ourselves from them?
The relationship between trauma and mental health is now widely recognised, but survivors and professionals alike remain confused about how to best treat it. In Reclaim, through a series of case studies and expert analysis, Dr Ahona Guha explores complex traumas, how survivors can recover, and the nature of those who perpetrate harm.
Shining light on the ‘difficult’ trauma victims that society often ignores, Dr Guha tackles many vital questions. Why are we failing the victims of intimate partner violence? How does vicarious trauma affect people? And what types of behaviours are warning signs?
As a clinical and forensic psychologist, Dr Guha has had extensive experience working with those who inflict harm, including stalkers and sex offenders, and has a deep understanding of the psychological and social factors that cause people to harm others. Her work has led her to recognise the long-lasting impacts of complex trauma, as well as the failures of mental health systems and legal systems when working with victims.
By emphasising compassion above all, Dr Guha calls for us to become better informed about both perpetrators and victims, in order to reclaim a safer, healthier society for everyone.
