Responses to traumatized children /

Providing multinational perspectives on the experience of childhood trauma in a variety of contexts, these essays explore the effects of societal, political, national, and international systems with respect to children, adolescents, and their families who are victimized by natural and manmade disasters. Hosin (London Metropolitan Univ., UK) and his fellow contributors look at a wide range of therapeutic options, from traditional forms of psychotherapy to the healing practices of indigenous populations. Also included are developmental perspectives on attachment, resiliency, and developmentally appropriate preventive strategies. Although some chapters focus on a medical-model approach to treatment, including pharmacological treatment options, others offer a broad view of systems interactions. Specific issues addressed include sexual abuse, bullying, loss and grief, domestic and community violence, refugee status and asylum-seeking, and natural disasters such as hurricanes and floods. Individual treatment strategies reviewed include psychodynamic psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, art and play therapies, narrative counseling, and eye-movement desensitization. Group and family counseling contexts are also included. This will be an invaluable resource for mental health professionals involved in working with traumatized children and their families. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Graduate students through faculty and professionals. M. F. Russo Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania