Psychotherapy of Abused and Neglected Children [Hardcover]

John W. Pearce (Author), Terry Dianne Pezzot-Pearce (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 14, 1997 | ISBN-10: 1572301635 | ISBN-13: 978-1572301634

Presenting practical psychotherapeutic strategies grounded in contemporary attachment theory, this uniquely integrative book addresses the needs of child clients who have been physically, sexually, or emotionally abused or neglected. Illustrated by cogent, sensitive case examples, the volume reviews the known developmental effects of abuse and neglect and explores the implications of attachment theory for individual work with maltreated children. Assessment and intervention approaches are discussed in detail, as are ways to enlist families, foster-families, and teachers in the healing process. Chapters also consider key issues in the therapeutic relationship.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"With elegance and thoroughness, this work provides novice and veteran clinicians with an integrative working model for assessment and treatment of children who have been maltreated. Respect for the complexities and diversities of developing children is reflected in the presentation of the interplay between trauma, attachment, development, and personal meaning to those involved. The book begins with an easily understood, carefully constructed, and engaging clinical foundation supported by the latest research findings, established theory from different areas of specialization, and the authors' conceptualization based upon a rich blend of their knowledge and experience. They translate what is known about the multidimensional impact of child maltreatment into clear, comprehensive guidelines for family and child assessment and child-friendly, useful clinical strategies and interventions." --Beverly James, LCSW, Private Practice, Kona Hawaii; author of Handbook for Treatment of Attachment-Trauma Problems in Children and Treating Traumatized Children

"Psychotherapy of Abused and Neglected Children by Pearce and Pezzot-Pearce is an invaluable tool for clinicians providing assessment and treatment to maltreated children. The authors carefully lay the groundwork, both theoretically and empirically, for treatment interventions with abused children. Using a developmental psychopathology model, the authors integrate theories of attachment, learning, and attributions and their clinical implications for play therapy, behavioral interventions, and family treatment. The book contains clear goals for treatment, specific recommendations for therapeutic interventions, and step-by-step suggestions for treating abused children and their families. In short, this is a comprehensive, well-researched, highly useful book for the beginning or experienced therapist who works with children. It is simply the best book on treatment I have read in years." --Barbara L. Bonner, PhD, Center on Child Abuse and Neglect, Children's Hospital of Oklahoma

"This book is desperately needed. Maintaining a wonderful balance between theory and practice, it contains an excellent discussion of treatment and assessment strategies that are based on sound theoretical principles and the authors' clinical experience. The book clearly advances our knowledge in the area of treatment for maltreated children and represents a valuable contribution to the literature." --Byron Egeland, PhD, University of Minnesota (he is Professor of Child Development)

About the Author

John W. Pearce, Ph.D., the Coordinator of Training for the Section of Psychology at Alberta Children's Hospital, is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Calgary. Throughout his career he has had an enduring interest in the assessment and treatment challenges presented by maltreated children.

Terry D. Pezzot-Pearce, Ph.D., maintains an independent practice in child clinical psychology, where she sees maltreated children as well as many children with other problems. In addition to child maltreatment, Dr. Pezzot-Pearce provides consultation to professionals on child custody assessment and other clinical issues.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 368 pages
• Publisher: The Guilford Press (February 14, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1572301635
• ISBN-13: 978-1572301634
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,298,493 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A primer for new therapists, reminders for others, October 6, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Psychotherapy of Abused and Neglected Children (Hardcover)

This presentation, by two experienced Canadian child psychologists, is a step by step address to the evaluation and therapy of children who have been abused and neglected. Their work is sensitive to all of the issues and particularly mindful of the role of the therapist as initial stranger/intruder. The guidance about the role of the therapist as a attachment object for children, who can potentially become critically important in the negotiation of the child's world in foster or home care, is core to their approach to healing.

Well written and especially useful to new therapists, this book makes liberal use of case material and children's drawings as examples of the ongoing process of therapy. The address to the role of the therapists liaison to caseworkers and courts, although from a Canadian view, will be helpful to all who struggle with dysfunctional systems.