“The child clinician is in for a treat when reading The Handbook of Complex Trauma and Dissociation in Children. With well-written contributions that span theory, diagnosis, treatment, and special issues, the handbook’s thought-provoking chapters are filled with clinical anecdotes and case histories that make the pages come alive. Readers will find in-depth analysis of the ways in which different theories apply to a child population, including (but not limited to) polyvagal theory, the theory of interpersonal neurobiology, betrayal trauma theory, and the theory of structural dissociation. The editors have assembled an impressive collection of top experts who approach difficult issues with clarity, sensitivity, and depth. Whether you are a researcher, theorist, or practicing therapist, this book is bound to spark new, creative ideas that will help enrich this growing field. This comprehensive compendium belongs on the shelf of every clinician who deals with childhood complex trauma and dissociation. It will enrich professionals’ thinking and expand awareness of multiple treatment options.”Joyanna Silberg, PhD, author of The Child Survivor: Healing Developmental Trauma and Dissociation, 2nd edition“This comprehensive handbook provides a nuanced exploration of the theories, research, and therapeutic approaches pertaining to complex trauma and dissociation in children. The depth and breadth of this book make it an invaluable resource for all clinicians and researchers dedicated to addressing developmental trauma.”Ruth A. Lanius, MD, PhD, coauthor of Healing the Traumatized Self: Consciousness, Neuroscience, Treatment, and co-editor of The Impact of Early Life Trauma on Health and Disease: The Hidden Epidemic “Trauma and dissociation are alarmingly common, affecting a vast number of children. Yet children experiencing complex trauma are often misdiagnosed, leading to years of ineffective treatment and continued suffering. Ana Gomez and Jillian Hosey have provided an exceptional review of theory, assessment, best treatment practices, and research, essential for all professionals working with children impacted by complex trauma. This handbook is an invaluable resource for clinicians and researchers worldwide.”Marlene Steinberg, MD, author of The SCID-D Interview: Dissociation Assessment in Therapy, Forensics, and Research and The Stranger in the Mirror: Dissociation—The Hidden Epidemic"At over 900 pages, The Handbook of Complex Trauma and Dissociation in Children should add 'comprehensive' to its title. The handbook begins with ten chapters devoted to competing models of dissociation, which offer theoretical rationales for the nearly score of diverse treatment approaches that follow. Chapters on screening and assessment, differential diagnosis, treatment course and structure, therapeutic relationships, suicidality and self-harm, and dealing with cultural and intergenerational factors provide a more generalizable clinical foundation that spans the many theories and treatments. I did not read the handbook from cover to cover, and I doubt that many readers will. The chapters on the different theories and treatments are meant as introductions to the numerous schools of thought brought to bear on complex trauma and the dissociative disorders. These survey chapters, usually illustrated with case examples, should be read if and when one wants to become familiar with a particular viewpoint or therapeutic model. The more general clinical chapters, however, form a pragmatic core of knowledge about the complexities of working with these often very disturbed children and adolescents. In general, the forty-plus chapters are well-referenced and understandable to a wide readership. In aggregate, the handbook accomplishes what a good handbook should. It covers the range of mainstream theories and therapeutic approaches, while providing a solid clinical foundation that cuts across their differences.Although the editors conclude that, 'Even the most exhaustive volumes cannot encapsulate the complexity inherent in this field,' the handbook comprehensively covers the critical clinical ground and serves as an authoritative first reference to the challenges of working with highly traumatized youth. It belongs in every child and adolescent therapist’s library."Frank W. Putnam, MD, professor of psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
