Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy: Wounded Spirits and Healing Paths

by David A. Crenshaw PhD (Editor)

Overview

This edited collection by David A. Crenshaw, with contributions from such notables as James Garbarino, Kenneth V. Hardy, and Andrew Fussner, addresses the multiple sources of wounding of children and teens in contemporary life. The book conveys a message of hope and optimism, even in work with children who might be viewed as 'impossible cases,' because the contributors share a passion for utilizing and building on the strengths of children and families. These authors go beyond treating psychiatric symptoms to address in a more comprehensive way the emotional suffering of youth. The unifying treatment framework for the book is relational therapy. The emotional injuries of children do not develop in a vacuum, but rather in a relational context, and healing must also be embedded in an empathic relationship between the child and the family. Building, repairing, and restoring connections within the family and the larger community, as well as within the therapeutic relationship, opens the door to growth, healing, and meaningful belonging. The stories of triumph over adversity by the courageous children and families in this book will inspire those who daily strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of hurting youth to renew their commitment to this worthy mission.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780765706096
Publisher:	Aronson, Jason Inc.
Publication date:	09/26/2008
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	174
File size:	680 KB

About the Author

David A. Crenshaw is a licensed psychologist, Board Certified in Clinical Psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) and Fellow of the Academy of Clinical Psychology. He is the founder and director of the Rhinebeck Child and Family Center, LLC, which offers training and consultation to clinicians and agencies working with at-risk youth.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1
Chapter 1. Multiple Sources of Wounding and Paths to Healing
Chapter 2
Chapter 2. Healing Wounds to the Spirit Camouflaged by Rage
Chapter 3
Chapter 3. Healing in a Family Context
Chapter 4
Chapter 4. Seeking a Shelter for the Soul
Chapter 5
Chapter 5. Diamonds in the Rough?Strengths-Based Healing
Chapter 6
Chapter 6. Hidden Dimensions: Unspeakable Sorrow and Buried Human Potential
Chapter 7
Chapter 7. When Grief is a Luxury Children Can't Afford
Chapter 8
Chapter 8. A Spectrum of Dynamic Forces that Silence Children
Chapter 9
Chapter 9. Therapist Healing and Use of Self
Chapter 10
Chapter 10. Tales of Heartbreak and Joy and Reflections along the Healing Path

What People are Saying About This

John W. Seymour

"Crenshaw and his colleagues invite the reader not only into the child therapy room, but into the hearts and minds of the youth and the clinicians responding to those hurts and losses. Youth challenged in their own lives by the disrespect, disengagement, and hostility of others often bring those same behaviors to the therapy room. The writers give a deep look at these youth and their behaviors, and to the healing aspects of a consistent and persistent therapeutic partnership. New and experienced clinicians will gain insights into the skills and the self-care needed to effectively engage and inspire these youth in a plan toward wholeness."--(John W. Seymour, Minnesota State University)

Anthony P. Mannarino

"This wonderful and compelling book by Crenshaw and his colleagues serves as a reminder for all clinicians that behind the anger and behavior problems that many children manifest are "wounded spirits"-pain, loss, and grief that have somehow been silenced. Although there may be many paths to healing, a continuing theme throughout this edited volume is the critical importance of children being able to share their feelings and tell their stories within the context of a safe, trusting therapeutic relationship. Through rich clinical vignettes, stories filled with pain and suffering but also reflecting the remarkable strength and resilience of our 'wounded' children, Crenshaw and his colleagues get to the essence of healing-sharing the story and the pain with someone who deeply cares. This is an inspiring book that all child clinicians, particularly those who work with families who have experienced traumatic life events, would greatly benefit from reading. I certainly did!"--(Anthony P. Mannarino, Professor, Drexel University College of Medicine)

Robert Brooks

"Crenshaw has written and edited a truly unforgettable book. He has accomplished the challenging task of touching our hearts and our minds with moving, poignant accounts of the lives of traumatized children together with courageous self reflections about the forces in his own life that have contributed to his role as a therapist. Crenshaw is clearly a very gifted, empathic therapist and writer who, in describing strength-based interventions for working with these youth, focuses on their remarkable capacity to become more hopeful and resilient. This book is an invaluable resource that will be read and re-read by those of us seeking to enhance the lives of children who have faced great adversity."--(Robert Brooks, Harvard Medical School)

E. Mark Stern

"This gracious collection is bound to invoke the best of inspirations for its professional readers. [It is] directed at child and adolescent psychotherapists whose tacit priority it is to meet the soul of the youngster on terms uniquely his or her own. David Crenshaw and his collaborators remain reverential to the client's deepest wounds as each chapter accesses sensitive spheres of care. Within a depth psychology tradition, this volume is fated to exert a powerful effect on the interactive process to which experientially focused therapists are committed. Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy is surely destined to remain a dear companion to those who see their therapeutic work as more than a set of corrective tools. Indeed, David Crenshaw's beautifully assembled book honors the animating essence of the healer's vision."--(E. Mark Stern, Past President, Society for Humanistic Psychology)

Editorial Reviews

The book conveys a sage of hope and optimism, even in work with children who might be viewed as 'impossible cases,' because the contributors share a passion for utilizing and building on the strengths of children and families. These authors go beyond treating psychiatric symptoms to address in a more comprehensive way the emotional suffering of youth. . .The stories of triumph over adversity by the children and families in this book will inspire those who daily strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of hurting youth to renew their commitment to this worthy mission.

November 2009 Family Therapy

Dr. Crenshaw has developed a multitude of techniques including story telling, metaphor, and projective drawing methods that can be used in working with a wide variety of clinical populations. His books are informative and practical; offering techniques to reach children and they are highly recommended....This is a most compelling read. Along with Dr. Crenshaw's other books on child and adolescent treatment, this book belongs on the bookshelf of every child and adolescent therapist.

Steven Baron

Crenshaw has written [with his colleagues] and edited a truly unforgettable book. He has accomplished the challenging task of touching our hearts and our minds with moving, poignant accounts of the lives of traumatized children together with courageous self reflections about the forces in his own life that have contributed to his role as a therapist. Crenshaw is clearly a very gifted, empathic therapist and writer who, in describing strength-based interventions for working with these youth, focuses on their remarkable capacity to become more hopeful and resilient. This book is an invaluable resource that will be read and re-read by those of us seeking to enhance the lives of children who have faced great adversity.

Robert Brooks

Crenshaw and his colleagues invite the reader not only into the child therapy room, but into the hearts and minds of the youth and the clinicians responding to those hurts and losses. Youth challenged in their own lives by the disrespect, disengagement, and hostility of others often bring those same behaviors to the therapy room. The writers give a deep look at these youth and their behaviors, and to the healing aspects of a consistent and persistent therapeutic partnership. New and experienced clinicians will gain insights into the skills and the self-care needed to effectively engage and inspire these youth in a plan toward wholeness.

John W. Seymour

This gracious collection is bound to invoke the best of inspirations for its professional readers. [It is] directed at child and adolescent psychotherapists whose tacit priority it is to meet the soul of the youngster on terms uniquely his or her own. David Crenshaw and his collaborators remain reverential to the client's deepest wounds as each chapter accesses sensitive spheres of care. Within a depth psychology tradition, this volume is fated to exert a powerful effect on the interactive process to which experientially focused therapists are committed. Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy is surely destined to remain a dear companion to those who see their therapeutic work as more than a set of corrective tools. Indeed, David Crenshaw's beautifully assembled book honors the animating essence of the healer's vision.

E Mark Stern

This wonderful and compelling book by Crenshaw and his colleagues serves as a reminder for all clinicians that behind the anger and behavior problems that many children manifest are "wounded spirits"—pain, loss, and grief that have somehow been silenced. Although there may be many paths to healing, a continuing theme throughout this edited volume is the critical importance of children being able to share their feelings and tell their stories within the context of a safe, trusting therapeutic relationship. Through rich clinical vignettes, stories filled with pain and suffering but also reflecting the remarkable strength and resilience of our 'wounded' children, Crenshaw and his colleagues get to the essence of healing—sharing the story and the pain with someone who deeply cares. This is an inspiring book that all child clinicians, particularly those who work with families who have experienced traumatic life events, would greatly benefit from reading. I certainly did!

Anthony P. Mannarino