Author Description

A "must have" resource for those who are embarking on the diploma, this book will be a useful addition to the bookshelf of anyone involved in the field of therapeutic parenting. This is a handbook for Therapeutic Parents - in other words, all those living with a child that has suffered from early trauma (developmental trauma) whether biological, foster or adoptive parents, Special Guardians or care staff in residential settings. Professionals and extended family helping to support families living with a traumatised child will also benefit from reading this book. The handbook follows the format of the Diploma in Therapeutic Parenting which is an accredited Diploma available to all parents and professionals. As a result the content of the book covers a wide range of subjects related to Therapeutic Parenting (TP): Understanding your traumatised child; understanding myself; Knowledge and understanding of Therapeutic parenting; Syndromes, Disorders and survival behaviours; Implementing strategies (basic and advanced); Working with others; Adolescence; Self care; Therapeutic models and the impact on siblings are all considered. Each subject area is explained, examples are given where appropriate, and the reader is directed to websites or other resources for further reading about specialist subjects. Throughout the book the perspective of the traumatised child is examined with a view to develop deeper understanding of the many challenges faced and how this impacts on the family. The self care chapter encourages family members to remember to take care of their own physical and mental health as an essential part of parenting such a child. The Diploma was developed as a concept by Sarah Naish (Founder of Fostering Attachments Ltd and the National Association of Therapeutic Parents) and Sair Penna. Jane Mitchell (author) was drafted in to support the development and completion of this task. This means that the Diploma has been written by three Therapeutic Parents - Foster, Bio