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The Hidden Dimensions: Profound Sorrow and Buried Potential in Violent Youth

Rhinebeck Child & Family Center in Rhinebeck, New York

James Garbarino, PhD

Loyola University, Chicago

Some enraged kids in clinical settings are youth who have been simply and narrowly judged as "bad kids" by many of the adults in their lives. But most of these youngsters have suffered major and repeated losses, and in some cases traumatic losses. These losses were not recognized by others or grieved by the children, nor did the children receive support from the adults in their lives. This deep reservoir of unrequited sorrow is the smoldering emotional underbelly to their violence. Also in this deeper place in which the true essence of the child lives are their untapped human potential and redeeming qualities. The metaphor of "fawns in gorilla suits" was introduced in previous writing to highlight the features of these foster care kids who have suffered severe losses and for whom modifications in the empirically supported treatment protocols are needed to adequately and safely undertake therapeutic exploration of their traumatic grief.

Key Words: hidden sorrow • potential • sorrow • unrealized potential, violent youth

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