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In this comprehensive resource, highly acclaimed author Liana Lowenstein has compiled an impressive collection of techniques from experienced practitioners. Interventions are outlined for engaging, assessing, and treating children of all ages and their families. Activities address a range of issues including:
When children are referred for therapy, they typically feel anxious and are reluctant to talk directly about their thoughts and feelings. The interventions presented in this book aim to capture and sustain children's interest and motivation - creative and play-based to engage children and help them to safely express themselves within the context of a safe therapeutic environment.
The book begins with assessment activities providing clinicians with diagnostic tools to assist in treatment planning. The remaining sections provide activities to help clients master key emotional and behavioural competencies, such as identifying and expressing feeling states, strengthening interpersonal skills, learning coping strategies, and enhancing self-esteem. A variety of activities are provided within each section, so that practitioners can choose interventions that suit their clients' specific needs.
Each activity is described within a framework that recommends age suitability and preferred treatment modality. Goals for the activity are outlined. Materials needed to complete the activity are listed. The book includes detailed instructions for all activities and a discussion section that further clarifies application and process.
A “must have” for mental health professionals seeking to add creative interventions to their repertoire.
Section 1. Engagement and Assessment
Section 2. Feelings Expression
Section 3. Social Skills
Section 4. Coping and Problem-Solving
Section 5. Self-Esteem
Section 6. Termination
"Every so often a true gem is discovered in the field of child therapy that quickly becomes the gold standard. Liana Lowenstein skillfully selected some of today’s best clinicians and combines their favorite techniques into a true treasure. Anyone who wants to help children, teens, and families overcome obstacles will want this book. I can’t wait to implement these activities in my practice!"
- Scott Riviere, MS, LPC, RPT-S, Healing Kidz, Lake Charles, LA
"A delightful addition to the world of play therapy techniques! This well-organized volume, with over 50 contributors, offers a wide variety of activities in a quick and easy format for busy clinicians. It will surely become a well-used book for practitioners seeking creative and therapeutically-stimulating interventions for their child and teen clients. Highly recommended!"
- Athena A. Drewes, PsyD, MA, RPT-S, Astor Home for Children, Poughkeepsie, NY
"Liana Lowenstein is well known in the field of children’s mental health and continually offers practical and effective tools and activities for clinicians to use in their work. In this book she has gathered a diverse collection of helpful techniques from a diverse group of professionals. Anyone working with children, youth or families are sure to find many activities which can be quickly and easily utilized in their clinical work. This book is a must have resource."
- Greg Lubimiv, MSW, CPT-S, Phoenix Centre, Pembroke, ON
Author of Wings for Our Children
