Customer Reviews

Children and Traumatic Incident Reduction: Creative and Cognitive Approaches (TIR Applications Series)

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Do you know what PTSD and TIR mean? PTSD is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder which was formally recognized as a psychiatric diagnosis in 1980, and TIR is Traumatic Incident Reduction, a technique developed by Frank Gerbode, M. D., used to resolve PTSD. Children and Traumatic Incident Reduction is Book number 2 of the "TIR Application Series" from Loving Healing Press and, as you can imagine from the title, focuses on the application of TIR to children. Book number 1 is Traumatic Incident Reduction and Critical Incident Stress Management, and book number 3 is Addiction and Traumatic Incident Reduction.
The fifteen chapters of this book, involving fifteen different authors who are clinicians, therapists, social workers, counselors, and TIR facilitators, including Dr. Gerbode, from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, are divided into three main sections. Part 1 discusses "Tools and Techniques." Part II examines "Results." And Part III gives some "Background and Theory" behind TIR and PTSD. These are followed by a glossary of terms and three appendices with additional information about TIR. The book contains information and anecdotes about TIR techniques used with clients by practitioners around the world.
I am willing to read and review any book that is beneficial for children, either for their own reading enjoyment or for adults who are trying to help them. However, I will freely admit that I am completely unqualified to pass any kind of judgment on this book. There have never been any known incidents of PTSD in my family when I was growing up or in my family today, so I simply have no personal familiarity with the problem. One would assume that the book would be beneficial for any therapist working with kids. I will say that for parents with children who might suffer from PTSD, the symptoms of which include intense fear, helplessness, or horror, separation or stranger anxiety, and sleep disturbances, among others, it could well point the way for their finding help. Each chapter is intended to be as readable as possible as a stand-alone article, so one can browse around the book and read what interests him most, or read it straight through.

Children and Traumatic Incident Reduction
Creative and Cognitive Approaches
(Book #2 in the TIR Applications Series)
Edited by: Marian K. Volkman, CTS, CMF
Publisher: Loving Healing Press
ISBN: 978-1-932690-30-9

TIR is the acronym used for the phrase "Traumatic Incident Reduction". TIR is a therapeutic modality utilized by professionals in the fields of metaphysics, psychology, psychiatry, counseling, therapy and other helping professions.

This anthology collects articles, case studies, explanations of concept and theory and related resources and information. The contributors are trained counselors, educators, researchers and psychologists held in high esteen by the professional community. The book is organized in a format that readily allows for reading through the book in it's entirety, or utilizing individual chapters depending on the needs and circumstances of the reader. Each section is well written and self contained. Taken in either whole or by chapters only, the ideas and information can easity stand alone.

Part I of the anthology offers an indepth look at the tools and techniques used in the practice of TIR. In my view, one of the major advantages to TIR is that the basic techniques and treatment processes remain unchanged, regardless of the age or sex of the client. The underlying traumas that TIR can be used for are as varied and differing as the experiences of the clients themselves. Elements of TIR can be utilized as art therapy, among other methods of utilization. Excellent information is included on the use of art therapy, especially useful when working with children. Also included are excellent reference materials the professional can share with the parents of the client. This reference material is written in a style that is easily understood by laypersons, and would be excellent in helping parents understand the methods used by the therapist with their child/ren.

Part II of this book covers the results of TIR therapy. It offers details of case studies, including some using art as a form of TIR, and numerous useful anecdotal evidence, reference and viewpoints. A specific article on dealing with at-risk youth is also included, along with a specific section covering use of TIR in an actual mental health clinic setting..

Part III is a compendum of background and theory, critical issues in TIR are covered in depth, along with PTSD coverage, an extensive glossary of terms, a brief explanation of unblocking, memory lists for children, and information on receiving training to learn more about using TIR.

Anyone who works with kids in nearly any capacity will find lots of information within these pages. Laypersons as well as professionals will gain incredible insight into the use of TIR; it's a goldmine of knowledge for working with children. Very highly recommended addition to the permanent reference library.

Reviewed by Lisa Bullert for Reader Views (4/07)

It is a universal belief that one type of therapy will not work for every patient. "Children and Traumatic Incident Reduction" is a phenomenal array of tried-and-true therapies for Traumatic Incident Reduction for children. This book is a great tool for parents and professionals alike. "Children and Traumatic Incident Reduction" is necessary to have for any therapist or professional who works with children. Marian Volkman has done a magnificent job of collecting and assembling all of the information encased in this easy-to-read and understand book.

The case studies included are creative and innovative. Also in the book are interviews with professionals who work directly with the traumatic incident reduction techniques. Discussions include "TIR and Child Survivors of Domestic Abuse," and "Anecdotal TIR Experiences with Children." There are also detailed figures and sessions for the therapies. Case studies include "Full Head and Empty Head," "TIR and Art Therapy," "Future TIR," and many more. There are techniques used for infant trauma, "empowering the child to get their control back," and "Touch and Let Go" therapy. So much useful and thoroughly researched information packed into this priceless volume in the "TIR Application Series."

There are also chapters for parents including the subjects of "Parents Working with Their Children," and "Parents Success with TIR." This is a good book for parents to read because s/he may take away an understanding of the many different therapy strategies available to them and their children. The parent may find a way to ask questions about their own child and TIR and find ways to prepare them for the part a parent plays in the child's' healing process, if any. Traumatic experiences for young children are often difficult for entire families and "Children and Traumatic Incident Reduction" could help parents empower themselves to seek different kinds of therapy, and know there are several ways a therapist could approach the problem. Please note that this is NOT a "How-to-heal-your-Child-on-your-own" book, more of a tool to use in discussion with a therapist.

Finally there are wonderful chapters filled with memory lists and information on how to get training on TIR, There is so much useful information in "Children and Traumatic Incident Reduction" that this reviewer deems it a must have for parents and professionals alike.

Received book free of charge.