Working With Relational and Developmental Trauma in Children and Adolescents

Synopsis

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.

About the Publisher

Routledge

Routledge is the world's leading academic publisher in the Humanities and Social Sciences. We publish thousands of books and journals each year, serving scholars, instructors, and professional communities worldwide. Our current publishing programme encompasses groundbreaking textbooks and premier, peer-reviewed research in the Social Sciences, Humanities, and Built Environment. We have partnered with many of the most influential societies and academic bodies to publish their journals and book series. Readers can access tens of thousands of print and e-books from our extensive catalogue of titles. Routledge is a member of Taylor & Francis Group, an informa business.

Summary

Chapter 1: Understanding Relational and Developmental Trauma

* Explains the key concepts of trauma, focusing on relational and developmental trauma as distinct from acute trauma.
* Real Example: A child who experiences chronic emotional neglect from their parents, leading to impaired attachment and difficulty regulating emotions.

Chapter 2: The Neurobiology of Trauma

* Explores the brain changes associated with trauma, including the dysregulation of stress response, memory, and emotional processing.
* Real Example: An adolescent who has been physically abused shows hypervigilance, emotional reactivity, and difficulty with attention and concentration.

Chapter 3: The Impact of Relational and Developmental Trauma on Children and Adolescents

* Examines the developmental, emotional, behavioral, and social consequences of relational and developmental trauma, including difficulties with self-esteem, relationships, and academic performance.
* Real Example: A young child who was raised in an abusive home exhibits aggression toward peers, anxiety, and attachment difficulties.

Chapter 4: Assessing Relational and Developmental Trauma

* Provides an overview of assessment tools and techniques designed to identify and evaluate relational and developmental trauma in children and adolescents.
* Real Example: Using the Trauma Symptom Checklist for Children (TSC-C) to assess symptoms of trauma in a 12-year-old child who has experienced significant neglect.

Chapter 5: Early Intervention and Prevention

* Emphasizes the importance of early intervention to mitigate the harmful effects of relational and developmental trauma.
* Real Example: Implementing a program in schools to teach children about healthy relationships, emotional regulation, and coping mechanisms.

Chapter 6: Trauma-Informed Care

* Outlines the principles of trauma-informed care, which prioritizes safety, choice, collaboration, and empowerment for individuals who have experienced trauma.
* Real Example: Creating a safe and supportive environment in a therapeutic setting where children can feel comfortable sharing their experiences and addressing their needs.

Chapter 7: Trauma-Focused Therapy

* Describes trauma-focused therapy models, including Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), which aim to process traumatic experiences and reduce symptoms.
* Real Example: Using TF-CBT with an adolescent who has been sexually abused to help them develop coping mechanisms, process their trauma, and rebuild a sense of safety.

Chapter 8: Relational Therapies

* Introduces relational therapies that focus on repairing the attachment relationships that were disrupted by trauma.
* Real Example: Engaging in attachment-based therapy with a child who has experienced multiple foster placements to help them develop healthy and lasting relationships.

Chapter 9: Family Therapy

* Explores the role of family therapy in addressing relational and developmental trauma in children and adolescents.
* Real Example: Conducting family therapy sessions with a family who has experienced domestic violence to improve communication, reduce conflict, and create a more supportive environment for the children.

Chapter 10: Collaboration and Interdisciplinary Care

* Highlights the importance of collaboration and interdisciplinary care in providing comprehensive support for children and adolescents who have experienced trauma.
* Real Example: Partnering with a school social worker to provide trauma-informed interventions for a student who is struggling with anxiety and depression.