Dynamic Psychotherapy with Adult Survivors: Living Past Neglect

It is common to internalize how we were parented and parent ourselves respectively. A neglectful background brings repetition in neglect of self. The feeling of being invisible with unmet needs that are also undefined brings forth a calling for Bennett’s work and excellent grasp of the dynamics and devastating effects of childhood neglect. Dynamic Psychotherapy with Adult Survivors is a must read for clinicians who work with trauma and for clients who seek and deserve validation. Lori Bennett’s work restores faith in trauma resolution. Neglect bears neglect unless recognized and treated.

Survivors of neglect, therapists, clinical supervisors, teachers, and students will find Dynamic Psychotherapy with Adult Survivors to be an important addition to their comprehension of this little-studied, yet crucial psychodynamic issue. Lori Bennett’s book will enhance the ability of therapists and clients to gain insight and understanding of the impact that this subtle, insidious epidemic of neglect has had in their lives. The powerful stories presented here will help all of us “learn to stop the self blame over circumstances, to move past the past, and embrace a new future.”

This sensitive portrayal of childhood neglect will be valuable to therapists, especially those who have not been trained in insight-oriented or dynamic psychotherapies. It shows how neglect, in addition to its own long-term impacts, sets the stage for active victimization of children. An experienced clinician, Bennett offers guidance for working compassionately with both neglect and abuse survivors.

Lori M. Bennett, LCSW is a psychotherapist and social worker in Boulder, Colorado.