Attachment, Trauma and Resilience: Therapeutic Caring For Children

By Kate Cairns.
Baaf Adoption and Fostering
ISBN 1 903699 10 X
£9.95   

Attachment theory and developments in the neurosciences are
exciting sources of understanding about trauma and recovery, but
the literature is large and complex. This book is user-friendly. It
weaves scientific insights about the relational difficulties of
traumatised children into the narrative of the children themselves
and the author’s experience as a carer.

Vignettes of securely and insecurely attached children capture
the loss of connection in the latter’s lives and show why “common
sense is not enough” in responding to their needs. The importance
of the social setting is underlined. It must be attuned and
responsive to the story behind the difficult behaviour often seen
in looked after children.

Supported by a bibliography, the book shows how “insecurely
attached children really do think with a different brain”. It sheds
light on the “narrative of terror” seen in defensive states, and
suggests frameworks for assessment, intervention and repair.

This exploration will resonate with anyone who has been wounded
themselves or who recognises being “left dangerously exposed as the
objects of attachment” for wounded children or adults.

Sue Richardson is an attachment-based psychotherapist, trainer
and co-author. Kate Cairns, Baaf Adoption and Fostering ISBN 1
903699 10 X, £9.95   

Attachment theory and developments in the neurosciences are
exciting sources of understanding about trauma and recovery, but
the literature is large and complex. This book is user-friendly. It
weaves scientific insights about the relational difficulties of
traumatised children into the narrative of the children themselves
and the author’s experience as a carer.

Vignettes of securely and insecurely attached children capture
the loss of connection in the latter’s lives and show why “common
sense is not enough” in responding to their needs. The importance
of the social setting is underlined. It must be attuned and
responsive to the story behind the difficult behaviour often seen
in looked after children.

Supported by a bibliography, the book shows how “insecurely
attached children really do think with a different brain”. It sheds
light on the “narrative of terror” seen in defensive states, and
suggests frameworks for assessment, intervention and repair.

This exploration will resonate with anyone who has been wounded
themselves or who recognises being “left dangerously exposed as the
objects of attachment” for wounded children or adults.

Sue Richardson is an attachment-based psychotherapist,
trainer and co-author.