Basic Books This 280-page book is divided into two parts: Traumas Reenacted and The Healing Journey. Dusty Miller, who has a doctorate in education, invents a new syndrome, the "Trauma Reenactment Syndrome" (TRS), which she claims is caused by child abuse or neglect and which is seen in current self-destructive behavior. Miller uses clinical case studies to persuade the reader of the prevalence of this syndrome and notes that it is not amenable to cure through conventional treatment. She then presents a three-state therapeutic procedure to empower women (not men) to escape their shame. Although research indicates that many people survive sexual abuse without the symptoms reported by the author, there is no effort made to explain this. Miller also overlooks relationship factors, makes no attempt to corroborate the client's reported history, confuses correlation with causality, and avoids any discussion of genetic and biological factors. Her biased viewpoint is illustrated by her description as "insensitivity" as a loved one's insistence on getting professional treatment for a mental disorder. She periodically lapses into editorializing. Miller assumes that giving the problem a catchy name will somehow help her clients. Syndrome creation, however, is often more political than scientific and Miller's "Trauma Reenactment Syndrome" is not recognized by the DSM-IV nor compensated by insurance companies. This book is not recommended for professionals or a lay audience. Reviewed by LeRoy G. Schultz, Professor Emeritus of Social Work, West Virginia University.
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