ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses issues of the trauma response, especially that of chronic combat-related victims with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). We consider four areas. First, the complexity of this form of trauma is considered. In an effort to simplify, our second section considers assessment and treatment. Third, we argue for personologic primacy in the transcoding of trauma within the victim and provide a rough typology based on the MCMI. Fourth, we outline three therapeutic considerations: (a) the importance of the relationship; (b) the need to understand the person of the trauma victim, personality styles, and symptoms; and (c) the work of therapy on core personality processes and evolving symptoms. Finally, examples are given.
