Treating Chronically Traumatized Children

When children refuse or seem unable to talk about their traumatic memories, it might be tempting to ‘let sleeping dogs lie’. However, if left untreated, the memories of childhood abuse and neglect can have a devastating effect on the development of children and young people. How can these children be motivated and engage in trauma-focused therapy? Treating Chronically Traumatized Children: The Sleeping Dogs Method describes a structured method to overcome resistance and enable children to wake these sleeping dogs safely, so these children heal from their trauma. The ‘Sleeping Dogs method’ is a comprehensive approach to treating chronically traumatized children, first preparing the child to such an extent that he or she can engage in therapy to process traumatic memories, then by the trauma processing and integration phase. Collaboration with the child’s network, the child’s biological family including the abuser-parent and child protection services, are key elements of the 'Sleeping Dogs method'. The underlying theory about the consequences of traumatization, such as disturbed attachment and dissociation, is described in a comprehensive, easy-to-read manner illustrated with case studies and is accompanied by downloadable worksheets. This new edition has been updated to include the clinical experience in working with this method and the most recent literature and research, as well as entirely new chapters that apply the ‘Sleeping Dogs method’ to the experiences of children in foster care and residential care, and those with an intellectual disability. Treating Chronically Traumatized Children will have a wide appeal, including psychologists, psychiatrists, psychotherapists, counsellors, family therapists, social workers, child protection, frontline, foster care and youth workers, inpatient and residential staff and (foster or adoptive) parents.

Professionals working with traumatized children are often asked whether it would be better to ‘let sleeping dogs lie’, because the child may not be ready to discuss their experiences, and out of fear that they may become further distressed or disturbed. In Treating Chronically Traumatized Children, Arianne Struik presents the case for waking those ‘sleeping dogs’ in a safe and structured environment, in order to allow the healing process to begin and prevent trauma later in life. Struik has developed a method for those cases labelled most difficult to treat, involving deregulated, traumatized children who refuse to talk about their memories, or claim to have ‘forgotten’ them completely. It incorporates factors in the child’s environment and network to ensure that they are safe and secure before beginning the process, and stable throughout treatment. Downloadable worksheets enhance the book’s content and make each section straightforward to work through, supporting the child through the stabilization, processing and integration phases of treatment. Illustrated throughout by case studies and comprehensive explanation of the theory and the treatment method, Treating Chronically Traumatized Children is clear and accessible and is ideal for psychologists, psychiatrists, psychotherapists and counsellors, as well as parents and anyone working with chronically traumatized children and adolescents.

While recent years have seen a vast increase in the literature on adult trauma, interest in childhood trauma has only recently started to gain momentum, encouraging new research and evidence-based interventions. Here the editors have brought together an international list of contributors to look at both innovative and established treatments of trauma in a range of contexts, and provide up-to-date coverage of what is on offer in prevention, assessment, treatment and research. Divided into three parts, main topics discussed are: risk and protective factors for the development of post-traumatic disorders conceptualizations of resilience and suggestions for making them operational evidence-based treatment models for traumatized children Treating Traumatized Children provides professionals with an up-to-date international perspective on the subject, as well as helping professionals and researchers develop future treatments based on current evidence.

Attachment-Focused Trauma Treatment for Children and Adolescents brings together two powerful treatment directions that exponentially expand the knowledge and skills available to child and adolescent trauma therapists. The book provides theoretical knowledge, clinical approaches, and specific, detailed techniques that clinicians will find indispensable in the treatment of the most challenging and high-risk young trauma victims. Also included are case studies, developed from over three decades of experience, that show the reader how to use the techniques in real-life settings. The treatment approach described here is flexible enough to adapt to real clients in the real world, regardless of trauma and attachment histories, family and living situations, or difficulties engaging in supportive therapeutic relationships. Clear and cohesive, the model presented here allows room for the individuality and approach of each therapist so that the therapeutic relationship can evolve in a genuine and unique way. An appendix of photocopiable worksheets gives interactive tools for therapists to immediately use with clients.

Listening to a small child describe a parent's murder can tax the most seasoned professional. Cases of physical and sexual abuse where trauma was deliberately inflicted can particularly challenge a practitioner's defenses.Treating Traumatized Children is the first handbook to provide specific guidance and tools for treating children who have been traumatized by physical and sexual abuse, disaster, divorce, or witnessing violent events. This book will provide helping professionals with a clear blueprint for assessing the impact of trauma and developing specific treatment plans.Beverly James, a specialist in evaluating and treating traumatized children, outlines creative exercises and techniques that will enable clinicians to join with children in slowly and carefully reviewing their experiences and helping them understand and accept their feelings related to the trauma. Art, play, and drama techniques, among others, are presented in a sophisticated yet straightforward style, useful to clinicians with specialized training in such techniques or those using them for the first time.

This handbook presents the current evidence-based psychological treatments for trauma related disorders in childhood and adolescence and in addition provides clearly structured, up-to-date information on the basic principles of traumatic stress research and practice in that age group, covering epidemiology, developmental issues, pathogenetic models, diagnostics, and assessment. Each of the chapters on treatment, which form the core of the book, begins with a summary of the theoretical underpinnings of the approach, followed by a case presentation illustrating the treatment protocol session by session, an analysis of special challenges typically encountered in implementing this treatment, and an overview of the current evidence base for the treatment approach. A special section considers modern treatments in particular settings, such as schools, hospitals, and juvenile justice systems, and the concluding chapters provide an integrative discussion on how to treat traumatized children and adolescents and an outlook. The book will be invaluable for clinical child and adolescent psychologists, child and adolescent psychiatrists, psychotherapists, and other mental health professionals working with traumatized children and adolescents.

For too many traumatized children and their families, chronic stressors such as poverty, substance abuse, and family or community violence—coupled with an overburdened care system—pose seemingly insurmountable barriers to treatment. This empowering book provides a user-friendly blueprint for making the most of limited resources to help those considered the “toughest cases.” Evidence-based strategies are presented for effectively integrating individualized treatment with services at the home, school, and community levels. Written in an accessible, modular format with reproducible forms and step-by-step guidelines for assessment and intervention, the approach is grounded in the latest knowledge about child traumatic stress. It has been recognized as a treatment of choice by state mental health agencies nationwide.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of research into dissociation in children and adolescents and challenges conventional ideas about complex behaviours. Offering a new perspective to those who are unfamiliar with dissociation in children, and challenging prevalent assumptions for those who are experienced in the field, the editors encourage the professional to ask questions about the child’s internal experiences beyond a diagnosis of the external symptoms. Chapters bring together a range of international experts working in the field, and interweave theories, practice, and challenging and complex case material, as well as identifying mistakes that therapists can avoid while working with children who dissociate. Filled with practical tools and examples, this book is a vital resource for professionals to enrich their practice with children who dissociate.