Lost Child - The True Story of a Girl Who Couldn't Ask for Help

The first new book from beloved therapist and writer Torey Hayden in almost fifteen years—an inspiring, uplifting tale of a troubled child and the remarkable woman who made a difference.

In a forgotten corner of Wales, a young girl languishes in a home for troubled children. Abandoned by her parents because of her violent streak, Jessie—at the age of ten—is at risk of becoming just another lost soul in the foster system.

Precocious and bold, Jessie is convinced she is possessed by the devil and utterly unprepared for the arrival of therapist Torey Hayden. Armed with patience, compassion, and unconditional love, Hayden begins working with Jessie once a week. But when Jessie makes a stunning accusation against one of Hayden’s colleagues – a man Hayden implicitly trusts – Hayden’s work doubles: now she must not only get to the root of Jessie’s troubles, but also find out if what the girl alleges is true.

A moving, compelling, and inspiring account, Lost Child is a powerful testament once again of Torey Hayden’s extraordinary ability to reach children who many have given up on—and a reminder of how patience and love can ultimately prevail.

In this unforgettable account, Torey Hayden confronts the real-world challenges of a therapist’s work:

Reactive Attachment Disorder: A raw, honest look at a young girl who lies, manipulates, and pushes away the very help she needs, showcasing the profound difficulties of healing early childhood trauma. A Child in the System: An inside perspective on the challenges facing children like Jessie, lost in a network of group homes, and the dedicated professionals fighting to make a difference. A High-Stakes Investigation: When Jessie accuses a trusted colleague of abuse, Torey must navigate a minefield of lies and trauma to uncover a truth that could shatter multiple lives. Therapist and Child: The powerful, true story of the bond between a patient therapist and a volatile child, demonstrating the unwavering compassion required to reach a soul many had given up on.