Growing Up Again

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by Tanya Ruckstuhl-Valenti LICSW, MSW

I am currently enjoying a book a client of mine recommended, Growing Up Again, by Jean Illsley Clarke and Connie Dawson.  In it, Illseley Clarke and Dawson gently connect childhood trauma with non-productive adult patterns of behavior.  I really appreciate the “gentle” part of this, because many self help books can come across like a megaphone-weilding cheerleader’s manual to wellbeing.

Chapter 2, focused on the need for Stimulation, Recognition and Safety which the authors depict as a triangle of equal sides and importance, is beautifully explained.  Essentially, people–young and old–need to feel engaged with life (stimulation), valued by others (recognition) and to know that their needs will be met (Safety).

When children act out, when marriages fail, when people experience a gnawing sense of discomfort that they cannot manage, it can be useful to ask which of these three needs is not being met.

I recommend this book!

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• Recovering from PTSD and Depression: What You Can Do (seattletherapist.wordpress.com)
• Good Intentions Don’t Always Pan Out (seattletherapist.wordpress.com)
• Is There a Link Between Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Childhood Trauma? (everydayhealth.com)
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About Tanya Ruckstuhl-Valenti

I am a clinical social worker in private practice specializing in trauma treatment and ADHD. My website can be found at www.therapistseattle.net When I'm not helping clients make peace with their past and envision a happy future or nagging my children to finish their homework, I like to write, make jewelry, read voraciously and cruise thrift stores for original art and funky hand made ceramics.

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