Transforming Trauma in Children and Adolescents: An Embodied Approach to Somatic Regulation, Trauma Processing, and Attachment Building

An innovative somatic and attachment-based treatment for working with children and adolescents who suffer from complex trauma and neglect

"[This] is a ground-breaking new approach to treating traumatized children, based on the combination of keen clinical observation, sensory integration, and a deep understanding of the latest advances in the neuroscience of trauma."—Bessel van der Kolk, MD, best-selling author of The Body Keeps the Score

The SMART (Sensory Motor Arousal Regulation Treatment) program addresses three key processes that can be derailed by developmental trauma--somatic regulation, trauma processing, and attachment-building--and uses movement and sensation to target the neurological structures that support emotional and behavioral regulation. Transforming Trauma in Children and Adolescents teaches therapists the eight key skills required for SMART mastery and provides seven regulation tools for clients, helping children and adolescents manage their feelings and attend to developmental tasks like making friends, participating at school, learning to play with others, and developing a sense of self that includes--but isn't defined by--the trauma they've experienced. Enriched with case studies and recommended adaptations, the book includes resources for parents and other caregivers who want to provide ongoing supportive care outside the clinical setting.

The four authors founded SMARTmoves Partners in 2018, a training and consultation organization committed to improving the lives of traumatized children and families. Previously, the authors provided supervision, consultation, and clinical services at Bessel van der Kolk's Trauma Center in Brookline, Massachusetts. Within this innovative setting, they collaborated on the development of the SMART model beginning in 2008. ELIZABETH WARNER, Psy.D. is a practicing clinical psychologist with 40 years of experience in a full range of mental health settings. She was the Project Director for SMART development and applications through the use of videotape for practice, teaching, research, and publications at The Trauma Center for 10 years, and has trained therapists in the US and internationally. ANNE WESTCOTT, LICSW is a clinical social worker specializing in the treatment of families impacted by trauma and attachment disruption over 30 years of experience in a range of settings. She is a senior faculty member at the Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute founded by Pat Ogden, Ph.D. and co-author of the children's book series Hidden Strengths (2018). ALEXANDRA COOK, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist with over 30 years of experience dedicated to working with survivors of trauma through research, clinical service, training, and supervision. For over 20 years, Alexandra worked at The Trauma Center in various roles including Post-doctoral fellow, Director of Children's Services, and ultimately, Associate Director. She is the lead author of the White Paper on Complex Trauma in Children and Adolescents (2005). HEATHER FINN, LICSW is a practicing clinical social worker with nearly 20 years of experience working with trauma impacted children and families in residential, home-based and outpatient therapeutic settings. Heather provided clinical and supervisory services at the Trauma Center for 10 years, founded the program's first social work fellowship, and ended her tenure as Clinical Director.