Supporting Traumatized Children and Teenagers

The practical emphasis and confident tone of this volume is a welcome addition to the toolkit of anyone working in this area. Atle Dyregrov has an eminent international reputation and his breadth of knowledge and experience is clear throughout. Personal accounts of those working with traumatised young people, as well as the voices of young people, are represented in the form of vignettes, which emphasize the individual nature of the trauma and therapeutic work... I would recommend this book to other professionals and, indeed, have already done so. -- Journal of Child Psychology & Psychiatry
I would recommend Supporting Traumatized Children and Teenagers to trainees at all levels of training, as a comprehensive introduction to the main concepts and issues relating to PTSD in children. -- Journal of Mental Health
Supporting Traumatized Children and Teenagers by Atle Dyregrov is a comprehensive overview of the most recent literature and intervention options for young people who have experienced trauma... This book gave me a fantastic grounding in child trauma. It is an ideal book to consult as a trainee clinical psychologist. The empirical research was impressively current, with a wide breadth of topics and case examples. Reading the book brought up new issues I had not considered, such as the impact of traumatic events on the subsequent capacity to be a parent, differential diagnosis of PTSD in preschool children, how reactions to trauma may differ according to the child's gender at varying stages following the event, and the process issues to consider in setting up group interventions for children. The chapter on school involvement and intervention was also very helpful. -- Journal of Mental Health
`This book is a valuable resource for anyone connected with a child, or young person, who has been affected by traumatic experiences (from bullying to witnessing violence or living through war). It addresses the needs and behaviours of traumatised young people and provides a respectful and intelligent guide to others on how they can support and care. The author has a nice style, which is drawn from a strong respect for research and extensive clinical experience; blending theoretical notions from several viewpoints in a concise and understandable manner and using case examples/practical tips throughout. The book covers a variety of topics, such as helpful ways to support children during and after traumatic events, what promotes risk and what are protective factors in young people, to different types of group and individual interventions, including presenting a number of concrete methods that can lessen the impact of trauma. This book is rich in detail and provides a clear outline for those involved with traumatised children and young people.` -- Youth in Mind
This book is a highly readable account, combining a practical reference tool with a reasonably in-depth discussion of how trauma can affect the young. It presents a clear discussion of both the physical and emotional aspects of trauma, including the immediate after-effects, the long-term effects and subsequent coping mechanisms. The book also discusses the effects of trauma with respect to life stage, possible actions and reactions, gender differences and accumulative trauma... This is an informative book that can be used as an aid to both parents and teachers in dealing with and understanding trauma, and, on a more practical level, as a useful tool for therapists. It is easy to follow, with bite-sized discussions... All in all, a good addition to your bookshelf, which I feel I can comfortably recommend. -- BACP- Counselling Children and Young People
`This book help with an understanding of the need to connect symptom with cause, acknowledges the impact on those who offer help, and will be a valuable introduction to anyone working with troubled children and young people. -- Children & Young People Now, John Diamond, chief executive, Mulberry Bush Organisation
The book is well referenced and an easy guide to helping children who have experienced single traumas ... It's a book that parents as well as professionals could read. It defines what trauma is, and the impact that trauma has on children in the short, medium and long term ... At Family Futures, we have been aware that there do seem to be significant gender differences in how children process traumatic experiences: stereotypically, girls becoming dissociative, withdrawn and shut-down, with boys becoming poorly regulated emotionally, and prone to aggression and more violent re-enactments. This area warrants more systematic analysis and is an issue that we would like to pursue, and we would welcome Associates' comments on gender differences in response to developmental trauma. -- E-newsletter of Family Futures' Associates Network, Alan Burnell, Manager, Family Futures
Based on unparalleled clinical experience, this book describes and explains how children of all ages can be affected by traumatic experiences. It is illustrated by many examples from actual cases and so the children's voices are heard loud and clear. Factors affecting normal psychological growth and adjustment are considered as are those in the child, the family and the broader environment that promote resilience and mitigate against the worst effects of traumatic events. Current best practices in intervention, both at home and in school, are described in clear, non-dogmatic ways, and this should help all those working with or caring for children to access better help. This is a must-read for everyone involved in promoting the welfare of children. -- William Yule, Emeritus Professor of Applied Child Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, UK
This book is essential reading for anyone who has contact with children and young people who have experienced a traumatic event. Firmly grounded within a strong evidence base the author draws upon his extensive experience to provide many practical ideas about how children can be helped to talk about and cope with their trauma. This is an excellent book that will be an invaluable resource for anyone who is supporting a child through a traumatic event. -- Professor Paul Stallard, University of Bath, UK
What makes the book so useful is the author's wide definition of a traumatic event. He recognises that children who have suffered from experiences of sexual, physical or domestic abuse are survivors of trauma. Besides demystifying some of the therapeutic techniques used, several case studies illustrate what helps children most. Also there are some very useful child-focused scripts provided for self-help exercises. Workers can share these with children and carers to relieve stress and strengthen children's sense of self-control over disturbing flashbacks and recurring sensory images of the trauma. -- Community Care, Ann Burnage, deputy chief executive officer at the Cabrini Children's Society