Overview

Taking an occupational therapy perspective, this book provides a resource for practitioners from many disciplines working with children who have experienced complex trauma. Readers are reminded of the damage which has happened to these children and the challenges faced by professionals when communicating with them. Play is one way in, and the overriding message is that children’s play needs to be taken very seriously both for healthy development and as a therapeutic medium to support children’s wellbeing. Written in accessible language and supported throughout by examples of children’s play and artwork, chapters provide a bedrock of well‑explained theory with links to practice. Topics explored include: Recognising and understanding complex trauma Using play as a means of communication Child‑led assessment and play based occupational therapy Exploration about what happens in the therapy room Occupational therapists as part of the multidisciplinary team The necessary support structures for therapists An essential text for any therapist working in the field of children’s mental health, this book provides readers with an effective approach in their clinical work with children and their families, bringing together an understanding of trauma, psychodynamic theory and play.

Full Product Details

9781041079248

Table of Contents

Reviews

This book is a rare and invaluable contribution to the field of therapeutic work with children. The writers bring both deep compassion and clinical clarity to the delivery and impact of play based occupational therapy. With rich case studies and grounded theory, this book bridges the gap between evidence-based practice and the lived realities of working with children who carry complex trauma. The authors manage to articulate what many clinicians feel but struggle to express: that within the simplicity of play lies extraordinary potential for healing, connection, and transformation. A must-read for all professionals committed to supporting the most vulnerable young people, with skill, sensitivity and heart. - Rhona McAlpine, Specialist Occupational Therapist/Parent Infant Therapist. A practical and thoughtful guide, bridging theory and clinical practice. Drawing on their expertise as seasoned clinicians, the authors seamlessly integrate case studies that provide profound insights, reflections, and practical wisdom. This resource equips professionals with an essential understanding when using play-based approaches to support children and young people who have experienced complex trauma. A must read! - Dr Sara Shafi, Consultant Clinical Psychologist - Specialist Trauma Team, NHS Lothian How can services best meet the needs of children and young people with complex trauma? This clear and accessible book is invaluable for anyone working in Children’s Services and CAMHS. It is a testimony to the importance of understanding children’s ways of communicating through play and the centrality of relationship-based practice as well as the challenges involved in this way of working. - Dr. Debbie Hindle, Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist, Human Development Scotland

This book is a rare and invaluable contribution to the field of therapeutic work with children. The writers bring both deep compassion and clinical clarity to the delivery and impact of play based occupational therapy. With rich case studies and grounded theory, this book bridges the gap between evidence-based practice and the lived realities of working with children who carry complex trauma. The authors manage to articulate what many clinicians feel but struggle to express: that within the simplicity of play lies extraordinary potential for healing, connection, and transformation. A must-read for all professionals committed to supporting the most vulnerable young people, with skill, sensitivity and heart. - Rhona McAlpine, Specialist Occupational Therapist/Parent Infant Therapist A practical and thoughtful guide, bridging theory and clinical practice. Drawing on their expertise as seasoned clinicians, the authors seamlessly integrate case studies that provide profound insights, reflections, and practical wisdom. This resource equips professionals with an essential understanding when using play-based approaches to support children and young people who have experienced complex trauma. A must read! - Dr Sara Shafi, Consultant Clinical Psychologist - Specialist Trauma Team, NHS Lothian How can services best meet the needs of children and young people with complex trauma? This clear and accessible book is invaluable for anyone working in Children’s Services and CAMHS. It is a testimony to the importance of understanding children’s ways of communicating through play and the centrality of relationship-based practice as well as the challenges involved in this way of working. - Dr. Debbie Hindle, Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist, Human Development Scotland

Author Information

Gita Ingram is an occupational therapist and systemic practitioner who worked in a child and adolescent mental health service as Head of Occupational Therapy and then manager of a specialist team for children in the care system. She is now an independent trainer and consultant, and writes about play and psychodynamic approaches. Susie Reade is an occupational therapist who worked in a child and adolescent mental health service as clinical specialist in the sexual trauma team. She is learning British Sign Language and now volunteers in services for deaf children. She is an exhibiting visual artist. Annie Green is an occupational therapist and counsellor who worked for many years in a child and adolescent mental health service as Head of Occupational Therapy and clinical specialist in the child trauma team. She is now an exhibiting visual artist.

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