Shadow of the Tsunami: A Book Review

Another classic work from the author of Awakening the Dreamer and Standing in the Spaces, Phillip M. Bromberg.  This book expands on many of the concepts outlined in his previous work with additional case tales that detail the evolution of his thought and theory.  

Being a relational and interpersonal psychoanalysis and therapist, Bromberg focuses on the relationship and how this forms between patient and therapist.  The Tsunami is the flood that bears down on both patient and therapist in therapy in the form of disassociation and the powerful flooding of emotions.  Trauma shatters one’s sense of reality and trust in the world, and complex trauma often results from a prolonged erasure of one’s sense of reality.  This undermining brings about deep feelings of shame, and an internal chorus that resonates with self-hatred and shame when running into experiences that don’t fit with one’s self concept.  It’s an experience of Not Me– this cannot be me, and thus I will push it away and deny it through complex psychological methods.  To work through this, is to be embraced by the compassion and empathic presence of a Caring Other– often in the form of a therapist.  

safe.  And this growth is neither linear, nor easy.  

If you are looking to understand more about how to work from a relational and interpersonal perspective, this is a wonderful source. Many of these concepts hold true for anyone practicing therapy, or working with trauma or disassociation.  Happy reading!