I would check PTSD research. I would recommend Bessel van der Kolk: "The body keeps the score". He gives a good overview about the attachment theory, trauma and treatment. The book is based on research, but it reads like fiction. Especially with the painful procedure, there will be affective disruption and because the family may have not prevent or even encouraged to do it, there may be major affect issues. I am not sure if you can deal cognitively with it. Sincerely Markus