Customer Reviews

A Primer for Child Psychotherapists

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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.