Building the Bonds of Attachment

Awakening Love in Deeply Traumatized Children

By: Daniel A. Hughes

Narrated by: Kirby Heyborne

Building the Bonds of Attachment is the third edition of a critically acclaimed book for social workers, therapists, and parents who strive to assist children with reactive attachment disorder. This work is a composite case study of the developmental course of one child following years of abuse and neglect. Building the Bonds of Attachment focuses on both the specialized psychotherapy and parenting that is often necessary in facilitating a child's psychological development and attachment security. It develops a model for intervention by blending attachment theory and research, trauma theory, and the general principles of parenting, together with child and family therapy. This book is a practical guide for the adult - whether professional or parent - who endeavors to help such children. The third edition of this widely popular book will present the many recent changes in the intervention model. These include changes in both the psychotherapist's and parent's interventions. The attachment history of the adults is made more relevant. There is greater congruence between attachment theory and research and the interventions being demonstrated as well as greater reference to this theory and research.

©2018 Rowman & Littlefield (P)2017 Tantor

Relatable in story form

This book has helped me with relating to my foster kids. The story form is much more relatable than a "how-to" book. Great book! I will definitely refer back to this book!

Helpful insights

Helpful insights on how kids think and how you can help them. Told in a narrative form, so you don't get bored.

"PACE" really works!

As an adoptive parent of older children, I had purchased this book as a paperback years ago, but never fully read it. Fast forward 15 years and I find it recommended to me twice in one year by professionals in children's mental health. I wish I would have read it years ago because I learned a lot, including that maintaining an attitude of Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy is essential in working with a child with a background of trauma. It is so easy to become overwhelmed when typical behavioral modification techniques don't work. The method of PACE helps you and your child so much in the bonding process. It has helped me. The narration was very good but I did speed it up a bit.

Performance

The book has great insights on children with traumas. I can’t stand the narrator’s yelling tone when mimicking little Katy’s tantrums. To be honest i find it triggering. It’s like a grown up male is yelling at you. He could soften up the reenactment.

Teeth-gritting, suspenseful love story

Amazing insight into the psychology of trauma and neglect. But even more remarkable is the triumph of healthy attachment, resilience, and the healing power of love.
Helping professionals working together with knowledge, skillful engagement, personal sacrifice, tactical restraint, emotional attunement, and timeliness at its (critical) best. I love it!