Reviews of Trauma-Attachment Tangle
"This lovely, sensitive account of how young children with seemingly intractable behavioral problems can find peace and a place in the world is a treasure for parents and clinicians alike. Dr. Lovett uses case vignettes not only to describe what she does but also to explain her thought processes and the science behind her interventions. Clinicians interested in her approach will find the latter part of the book especially helpful, with detailed instructions on how they can incorporate into their own practice the techniques Dr. Lovett uses so adroitly. Parents will treasure her message of hope and find many valuable gems they can use to enhance their daily efforts to express their love and caring for even the most difficult children."
-- Glen R. Elliott, PhD, MD, Chief Psychiatrist, Children's Health Council; Clinical Professor (Affiliated) in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford School of Medicine
"This is a fascinating book on the integration of play therapy, narratives and EMDR to heal children who have suffered complex traumatization very early in their development. It focuses on rebuilding trust, resolving trauma, and repairing attachment. Lovett works from an empathic and sensitive understanding of the child’s world and the child perspective. Rich in wonderful clinical case material, this gifted therapist gives detailed insights into her thinking and offers a variety of very helpful creative clinical tools and strategies and how to use these to guide parents and children. It is a must-read for all clinicians working in this complex field.”
-- Joanne Morris-Smith C.Psychol, AFBPsS, EMDR Europe Accredited Child & Adolescent Trainer; Co-author of EMDR for the Next Generation: Healing Children & Families
Dr Joan Lovett has written a remarkable book that will appeal to parents, teachers, mental health clinicians, day care workers, doctors, nurses, basically, anyone who interacts with children. Readers will be guided to understand children’s behaviors and how to resolve inappropriate behavior though the heartwarming and comprehensive case stories, which describe an array of challenges, including attachment issues, early medical traumas and hospitalization, vicarious traumatization, loss of a parent, extreme neglect, and developmental delays. With sensitivity and skillful artistry, Dr Lovett models how to help children feel safe and form positive and loving relationships through the use of EMDR therapy, engaging games, healing narratives, and other practical, easily implemented tools.
- Robbie Dunton, MS, MA, EMDR Institute Coordinator
“Joan Lovett's The Trauma-Attachment Tangle is an invaluable for book for anyone working with young children and their parents. Her portrayal of children struggling with the burden of traumatic experiences illuminates how early disruptions to a child's sense of safety can make daily life almost unbearably difficult for the child and his parents. The book emphasizes strategies for treatment of PTSD including EMDR, but Dr. Lovett's approach can be adapted for any child who has had an interruption to developing a sense of safety and security during the early months and years of life.”
– Meg Zweiback, RN,CPNP,MPH, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Family Consultant
"Readers of The Trauma-Attachment Tangle have a unique opportunity to virtually join Dr. Joan Lovett in her office--to follow her thought processes and witness her artistry as she unravels and intervenes with the perplexing problems of complicated child cases. The book includes creative games and strategies for enhancing parent-child relationships and guidelines for writing narratives that provide healing and hope. It’s an inspirational read for both clinicians and parents who have struggled with the challenges presented by severely traumatized children.”
--Debra Wesselmann, MS, LIMHP, Co-founder of The Attachment and Trauma Center of Nebraska; Co-author of Integrative Team Treatment for Attachment Trauma in Children: Family Therapy and EMDR
"Dr. Joan Lovett's latest book is an engrossing and extremely useful book for both developmental pediatricians, therapists, and general pediatricians who are at the front gate. As a general pediatrician who treats patients with complex medical problems, adopted families, and children with other attachment-attunement issues, this book provides detailed accounts of childrens' behaviors, parents' responses, and Dr. Lovett's approach to improving their physical and psychological well-being. She also presents solid evidence-based information on EMDR to support her treatment of these extremely difficult to treat children. Trauma-Attachment Tangle will help us to be better clinicians for our patients who have suffered trauma and attachment issues."
--Elizabeth Salsburg, MD, FAAP
Kiwi Pediatrics Medical Group, Chairperson of Department of Pediatrics Alta Bates Summit Medical Center