This completely revised and updated second edition provides a comprehensive introduction to using play to communicate with troubled or traumatized children and their families, and to heal emotional damage. The book gives examples of good practice in different settings and situations.

Drawing on psychodynamic, systemic and attachment theory, the book provides an integrated theory base for using play in therapeutic work with children. It emphasizes non-directive approaches to therapeutic play and play therapy, based on supporting the child s developing self within the safe boundaries provided by the setting and the worker s emotional holding and containment. Areas explored include:

• children with disabilities and illnesses
• daily living with abused and traumatized children
• helping troubled families
• difficulties in early years
• children experiencing separation, loss and bereavement
• children moving to new families.

The Handbook of Play Therapy and Therapeutic Play is an invaluable resource for all of those using play therapy with children and will appeal not only to play therapists but also to professionals working in the broader field of therapeutic play. It will be useful whether the readers are at the beginning of their training or are well-established and experienced practitioners and managers.

Designed as a guide for trainers and academic staff as well as for practitioners working with the most disturbed children and young people, this book seeks to explore the connections between the challenges of practice and of learning. The book introduces the matching principle - the principle that, in order to be successful, training for any field of practice should match or reflect key aspects of that practice in terms of personal and professional experience as well as academic content.

Tackling the difficult issues facing those who work with traumatized and sometimes dangerous young people and their families, this new volume shows how professionals can bring about positive change and growth through the creation of "holding" and healing therapeutic environments. This collection of papers written by established and respected experts with extensive practice and research experience builds a powerful picture of the theory and practice of therapeutic community work with young people. A wide variety of therapeutic community approaches is considered alongside an analysis of the implications of this model for mainstream residential practice. Social work, health care and education professionals will find the text invaluable for its presentation of a well-founded analysis of their work with these most damaged and desperate children and young people.

This comprehensive guide to relationship-based practice in social work communicates the theory using illustrative case studies and offers a model for practice. Updated and expanded, it now includes increased coverage of anti-oppressive and diversity issues, service user perspectives and systemic approaches in social work. The book explores the ranges of emotions that practitioners may encounter with service users, and covers working in both short-term and long-term professional relationships. It also outlines key skills, such as how to establish rapport, and explores systemic issues, such as building appropriate support systems for practice, management and leadership.

This completely revised and updated second edition provides a comprehensive introduction to using play to communicate with troubled or traumatized children and their families, and to heal emotional damage. The book gives examples of good practice in different settings and situations.

Drawing on psychodynamic, systemic and attachment theory, the book provides an integrated theory base for using play in therapeutic work with children. It emphasizes non-directive approaches to therapeutic play and play therapy, based on supporting the child s developing self within the safe boundaries provided by the setting and the worker s emotional holding and containment. Areas explored include:

• children with disabilities and illnesses
• daily living with abused and traumatized children
• helping troubled families
• difficulties in early years
• children experiencing separation, loss and bereavement
• children moving to new families.

The Handbook of Play Therapy and Therapeutic Play is an invaluable resource for all of those using play therapy with children and will appeal not only to play therapists but also to professionals working in the broader field of therapeutic play. It will be useful whether the readers are at the beginning of their training or are well-established and experienced practitioners and managers.

The first text to look in detail at the delivery and management of therapeutic work in family centres, this much-needed book gives practical guidance for professionals working with children and families. The contributors show how family centres form a key element of `joined-up' work with families in need, providing both practical and emotional support for parents as well as children. Based on a psychodynamic approach emphasising the central importance of attachment in relationships, the book also applies systemic ideas and the `therapeutic community' approach to the overall design and management of the centres. Particular examples of therapeutic interventions discussed include play therapy with children, systemic work with black families, working with men, and early intervention. The book is a comprehensive guide for family centre workers, their managers and senior managers, and for all social workers working with children and families. As family centres are becoming an increasing focus for multi-agency work, health visitors, teachers, and mental health professionals should also find the book useful, as should policy makers at all levels.