Over the past three decades, the human brain has become a new landscape for exploration. The advent of new imaging tools has enabled us to learn more about how the brain grows and functions under various conditions, both healthy and traumatic. Based on research and clinical experience, Dr. Ziegler describes the impact of trauma on the developing brain and the implications for treatment.
Research suggests that severe trauma affects how children perceive the world and respond to potential threats. These effects can be serious and lifelong. However, the message of this book is hopeful: traumatized children can learn to control their responses to threats and heal when provided with optimal structure, nurturing, and appropriate therapy.
Dr. Dave Ziegler has seen firsthand the effects of traumatic experiences on the brain during infancy and early childhood. Through his research and extensive experience with traumatized children, he explains in understandable terms the complex neural functioning of a very young brain. His work with trauma victims has revealed the formation of developmental psychopathology and the emotional triggers that are so resistant to change.
Dr. Ziegler’s career is focused on finding ways to help traumatized individuals and the professionals who assist them in learning new methods of healing deeply ingrained trauma. His clear and accessible style has made his work valuable to both parents and as a textbook for graduate programs.
