#94: Child Maltreatment: Healing and Breaking the Cycle

For many people, childhood memories hold a special place in our hearts. Childhood experiences also impact our journey through life, shaping our personality, relationships, and conceptions of right and wrong. But not all childhood memories are bright, and many children suffer significant trauma through maltreatment by family members or other trusted adults. In this episode, we explore the difficult topic of child maltreatment with the help of our esteemed guests. First, Dr. Tracie Afifi, a Professor in Community Health Sciences at the University of Manitoba, describes the scope of child maltreatment in Canada, and describes intervention and prevention strategies. Next, Dr. Robert T. Muller, a Clinical Psychologist, Professor of Psychology at York University, and bestselling author on trauma therapy, tells us about the goals, pitfalls, and successful strategies in psychotherapy for patients with childhood trauma. Finally, Dr. Katreena Scott, an Associate Professor and Clinical Psychologist at the University of Toronto, explores the complex familial contexts in which child maltreatment can arise, and describes the unique intervention program she and her team have pioneered to help break the cycle.

Written by: Tsukiko Miyata

Local Children's Aid Societies (Ontario)
Profile - Dr. Tracie Afifi
Profile - Dr. Robert T. Muller
Profile - Dr. Katreena Scott
Book - Trauma and the Struggle to Open Up: From Avoidance to Recovery and Growth
Book - Trauma and the Avoidant Client: Attachment-Based Strategies for Healing
Caring Dads
Adverse Childhood Experiences
Global look at Child Maltreatment (WHO)
Child Maltreatment in Canada
Indigenous people and Child Maltreatment