Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy After Child Abuse

Catherine Itzin was Emerita Professor in Mental Health Policy, University of Lincoln, United Kingdom until her death on March 9th 2010. Roger Kennedy is a psychoanalyst in private practice, a training analyst and President of the British Psychoanalytical Society. He is Consultant Psychiatrist at the Family Unit, Cassel Hospital, and author of nine previous books, including 'Psychotherapists as Expert Witnesses' (2005), and 'The Many Voices of Psychoanalysis' (2007). He is also a published poet. Valerie Sinason is a poet, writer, child psychotherapist and adult psychoanalyst. She is Founder Director of the Clinic for Dissociative Studies and President of the Institute for Psychotherapy. She is an Honorary Consultant Psychotherapist at the University of Cape Town Child Guidance Clinic and Chair of Trustees of the First People Centre, New Bethesda, South Africa. She is a Patron of Dorset Action on Abuse (DAA), editor of 'Trauma Dissociation and Multiplicity' and co-editor of 'Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy after Child abuse'. She has published numerous articles and books, including two poetry collections. Valerie Sinason was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award from the ISSTD (International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation) in April 2016.

Recent decades have seen an explosion of research into the extent of child abuse and into the effects of early relational trauma on the developing minds and brains of children. The lasting effects on survivors are increasingly recognized and can be addressed psychotherapeutically.This book is unique in two ways. Firstly, in bringing together for the first time the considerable scientific evidence of effectiveness and the vast body of accumulated clinical experience using psychoanalytical approaches in the treatment of people who have experienced childhood abuse. Secondly, in being the product of the widest collaboration of individuals and organizations concerned about the effects of child abuse, and experts on child abuse and psychotherapy. These include experts by experience, survivor groups, activists, academics, and clinicians: paediatricians, physicians, child and adult psychiatrists, psychoanalysts, psychologists, and psychoanalytic psychotherapists.Sections cover:- the epidemiology of child abuse- different aspects of child abuse - health consequences in children and adults - memories of abuse and the recovered memories controversy- high risk groups- gender- domestic violence- how early relational trauma interferes with early development and leads to disturbed attachment- impaired emotional regulation- dissociation'Psychoanalytic psychotherapy is one of many possible treatments proven to be helpful to people who have experienced sexual and physical abuse and neglect in their childhood. It has not proved possible to predict reliably who will respond to which specific psychotherapy. Different individuals will be able to benefit from different approaches and treatments at different stages of their lives, depending on their wishes, circumstances, level of support, and need. There is considerable scientific evidence of effectiveness and a considerable body of accumulated clinical experience using psychoanalytical approaches in the treatment of people who have experienced childhood sexual, physical, and emotional abuse and neglect. This guideline brings together this evidence for the first time.'- From the Introduction

• The Guideline Development Group , Preface , Introduction , Background , The journey , Psychoanalytic treatments , Services