link between childhood trauma and mental illness--effective interventions for mental health professionals, The

Mental Health Nursing,  Sep/Oct 2001  by McKie, Andrew

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The link between childhood trauma and mental illness effective interventions for mental health professionals Barbara Everett and Ruth Gallop (2001) Sage ISBN 0 7619 1699 7 Price L16.50 (approx) pp 330 (pbk)

The scarring of many lives through childhood abuse from family and carers remains a source of denial in many western cultures. This book establishes the link between childhood trauma and mental health problems experienced later in life.

Everett and Gallop outline ways in which all mental health professionals can detect and intervene helpfully in cases of childhood trauma. A realist perspective is adopted - optimistic of recovery, but not oblivious to the challenges along the way.

The book is divided into two parts. Part 1, on `theory and knowledge', addresses issues of barriers to acknowledging trauma, research and recognition of signs and symptoms. The intricacies of traumatic memory are discussed alongside a useful chapter on asking about abuse.

In part 2, `effective interventions' addresses areas of power, healing, treatment models, and safety. An illuminating chapter discusses 'clients' stories'. Suggestive of the experiences of other trauma 'survivors', Everett and Gallop see the role of professional as that of 'witness'. This helps validate the victim's spoken story by placing it within a framework of meaning. Three guest chapters discuss practical examples of trauma care in respect of crisis, men and racism.

A final chapter continues the realist perspective by discussing care issues for professionals themselves. This is a challenging book to read but one, which repays effort and time.

Andrew McKie

Copyright Community Psychiatric Nurses Association Sep/Oct 2001
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