Relational Treatment of Trauma: Stories of loss and hope is the culmination of over 35 years of psychotherapy with children and adults, many of whom have suffered the effects of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. It addresses a gap in the literature on the treatment of trauma and chronic loss that are ubiquitous parts of life in foster care. While "trauma-informed care" has received considerable attention recently, there is little that focuses on the consequences of repeated, unexpected, and unexplained or unexplainable losses of caregivers. Relational Treatment of Trauma explores the ways in which those experiences arise in the therapeutic relationship and shows how to help clients build the trust necessary for establishing healthier, and more satisfying and hopeful relationships.

Toni Heineman introduces and reinforces the concept of the relationship as the most powerful agent of therapeutic change. She highlights the ways in which clinicians can build and sustain a relationship with clients whose experience of trauma can make them wary of trusting, illustrating this theme throughout the book with compelling case vignettes.

The book is especially valuable for psychoanalysts, clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and family therapists working with those who have suffered traumatic loss. It is essential reading for clinicians in the early part of their career, working with traumatized individuals for the first time.

Dr. Heineman has practiced in San Francisco for over 35 years, working with children, adults, and families. She is the founder and executive director of A Home Within. Dr. Heineman presents and publishes widely.

About the Author
Dr. Heineman has practised in San Francisco working with children, adults, and families for over 35 years. She is the founder and executive director of A Home Within. Dr. Heineman presents and publishes widely.

Reviews

This beautifully written book manages to give words to the unspoken while honoring the importance of a clear theoretical framework. By successfully considering and integrating both the internal and the external world of the child , this book offers rich yet clear narratives which will hopefully inform caregivers, clinicians , other service providers and social systems involved in caring for children who often feel silenced and lost. The stories in this book are potentially sources for reflection, learning, growth and hope. Norka T. Malberg, PsyD, Yale Child Study Center

Remarkable for its clarity and accessibility, this volume provides a depth of understanding for all who treat multiply traumatized foster children and youth. Through the use of clinical vignettes, we are introduced to the lived experience of youngsters whose developmental processes are impacted by multiple losses, unimaginable trauma and lack of stability. Dr. Heineman explores the intermingling of complex external systems and equally complex internal developmental processes , deftly introducing us to a therapeutic process, which is informed by a sophisticated analytic sensibility and years of clinical experience. - Susan C. Warshaw, EdD,ABPP. Clinical Associate Professor, NYU Postdoctoral Program, Editor In Chief, Journal of Infant, Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy

Book Information
ISBN 9781138817364
Author Toni Heineman
Format Paperback
Page Count 180
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 314g