Dissociation in Traumatized Children and Adolescents: Theory and Clinical Interventions

Over the last decade, the literature on therapy addressing trauma in children has expanded considerably, as has the literature on dissociation. Unfortunately, very little of this literature has addressed the issue of dissociation in children. At the same time, therapists working with children and adolescents have become increasingly aware of the occurrence of trauma and dissociation in their clients. Dissociation in Traumatized Children and Adolescents provides an excellent learning experience for both beginning and experienced therapists. It begins by providing background information on dissociation among children and adolescents and goes on to present eight therapeutic case studies, detailed narratives that illustrate both the therapys progression as well as the therapists reactions and thought process during case development. These case studies present many aspects of working with traumatized children who dissociate - trauma processing, attachment work, work with the family, interactions with the community. The authors also explain the difficulties they encountered in various therapeutic situations and how and why they arrived at particular therapeutic decisions. Finally, each chapter also includes an analysis of the authors theoretical framework and shows clinicians how to translate the theories of dissociation translate into practice.