Overview

This book is concerned with trauma only as a state from which to recover. But it is necessary to see the effects that extreme distress has on the developing personality before talking about what can be done with it. A successful solution requires knowledge of both the problem and desired outcome. How else can we recognize when we've found our solution? Likewise, to heal, first we must understand both the state of trauma and the nature of health. Crossing In-finity will help parents, teachers, and all students of human behavior understand the effects of emotional injuries on the developing personality. It will illustrate the thinking and learning of the developing child and lay a clear path to recovery from rage and shame to trust and forgiveness. Crossing In-finity is based on the experience of David J. Kenney, a foster dad, adoptive parent and child psychologist and is dedicated to healthy emotional development. You see, at certain developmental points, the traumas of early childhood have specific sets of possible effects on the emergent ego. These effects impact the personality in definite ways and lead to predictable patterns of beliefs and behavior. These are knowable. Therefore, we can act in strategic ways to redirect growth towards well-being. In this manner, we can immunize the abused or abandoned child against significant mental disorders as adults.

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9781502956866

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David J. Kenney is a noted speaker having presented to parent and professional groups at colleges, universities and educational in-services on topics such as healing trauma, stress management, anxiety reduction, helping children with attention deficits, behavior as language, general parenting and achieving success in our schools. In 1986, David graduated, magna cum laude, from the University of Detroit - Mercy with a bachelor's degree in psychology and again as a Specialist in School Psychology in 1989. He served as President of the Michigan Association of School Psychologists in 1997-98 and was liaison to the Michigan State Board of Education from 1995 to 1997. As an undergraduate student, David was invited to the 1985 National Fairweather conference to present a program he developed using creative writing with chronic, schizophrenic patients. This project was spotlighted in the Detroit Free Press on August 30, 1985. But all achievements pale when compared to raising traumatized children to a healthy maturity. Children wounded by the world have been given little reason to trust it, so there were no guarantees of successful outcomes. Through his committed efforts, David learned strategies to heal harmed children. His expertise and insight has been noted by colleagues, who continue to seek him out for mentoring and training. Barbara Kenney began her career by counseling emotionally disturbed children. She earned a bachelor's degree in Human Services in 1976 from Ferris State followed by a master's degree in Administration from Central Michigan University. In 1977, Barb helped establish a locked program for delinquent girls at Vista Maria. Barb was instrumental in program development for this secured facility, designing and establishing structure and treatment for residents. From 1979 to 1993, Barbara was a case manager for schizophrenics at an innovative agency that provided services to the mentally ill within the community. While there, she was recognized as an exemplary public speaker and trainer. Fifteen years later, Barb left social work to tend to the special needs of our adopted children. While they attended elementary school, she was an active and positive influence on the whole community. For three years, she acted as president and vice president for the Parent-Teacher Association. In the recognition of her substantial efforts and clear vision, she was conferred with a distinguished service award in 1999.

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