The Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics

Going beyond the medical model, The Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics maps the neurobiological development of maltreated children. Assessment identifies developmental challenges and relationships which contribute to risk or resiliency. Formal therapy is combined with rich relationships with trustworthy peers, teachers, and caregivers. T he developing child is a miracle of complexity. Billions of dynamic processes, internal (e.g., release of neurotransmitter at the synapse) and ex­ ternal to the child (e.g., interactions with caregiv­ ers and family), work together to influence, shape, and create the individual. Each person becomes unique, with his or her collection of strengths and vulnerabilities. In some cases the vulnerabilities can be profound, interfering with the capacity to engage others, participate in, contribute to, and ap­ preciate the fullness of life. For centuries scholars have known to some degree that the capacity to ex­ press full human potential is related to the balance of developmental opportunities and challenges. In extreme cases of developmental challenge such as maltreatment-threat, neglect, humiliation, degra­ dation, deprivation, chaos, and violence-children express a range of serious emotional, behavioral,