Treating Traumatized Children - by Beverly James (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Listening to a small child describe a parent's murder can tax the most seasoned professional. Cases of physical and sexual abuse where trauma was deliberately inflicted can particularly challenge a practitioner's defenses.

Treating Traumatized Children is the first handbook to provide specific guidance and tools for treating children who have been traumatized by physical and sexual abuse, disaster, divorce, or witnessing violent events. This book will provide helping professionals with a clear blueprint for assessing the impact of trauma and developing specific treatment plans.

Beverly James, a specialist in evaluating and treating traumatized children, outlines creative exercises and techniques that will enable clinicians to join with children in slowly and carefully reviewing their experiences and helping them understand and accept their feelings related to the trauma. Art, play, and drama techniques, among others, are presented in a sophisticated yet straightforward style, useful to clinicians with specialized training in such techniques or those using them for the first time.

Review Quotes

Ann M. Jernberg, Ph.D. Clinical Director, The Theraplay Institute, Chicago Exactly what those of us who work with abused children have been longing for. Beverly James carefully delineates what step in treatment follows what other step, and cautions us about what will happen if we are impatient or act from our own agenda.

Joyce C. Mills, Ph.D. Co-author of "Therapeutic Metaphors for Children and the Child Within" Like the weavers of ancient times, Beverly James has masterfully taken the beautiful 'yarns' entrusted to her care and woven them into the strong fabric of this book...a book which deals with the quintessential element of humankind: attachment. A must for all who work with children and families, offering theory, technique and intervention infused with heart, compassion and spirit.

Mark D. Everson, Ph.D. Co-Director, Program for the Study and Treatment of Childhood Sexual Abuse University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Whether you are seeing your first or 500th case of child maltreatment, Beverly James' book is an outstanding treatment resource. It offers an innovative, insightful, and compassionate approach to helping children work through their traumatic experiences. You heard it here first -- this book is sure to become a classic in the field.

About the Author

Beverly James is a clinical social worker who has specialized in evaluating and treating traumatized children for the past twelve years. She has authored a number of articles and coauthored Treating Sexually Abused Children and Their Families. Currently director of the James Institute in Kona, Hawaii, her training skills have brought her national and international recognition.