Replacement Children: The Unconscious Script

WINNER OF BRONZE IPPY!Few tragedies are felt as deeply as the loss of a child, whether by death or incapacitation. For many families, the echoes of this pain are even detected in the lives of subsequent children or in an older child whose life has been redirected as a result of this loss. Replacement children share a common experience, one in which they are, often unconsciously, allocated to fill a void left in the family. They are burdened with the daunting task of relieving the family’s unprocessed grief. Replacement Children: The Unconscious Scriptis a complex and fascinating overview of people caught up in the arduous mission of having to carry on for another.Authors Silverman and Brenner present a wealth of research and compelling personal stories about this profound and under explored phenomenon. This first-of-its-kind book offers new understanding to assist individuals, families,and the therapeutic community in finding answers to address this often overlooked issue. It is the authors’ hope that this book may serve as a catalyst for new awareness and insight into this phenomenon.

Rita Battat Silverman has a BA in psychology from Texas Wesleyan University and resides in New York City. She has been a life coach for over 30 years. She also works as a talent manager and freelance literary agent. Ms. Silverman knows firsthand what it is like to grow up as a "replacement child," having been born 18 months after the death of her 14-year-old brother. The realization of the impact on her life came to her as an adult during a chance conversation. Upon exploring the subject for many years, she realized that there was a serious lack of consciousness about this experience and the impact it has on a family. Abigail Brenner, MD, attended New York Medical College, becoming a physician in 1977. She completed her internship and residency in psychiatry at New York University-Bellevue Medical Center in 1981, is board certified, and is a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. Dr. Brenner is the author of three books-Transitions: How Women Embrace Change and Celebrate Life, SHIFT: How to Deal When Life Changes, and Life Matters: Stories of Transition, Healing, and Hope-and coauthor of The Essential Guide to Baby's First Year. In addition, she has written several articles, is a guest on radio and television, and writes a monthly blog for Psychology Today.