Working with Relational and Developmental Trauma in Children and Adolescents

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.

Table of 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.