A Primer for Child Psychotherapists [Hardcover]

Diana Siskind (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 1999 | ISBN-10: 0765702339 | ISBN-13: 978-0765702333

This book, written as a question-and-answer dialogue between a child therapist and a supervisor, addresses all aspects of the situations encountered daily in work with children and their parents. From the most basic and practical to the broadest and most multifaceted, the questions search out the essence of what transpires in the treatment of a child.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Siskind is a prominent author and psychoanalytic child therapist who offers A Primer for Child Psychotherapists as her cohesive, creatively organized response to the need she recognizes for guidelines that reflect a wide-range of complex issues in the developmental approach to psychoanalytic child treatment. (Clinical Social Work Journal )

Siskind more than excels in imparting to the reader how to approach child psychotherapy, and makes A Primer for Child Psychotherapist a must-read for those entering the field of child psychotherapy. (Psychologist-Psychoanalyst )

This is a book to keep on our bookshelf and frequently take down, read, re-read, teach and learn from. (Nmcop Newsletter )

A Primer for Child Psychotherapists is a good resource for therapists, useful to keep and reread. It would be particularly valuable as a reference for child psychotherapists practicing in places that do not have substantial therapeutic communities and for teachers of child psychotherapy. (Met Chapter Forum )

Numerous clinical vignettes convey the simple, forthright way that Siskind talks with children. Introducing therapy to a child, she explains that 'we will need to figure out why things got so difficult, and how to make them better.' As this example suggests, this book will be a welcome guide and a 'must-read' for beginning therapists, a valued resource for experienced clinicians, and an important text in training programs for child therapists. (Elaine Seitz, Ph.D. )

This book is a major contribution to the area of child psychotherapy. Diana Siskind presents a beautiful and expansive dialogue across a wide range of subjects including assessment, diagnosis, play materials, play therapy, and work with parents. This volume manages to be practical and helpful while conveying the art of understanding and relating through nonverbal communication. The author brings excitement and dedication to her work and openly demonstrates how a master clinician thinks about the issues that arise in work with children. (Jeffrey Seinfeld, Ph.D. )

The wisdom, experience, and solid theoretical base of the author, along with her enjoyment of the work, shine clearly throughout the book. I know of no other author who discusses working with parents with such profound respect, understanding, and depth. The clarity of her language reflects the clarity of her thought and the depth of her experience. Her manner of writing pulls the reader near and fosters self-reflection. I recommend this book to clinicians of all ranges of experience. (Barbara Shapiro, M.D. )

Child therapists often feel as if they are embarking on an unpredictable journey without a map—but no more. Diana Siskind tells you virtually everything you always wanted to know, from the initial consultation to what to do with a child who won't leave your office. Using the resources of classical psychoanalytic developmental theory, Mrs. Siskind has written a sensitive and sensible book—a rare combination. (Ava L. Siegler, Ph.D. )

About the Author

Diana Siskind is currently on the faculty of the New York School for Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis. She maintains a private practice that encompasses consultation with parents and supervision in addition to the treatment of adults and children. She is a member and Distinguished Practitioner of the National Academy of Practice.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 271 pages
• Publisher: Jason Aronson, Inc. (November 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0765702339
• ISBN-13: 978-0765702333
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #778,173 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Gem for Child Therapists, and Not Just for Beginners, Either, October 31, 2006

By 

Donald Fleck "DCSW" (New York City) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Primer for Child Psychotherapists (Hardcover)

I used this book when studying child therapy in an advanced training program. It was an invaluable book, covering the most important aspect of child treatment: the relationship with the therapist. In an age when HMOs would like us to think that therapy is about symptoms, method, and steps, this book reminds us that the basic skills of relationship are hugely important in child treatment.

Siskind writes as if she were the clinical supervisor talking to her supervisee. As any good therapist knows, this does not imply the conversation is with a trainee; the best of us get many years of supervision to refine our skills. In fact, I quibble with the word Primer in the title; this is also for experienced therapists.

Siskind shows the many ways the therapist can work within the relationship to bring about gains for the child and parents. It is awesome to be reminded how many and subtle are the ways.

Some topics covered: Evaluation, selection of play materials, dealing with dangerous secrets, how to maintain a useful stance with parents, what to do in cases involving divorce, and, of course, termination.

Siskind does not even try to touch specialty knowledge and interventions for particular problems. That is important, too, but is so broad that the therapist is better off researching each problem-type as the need arises.

Please do not hesitate to e-mail me with any questions.