Working with Relational and Developmental Trauma in Children and Adolescents focuses on the multi-layered complex and dynamic area of trauma, loss and disrupted attachment on babies, children, adolescents and the systems around them. The book explores the impact of relational and developmental trauma and toxic stress on children’s bodies, brains, relationships, behaviours, cognitions, and emotions.

The book draws on a range of theoretical perspectives through reflective exercises, rich case studies, practical applications and therapeutic strategies. With chapters on wider organisational and systemic dynamics, strength-based practices and the intergenerational transmission of relational trauma, Karen Treisman provides a holistic view of the pervasive nature and impact of working with trauma.

Working with Relational and Developmental Trauma in Children and Adolescents will be of interest to　professionals working with children and families in the community, in-patient, school, residential, and court-based settings, including clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, teachers, and students.

Contents:

• 1. Relational and developmental trauma: the impact of complex trauma on children’s sense of selves, relationships, and development.
• 2. The impact of relational and developmental trauma on emotional and behavioural dysregulation.
• 3. The relationship between trauma, the body, and the brain: a body-based and sensory approach to relational and developmental trauma.
• 4. Strength, resilience, and hope-based practices.
• 5. Multi-layered psychological assessments of relational and developmental trauma.
• 6. Therapeutic re-parenting those who have experienced relational and developmental trauma and loss.
• 7. Therapeutic models, approaches, and ingredients for children and their families who have experienced relational and developmental trauma.
• 8. Working within traumatised systems and amongst complex organisational dynamics: Creating a team around the worker and a positive self-care culture.
• 9. Attachment and trauma within an educational context: making schools more trauma and attachment-sensitive.
• 10. Reflecting on the experiences and working effectively with unaccompanied asylum-seeking young people. 11. Children’s residential homes: a relational and developmental trauma perspective.
• 12. Gang activity, antisocial, and youth offending behaviour: an attachment and trauma framework.

Author Bio:

Dr Karen Treisman is a Highly Specialist Clinical Psychologist who has worked in the NHS and children’s services for ten years. She has also worked cross-culturally in Africa and Asia, with groups ranging from former child soldiers to survivors of the Rwandan Genocide. Karen has extensive experience in the areas of trauma, parenting, and attachment, and works clinically using a range of therapeutic approaches with families, children and young people. She is the director of Safe Hands and Thinking Minds Psychological Services (www.safehandsthinkingminds.co.uk), and is an external consultant and trainer to Barnardos, PAC-UK, Hope for families, and the Fostering Network. Karen has worked in several Looked after Children teams and within the National Implementation Service for evidence-based interventions at the Maudsley Hospital. She currently works as Clinical Lead in a court assessment and intensive parenting intervention team in Islington.

Also available from this author

• A Therapeutic Treasure Box for Working with Children and Adolescents with Developmental Trauma: Creative Techniques and Activities
• A Therapeutic Treasure Deck of Feelings and Sentence Completion Cards
• A Therapeutic Treasure Deck of Grounding, Soothing, Coping and Regulating Cards
• Parenting Patchwork Treasure Deck: A Creative Tool for Assessments, Interventions, and Strengthening Relationships with Parents, Carers, and Children
• Binnie the Baboon Anxiety and Stress Activity Book: A Therapeutic Story with Creative and CBT Activities To Help Children Aged 5-10 Who Worry
• Cleo the Crocodile Activity Book for Children Who Are Afraid to Get Close: A Therapeutic Story With Creative Activities About Trust, Anger, and Relationships for Children Aged 5-10
• Gilly the Giraffe Self-Esteem Activity Book: A Therapeutic Story With Creative Activities for Children Aged 5-10
• Presley the Pug Relaxation Activity Book: A Therapeutic Story With Creative Activities to Help Children Aged 5-10 to Regulate Their Emotions and to Find Calm
• Working with Relational and Developmental Trauma in Children and Adolescents