Survivor Guilt: A Self-Help Guide

By Aphrodite Matsakis, Ph.D.

Many people feel that “guilt” is their middle name; and those who survive a traumatic event often feel guilty if others were killed or injured.  This type of guilt, called survivor guilt, can also be experienced by those who succeeded while friends or family failed.

Survivor guilt can affect your self-esteem, emotional and physical health, personal relationships, and career. There is no magic formula that will erase the feelings of grief for people you have lost or seen harmed, but there are practical steps you can take to cope with these feelings and overcome the negative hold guilt has on your life.

As a psychotherapist specializing in post-traumatic stress disorder, Dr. Matsakis has counseled thousands of clients, ranging from combat veterans to victims of crime, abuse and other traumatic events. In this break-through book she shares the step-by-step strategies that have helped so many survivors overcome their chronic guilt and regain the ability to enjoy life.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

 Introduction

 Part 1 Understanding Survivor Guilt

 1. What is Guilt

2. Existential Survivor Guilt

3. Content Survivor Guilt

4. Causes and Circumstances

5. Psychological Consequences of Survivor Guilt

Part 2 The Healing Process             

 6. Healing From Survivor Guilt

7. Remembering

8. Mentally Reconstructing Your Critical Event

9. Exercises for Coping with Guilt

 Appendix A                Getting Help: Survivor Groups and Therapy Programs

Appendix B                 Resources

Appendix C                Deep Breathing Techniques and Muscle Relaxation Exercises

Appendix D                Self-Assessment: Depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

References

If you’d like to purchase this book from the author, please fill out the contact information form and Dr. Matsakis will contact you to make arrangements for purchase.

Copyright (c) 2018  Aphrodite Matsakis.  All Rights Reserved