Raising Starfish

Do you have a child with inexplicable behaviors? Does your child experience disturbing mood shifts and scary experiences? Do you feel exhausted from appointments, routines and medication changes without seeing a positive change? Are you a biological parent wanting to change your family's intergenerational trauma patterns? Are you an adoptive or foster parent concerned for your child and also concerned about your reactions? Are you a caregiver angry and stressed, needing a better path? Are you a caregiver doing your best and knowing it is not enough? Raising Starfish explores the impact of dissociation in childhood development. Written from a parent perspective, Rachel shares stories and strategies that changed the trajectory of her family. This book explores dissociation in the trauma-responses of children in foster care and adoption, children with diagnoses, neuro-divergence and family units using dissociative strategies. Raising Starfish provides an introduction to dissociation, potential indicators, and the impacts of dissociation. Rachel provides foundational questions to consider as a caregiver and insights for sibling relationships. Using practical strategies and personal experiences, families are given insights to support their children on a connected journey.