Informed by a psychodynamic perspective, this book provides an integrated approach to working with children, parents and families that can be applied by all professionals in a variety of settings.

`This book encourages all those working with children with speech, language and communication needs to develop their creativity within a model of child-centred reflective practice, acknowledging that our interaction with children has an effect at many different levels. Therapists, teachers, teaching assistants and parents will find a wealth of practical suggestions and a solid foundation of research within these pages.' Mary Hampton, Chair, Association of Speech and Language Therapists in Independent Practice (ASLTIP), UK For many children, the act of communication that most of us take for granted can be a struggle, and communicating with others can become something to fear rather than enjoy. This creative book is full of fun and imaginative ideas to help children aged 4-11 with a speech or language delay or disorder to develop their communication abilities and skills. It is packed with activities and games tailored to help develop abilities such as effective listening, imagination and perseverance, and to build specific skills such as formulation of questions, categorising, taking turns and understanding non-verbal communication. Tips for personalising and shaping the activities are provided. A comprehensive theory section also covers how play can be a therapeutic tool for enhancing communication, and how to structure the emotional environment. Practical advice on working with groups and individuals and in different settings is also given. This activity book is an invaluable resource not only for speech and language therapists and students, but also for parents, teachers, carers and other support staff who are looking for creative ways to promote speech and language development. Deborah M. Plummer is a speech and language therapist and imagework practitioner with over 20 years' experience of facilitating groups and working individually with both children and adults. Formerly a clinical lead therapist working within the NHS, she now lectures at De Montfort University, Leicester, and runs workshops and short courses on the uses of imagery and story-telling and issues of self-esteem. Deborah is author of several titles, including Helping Children to Cope with Change, Stress and Anxiety: A Photocopiable Activities Book, Helping Children to Build Self-Esteem: A Photocopiable Activities Book, 2nd edition, Self-Esteem Games for Children, Social Skills Games for Children, Helping Adolescents and Adults to Build Self-Esteem: A Photocopiable Resource Book, and Anger Management Games for Children, all published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Deborah's website can be found at www.deborahplummer.co.uk.

The Second Edition of Herschel Knapp’s Therapeutic Communication: Developing Professional Skills provides beginners and seasoned professionals with the skills to navigate the facts and feelings endemic to professional therapeutic communication. With a comprehensive perspective, Dr. Knapp clearly and effectively explains differences between casual and therapeutic relationships, focusing on key elements such as the therapeutic process, social and emotional factors, and professionalism. Organized into discrete sections to highlight individual skills, each chapter follows a unified format, encouraging readers to apply their knowledge frequently.

This volume deals with universal processes of therapeutic communication, a term which covers whatever exchange goes on between people who have a therapeutic intent, with an emphasis upon the empirical observation of the communicative process. -- Preface.

For over twenty years I have been privileged to observe, partic ipate in, and contribute to the development of the ideas and techniques that culminated in this most unusual, impressive, and useful book. in words the total experience While it is difficult to convey of this innovative therapeutic approach, this volume enables the reader to become a part of these therapy sessions and to learn to "know" and appreciate these fruitful methods. The techniques described in detail in this volume are designed for use with children who are viewed as "resi stant" and uncommunicative-a fairly large percentage of youth who have not responded to traditional therapy. The approach is based on many practical assumptions. Among them are the idea that rhythm, of whatever nature, cannot be "shut out"; that one can have pleasure in producing c- v vi FOREWORD munication (fun of all things); and that pleasure and accep tance lead to the integration of motility, emotions, and ideation. These all lead to increased self-esteem and compe tence. The selection of the modality is completely individu alized and leads to a therapy with the child-not to or at the child. To complete the circle, the method is eminently teachable. Thus, both students in training and practicing therapists who are concerned with promoting growth and development in the children they treat will find this guide exceptionally use ful and stimulating. H. D. Dunton, M. D.

Children and young people in care who have been traumatized need a therapeutic environment where they can heal and which meets their emotional and developmental needs. This book provides a model of care for traumatized children and young people, based on theory and practice experience pioneered at the Lighthouse Foundation, Australia. The authors explain the impact of trauma on child development, drawing on psychodynamic, attachment and neurobiological trauma theories. The practical aspects of undertaking therapeutic care are then outlined, covering everything from forming therapeutic relationships to the importance of the home environment and daily routines. The book considers the totality of the child's experience at the individual, group, organization and community levels and argues that attention to all of these is essential if the child is to achieve wellness. Case material from both children and carers are used throughout to illustrate both the impact of trauma and how children have been helped to recovery through therapeutic care. This book will provide anyone caring for traumatized children and young people in a residential setting with both the understanding and the practical knowledge to help children recover. It will be essential reading for managers and decision-makers responsible for looked after children, child care workers such as residential and foster carers, youth workers, social workers, mental health workers and child welfare academics.