Meet Dr. Diane England, Ph.D.
When Diane England was first approached by an acquisitions editor from Adams Media to write one or more books about a mental health disorder and how it impacted a couple's relationship, plus to give concrete advice on how to improve matters, she knew she could best help couples by writing about "PTSD relationships." Furthermore, Dr. Diane England knew, as sad as it was, that military members, National Guard members, and Reservisits who'd seen active duty in the war zones of Afghanistan and/or Iraq--and esepcially mutiple times--would become many of the future PTSD sufferers whereas once, they tended to be people who'd bbeen in car accidents. While this book was written for the partner of anyone PTSD sufferer and not merely for partners of wounded warriors, Dr. England was especially concerned about the future well-being of "PTSD relationships" involving wounded warriors not only because of the growing number there would be of these, but also because theyd be some of the most complex and challenging PTSD cases. As a civilian clinical social worker who'd worked with military members and their families at a base in northern Italy during wartime, she had a particular concern about war veterans and their loved ones.
An Unexpected Re-Introduction to Warriors Wounded by PTSD
While Diane England, Ph.D. had arrived in Italy expecting relative tranquility throughout her tenure in Italy, she soon found herself answering questions the Medical and Support Group Commanders raised regarding how to best protect those in a war zone from develping PTSD. Dr. Diane England shared their concerns because, due to her age, she'd seen how many soldiers, after fighting in the Vietnam War, had gone on to experience numerous personal as well as relationship issues. She didn't want to see this generation's war veterans endure the same fate--especially because, unlike back then, mental health professionals knew about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms and could offer effective cognitive-behavioral therapies as well as medication for PTSD. While Dr. England knew that many military members were disinclined to seek help for mental health issues, she had made progress duting her time in Italy in promoting the message that help-seeking behavior was a sign of strength versus weakness. In newspaper articles she 'd written, on Armed Forces Network Radio (AFN), and in numerous speaches to military memners in the course of implementation of both domestic violence and suicide prevention initiatives she managed, Diane England, Ph.D. had stressed that untreated mental health issues typically worsened and became even more challening yet to treat. Thus, she'd continually encouraged our young men and women in uniforn to seek professional help versus to just "suck it up" as military members were often so inclined to do instead.
More than a Clinical Social Worker or Psychotherapist
Dr. Diane England began to sense that her entire career had prepared her to write this self-help book that, while it might be average in length, is nevertheless jammed packed with information, exercises, and case studies--the latter typically modeling a skill you as the reader will need to develop in order to cope more effectively with a partner's changed behavior due to PTSD symptoms. But then, she possessed the academic credentials one would expect of a self-help author--a Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Arlington in clinical social work, a Master of Science degree in family studies from Oregon State University, and a Bachelor of Science degree in child development from the University of Maine.
This New Jersey native, now a resident of New Hampshire, had gained, while working for the military, the knowledge and comfort level needed to discuss two issues often confronted by couples impacted by PTSD--domestic violence and suiicde risk. As an adjunct faculty member at the University of Texas at Arlington, Dr. Diane England had taught anger management courses for couples--assisted by graduate students she supervised. Prior to that, she had developed training modules, manuals, and conferences for the national center for the second largest voluntary health organization. She had managed patient services and professional education at the state level in Oregon for what was the largest voluntary health organization. Furthermore, she had begun her professional career with the Cooperative EXtension System, serving first as an Extension Agent and later, as the first Child Dvelopment and Family Relations Specialist at the University of Idaho Extension Service. This had given Diane England, Ph.D. the opportunity to educate adults on how to create healthier families and better lives--within this organization in which the federal, state, and local governments all cooperated.
Will You Embrace Dr. Diane England's Mission to Help those Impacted by PTSD?
Diane England sincerely hopes that all her professional as well as life experiences, such as dealing with a professional spouse's addiction problems and resulting emotional abuse and verbal abuse, have allowed her to author a book that will truly speak to and benefit you if you and your partner are struggling with changed lives and a changed relationship because of the unwanted guest of PTSD. Of course, while this book is written to especially help you, the partner of the PTSD sufferer, it could nevertheless help anyone who wants to learn more about PTSD, its treatment, and ways to support the PTSD sufferer. So, if you are a friend or a family member of someone coping with this debilitating disorder, chgeck out the book. Also, sufferers as well as therapists can benefit from reading The Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Relationship: How to Support Your Partner and Keep Your Relationship Healthy. Discover more about the book and Dr. Diane England here: www.PTSDRelationship.com.
Addictions, Abuse, Codependency, And Recovery via Personal Development and Spiritual Growth
Prior to writing The Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Relationship, Dr. Diane England authored articles that have appeared on this and other websites that dealt with the above topics as well as narcissism--since narcissism, addictions, and abuse were often evident in the same individual. The partner, on the other hand, was often seen by mental health professionals as codependent or suffering from codependency. While Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, addictions, and abuse often occur together as well, we should hold out more hope for the PTSD sufferer engaging in and changing as the result of treatment than we should for individuals with pathologcal levels of narcissism--who likely have a personality disorder instead. It is known as Narcissistic Personality Disorder or NPD.
Usually NPD, typically evident by early adulthood, is not effectively treated. The behavior of the NPD sufferer, typically a man, tends to be relatively consistent throughout his lifetime--such as he will be emotionally or verbally abusive with one partner after another. On the other hand, the PTSD sufferer's behavior is changed by PTSD which may well be responsive to treatment.Thus, while the addictions and abuse of the PTSD sufferer can still cause damage and harm others besides the sufferer, if the PTSD victim is actively participating in a treatment regime, you should hold out hope for improvement.
To learn more about PTSD, addictions, and abuse as well as how to support your PTSD-suffering partner while protecting your own mental and physical well-being, read The Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Relationship. You might want to read what other experts have had to say about it below,or go now to: www.PTSDRelationship.com.
What to know more about his narcissism, addictions, and abuse as well as her codependency and recovery? Find articles as well as self-help books you'd undoubtedly enjoy reading at the links below:
www.narcissismaddictionsabuse.com
www.codependency-codependent-no-more.com
Do You know what I'm envisioning? A viral email campaign that begins on the day The Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Relationship lands on bookstore shelves, or beginning August 18, 2009, that might go on for months. You know how you see jokes end up in your email that you're certain you first read ages ago? I'd like to see something like this happen with regard to this book.
Why? you ask. Because, as sad as it is, PTSD is going to be impacting individuals, couples, families, and communities for years to come because, not only will people continue to develop PTSD after experiencing traumatic events such as car accidents as they always have, but we're going to be dealing with complex PTSD cases in many returning from the war zones of Afghanistan and Iraq. To ensure that they and their loved ones don't suffer needlessly, I'd like them to know about The Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Relationship as well as other resources I've listed at my website --and will be adding to as the months go on. Since many people disregard information until they are in need of it, it's important to alert people as to the availability of this self-help book and resources regularly.
Getting this type of information out there, and in turn, supporting those who need help coping with PTSD's destructiveness, could be a good trhing for our society as a whole, too. After all, as I demonstrate through a case study in the book, we know that the PTSD sufferer can harm not only the partner, but can also harm the children emotionally. Thus, they are apt to grow up and harm their own children in this way. However, by becoming part of this ongoing email campaign, you may help keep such a scenario from unfolding. And truthfully, wouldn't you feel good about being part of something that could make such a difference? Well, and especially when it requires so little of your time?
Remember, anyone can write a great book believing he or she can make a difference through those written words. Of course, I want to believe The Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Relationship can have a positive impact on many lives. However, no book will ever achieve its potential if it never reaches the hands of those it is meant to serve. But to accomplish this feat today, an author needs the help of others--just as I need your help. Working together, we can make a significant difference. Indded, working together in this way, we can help ensure that PTSD does not deliver the painful legacy that it did after the Vietnam War. Together, we can ensure that PTSD sufferers and their families have the information and skills they need to slay this dragon!
If you'd like to make a difference in this way, contact me about becoming part of such a viral email campaign by using the form located at the bottom of this page: www.ptsdrelationship.com/ShareYourPTSDStory.html. Then again, before you do so, read what experts have had to say about The Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Relationship.
Experts' Recommendations
for The Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Relationship
“The Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Relationship is truly the toolbox the partner of a PTSD sufferer needs if he or she wants to help save the partner, their relationship, and their children from the potentially devastating consequences of this disorder.”
"This is a book overflowing with information, sound advice, and exercises to help you turn what might seem like a tragedy into a springboard for personal and relationship growth."
“My clients often say, "We've been through this. Things get better for a week or a month, but then we're right back to where we started." Many self-help books provide a feel good experience by giving a quick infusion of empathy. Yes, it's very important to feel that you are not alone. However, this book goes far beyond this, providing tools for lasting change.”
“Full of sound information as well as useful case studies and exercises, this book is going to be a welcome road map for the partner who wants to support a loved one with PTSD—a must read.”
“Dr. Diane England has written a comprehensive book that will answer all of the questions that arise when in a relationship with someone affected by PTSD.”
“I wish I’d had The Post-Truamatic Stress Disorder Relationship as a resource when I began working solely with America's combat veterans at the Denver VA Medical Center. This book provides a comprehensive and insightful description of the challenges that PTSD inflicts on the sufferer, the partner/spouse, their children, family and friends. It is a must read for clinicians (particularly in the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs), those wounded by PTSD and those in their circle of life. It not only leads to a thorough understanding of PTSD but offers direction for healing for all concerned.”
“Dr. Diane England has performed an invaluable service for so many by writing this superb, comprehensive guide to relationships where PTSD is present. She has developed a unique pragmatic systems approach, thus making this a practical “how to” guide that will promote human welfare for many as well as contribute to the literature on PTSD. Well done, Dr. England!”
“The Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Relationship should be required reading for everyone who knows someone affected by PTSD. It is a treasure chest of tools that can be used for life to help oneself, their partner and their children understand and deal with the devastating consequences of PTSD.”
“The Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Relationship is destined to provide extraordinary service to couples who have suffered in silence from this devastating disorder. Now, with Dr. Diane England’s help, couples can fully understand the nature of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, how it affects their relationship, and what to do about it. Relationships are challenging anyway, and these relationships are even more so. Fortunately, this book shows that you don't have to personalize what is happening but instead, can step back and take action to improve your relationship and life together. Therefore, if you love someone with PTSD, get this book and begin following its advice today! If you treat people with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, I recommend this book as part of their treatment plan.”
A MUST READ book for behavioral health professionals, as well as anyone who has, or might have, a partner who is suffering with PTSD. This very well written book offers vital help and hope to deal with PTSD in relationships—in a most realistic, practical, clear and immediately applicable manner.”
Dr. Diane England's "The Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Relationship" is on the "Resources and Recommended Readings" list for the Program for Anxiety and Traumatic Stress Studies at Cornell University's Weill Cornell Medical College. Click here and note that her book is the sixth one listed: www.patss.com/resources.
Want to learn more about Dr. England's self-help book and the services she offers? Visit her website, www.PTSDRelationship.com, and while you are there, do the following:
Please contact Dr. England via the appropriate form on her website or call her at the phone number listed if you are interested in talking about services she might provide your organization or business. And remember, while you are at the site, sign up for her free newsletter so Diane England, Ph.D. can share information about PTSD or regarding The Pos-Trumatic Strress Disroder Relationship such as related events or workshops.
Because PTSD Harms the Sufferer, the Partner, and their Relationship,
Do Yourself, a Family Member, or a Friend a Favor.
Check Out and Buy My New Book Now at the Link Below:
www.ptsdrelationship.com/BuythisPTSDBook1.html
Also, tell your other friends about it because you never know who might be suffering silently and needlessly. And that wouldn't be a good thing, would it?"
Working together, we can make a significant difference. Thus, I thank you!
Diane England, Ph.D.