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FAMILY ATTACHMENT NARRATIVE THERAPY: HEALING THE EXPERIENCE OF EARLY CHILDHOOD MALTREATMENT
Author(s) -
May Joanne C.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
journal of marital and family therapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.868
H-Index - 68
eISSN - 1752-0606
pISSN - 0194-472X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1752-0606.2005.tb01565.x
Subject(s) - narrative , psychology , psychotherapist , family therapy , attachment theory , early childhood , narrative therapy , developmental psychology , clinical psychology , philosophy , linguistics
Based on attachment theory and research, Family Attachment Narrative Therapy is introduced as a new family therapy modality developed to heal the experience of early childhood maltreatment. Unresolved childhood trauma has been correlated with impaired and delayed cognitive, behavioral and emotional functioning. Gentle, soothing, nonprovocative and nonintrusive narratives told by parents provide an alternative restorative experience designed to shift and change the child's destructive internal working model. The result is improved functioning and the ability to accept nurturing and care in relationships that offer love and safety. A representative case example is used to illustrate theory, practice and outcome. Pre‐ and posttherapy assessment supports the claim of improved functioning.