ADAPT ~ A Developmental, Attachment-based, Play Therapy

This manual was created to provide child and family-focused mental health professionals with information and techniques on how to address common emotional and behavioral problems exhibited by young school-age children (ages 6-9) with developmental trauma difficulties and other trauma-induced attachment difficulties. Children who have been exposed to traumatic experiences early in life tend to develop cognitive, affective, and behavioral coping strategies based on their memories, fantasies, and previous relationships within their history. As indicated above, research has demonstrated that neurological chemistry and brain development are significantly altered when trauma occurs in early childhood, leading to a biological response to events that are perceived as threatening. This further exacerbates the child's learned methods of coping. The focus of this manual is to provide practical and effective interventions for use within a ten-week group that can be easily modified for use within individual and family sessions. In addition, this manual emphasizes working with the parents and/or caregivers of these young children, as they are instrumental in resolving and healing issues of attachment and trauma, as well as other emotional and behavioral issues.… (more)