Rebuilding Attachments with Traumatized Children: Healing from Losses, Violence, Abuse, and Neglect / Edition 1

by Richard Kagan

Overview

A psychologist who works with children in crisis who have lost trust in adults due to parental abuse or neglect presents his approach, based on attachment theory and research, to rebuilding such bonds. He explains tools for facilitating trauma therapy, in particular, his Real Life Heroes life-story workbook (Haworth, 1998). Appendices includes sample assessment forms and a suggested game therapy format. Dr. Kagan is affiliated with a mental health center in Albany, NY, and the National Child Traumatic Stress Network. Annotation © 2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781138169661
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	01/29/2016
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	390
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

Table of Contents

• Preface
• Acknowledgments
• PART I: LIFELINES
• Chapter 1. Attachment
• Trauma Damage to Neurodevelopment
• Attachment Theory and Research
• Attachment and Behavior Patterns
• Attachment and Behavior Problems
• Facilitating Attachment
• Promoting Resilience
• Conclusion
• Chapter 2. Angel or Demon?
• Two Boys
• The Impact of Neglect and Violence
• Trauma and Neurological Functioning: Theory and Research
• Conclusion
• Chapter 3. The Curse of Neglect
• Introduction
• How Neglect Disrupts Attachment
• Neglect and the Social Service System
• Statistics and Research on Abuse and Neglect
• Conclusion
• Part II: Rebuilding Attachments
• Chapter 4. Breaking the Curse
• Introduction
• Myths That Perpetuate Abuse and Neglect
• Obstacles to Rebuilding Attachments
• Methods of Rebuilding Attachments
• Conclusion
• Chapter 5. Restoring Hope and Safety
• Introduction
• Investigating Child Abuse and Neglect
• Developing Service Plans for Traumatized Children in Placement
• Chapter 6. Reparenting the Hurt Child
• Introduction
• Tools for Parenting Traumatized Children
• Steps and Tools for Rebuilding Attachment
• Conclusion
• Chapter 7. Permanency
• Introduction
• Activities That Foster Attachment
• Rights and Responsibilities Within Families
• Skill-Building Activities
• Signs of Attachment
• Conclusion
• Part III: The Making of a Hero
• Chapter 8. Telling the Story
• Introduction
• Trauma Therapy
• Life Stories: From Shame to Strength
• Detoxifying Traumas
• Chapter 9. Real Life Heroes
• Life-Story Work
• The Real Life Heroes Workbook
• Redefining Heroes for Children
• Finding Heroes
• Supporting Heroes
• Protecting Heroes
• The Hero’s Challenge
• Chapter 10. The Magic of Parents
• Understanding and Treating Trauma and Attachment Disorders
• Rising Above Trauma
• The Parent’s Life Story
• Chapter 11. A Hero’s Story: Using the Real Life Heroes Workbook
• Introduction
• Beginning the Journey
• Contents of Workbook
• Objectives of Workbook
• Adapting the Workbook for Adolescents and Young Children
• Facilitating Storytelling
• Self-Soothing Skills
• Attachment and Trauma Therapy
• Adoption
• Completion of the Workbook
• Chapter 12. Impasse and Beyond
• Introduction
• Getting Past the Impossible
• Calling a Crisis
• Therapeutic Tools for Breaking Impasse
• Obstacles to Breaking Impasse
• Beyond Impasse
• Chapter 13. Into the Future
• The Quest
• The Therapist’s Role
• Crossing the Threshold
• Reconnecting
• Working with Time
• Advocacy for Parents
• The Making of a Hero
• Appendix A: Important People
• Appendix B: Attachment Ecogram
• Appendix C: Outline of Assessments and Interventions
• Appendix D: Real Life Heroes; A Progressive, Developmental Curriculum
• Overview
• Introduction of the Real Life Heroes Model
• Caring Adult Resource Development
• Chapter by Chapter, Developing Strengths
• Completion of Life Story Work
• Appendix E: Chapter by Chapter, Stronger and Stronger
• Appendix F: Utilizing Impasse
• Appendix G: Game Therapy Illustration
• Notes
• References
• Index
  

Editorial Reviews

5 Stars! from Doody

Reviewer: Nicholas Greco IV, MS, BCETS, CATSM, FAAETS (C3 Education and Research, Inc.)
Description: This is a heartfelt yet strongly empirical journey into the pain and suffering that some children unfortunately suffer and endure. It highlights the need and ability to help rebuild attachments and trust into children's lives.
Purpose: The purpose is to help children develop self-esteem and overcome difficult experiences in their lives. The reader is given an opportunity to feel the pain and understand the perspectives of children in distress. The reader is also given a look into the strengths and weaknesses of the families and the potential for rebuilding connections and hope. The author has exceeded his objectives.
Audience: This book is intended for child and adolescent mental health professionals and trauma therapists. To a lesser extent, interested caregivers may benefit as well. The author shares his 27 years of experience as well as his compassion and love for children.
Features: The book is an exploration into the complicated facets of traumatized children. It dispels the myths, stereotypes, and opens the readers mind to the pain, suffering, and emotional roller coaster these children unfortunately have to face. What I found most interesting are the case vignettes which really help to drive home the message the author conveys and essentially puts a persona behind the text. Even more provocative are the emotions readers feels as they delve further into the book.
Assessment: Clearly, this is one of the finest books on child and adolescent trauma written by a truly compassionate individual. A much needed and welcome addition to the field of psychology.

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