Children and Trauma: A Guide for Parents and Professionals / Edition 1

Childhood traumas range widely in their severity and impact. A car accident, an earthquake or flood, being attacked by a dog, undergoing a frightening medical treatment?all are distinctly different events yet all provoke common symptoms of psychological trauma. These symptoms may include fearfulness, nightmares, and dramatic behavioral or personality changes. And parental anxiety over changes in a child can, in turn, complicate the healing process.

Children and Trauma teaches parents and professionals about the effects of such ordeals on children and offers a blueprint for restoring a child's sense of safety and balance. Cynthia Monahon, a child psychologist who specializes in the treatment of psychological trauma, offers hope and reassurance for parents. She suggests straightforward ways to help kids through tough times, and also describes in detail the warning signs that indicate a child needs professional help. Monahon helps adults understand psychological trauma from a child's point of view and explores the ways both parents and professionals can help children heal.

ISBN-13: 9780787910716

Media Type: Paperback

Publisher: Wiley

Publication Date: 08-12-1997

Pages: 240

Product Dimensions: 6.16(w) x 9.31(h) x 0.65(d)

CYNTHIA MONAHON is director of a children's mental health clinic in Northampton, Massachusetts.

Table of Contents

Understanding the Experience of Trauma for a Child.

Sources of Childhood Trauma.

The Signs of Psychological Trauma.

Factors Influencing Children's Reactions to Trauma.

Trauma in the Family: Reactions to Trauma.

The Healing Process: How Parents Can Help Their Child.

Complications of Trauma;
When Professional Help is Needed.

Psychotherapy for Psychologically Traumatized Children.

Afterword: Living With the Memeories. Show More