Professor Mooli Lahad

Nature Therapy is an innovative approach for working with children who have experienced stress or trauma. For the first time in the English language, this book presents the theory behind the approach along with detailed guidelines for introducing it to the classroom and other group settings The flexible 12-session programme pairs nature-based activities with storytelling and other expressive arts approaches. It is designed to strengthen coping and resilience in children who have been through common causes of stress such as the divorce of parents, moving home, the illness of a loved one or bullying. It can also be used in the aftermath of large-scale crises such as war, terrorism and natural disasters to prevent and treat post-traumatic stress disorder. An evocative colour storybook, 'The Guardians of the Forest', is also included for use within the programme. The original, evidence-based approach described in this book will be of interest to all those working therapeutically or creatively with children who have experienced stress or trauma, including teachers, arts therapists, psychologists and counsellors.

Breaking new ground in the areas of attachment and child development, Sue Jennings introduces the concept of 'Neuro-Dramatic-Play' exploring the sensory experiences that take place between mother and child during pregnancy and the first few months after birth. She explains how this interaction, that is essentially 'dramatic' in nature, is of crucial importance for the infant to develop a healthy brain, strong attachments and future resilience. Based on sound experience and observation, this book consolidates current theories of neuroscience, attachment and therapeutic intervention and challenges commonly held psychoanalytic ideas of child development. By expanding on the often narrow view of what is understood by attachment, this book makes a strong case for early years inclusion of play and arts therapies. Neuro-Dramatic-Play is also discussed in relation to fostering and adoption, teenagers and young adults, and children with developmental or cognitive disabilities. This accessible text will interest all therapists and practitioners who work with children and teenagers, including child psychotherapists, psychologists, social workers, paediatric and perinatal nurses, paediatricians, child psychiatrists and play and arts therapists, and post-graduate students.

A safe place, both in physical and psychological terms, is the foundation of the healing process for children recovering from sexual abuse. This practical text highlights the importance of the factors that contribute to a secure therapeutic climate.

Supervision is growing in importance in all professions as a means of focusing on the personal and vocational skills of the supervisee, as well as a means of supporting them in their work. In this book Mooli Lahad argues that the most effective method of supervision uses both right and left hemispheres of the brain, the intuitive and logical. He encourages the use of metaphors, images and stories to enrich theoretical knowledge and improve our understanding of the processes of therapy and support. In Creative Supervision Lahad introduces techniques, drawn from the expressive arts therapies, which can be employed during a supervision to release information from the creative hemisphere of the brain. These techniques include storytelling, role-playing, guided fantasy, imaginary dialogues, letter-writing, drawing, and the use of colours and shapes. Case examples show how the techniques were used, and how they provided insight into problematic relationships with clients. Drawing from his experiences of working in the aftermath of tragedy in Israel, Northern Ireland and the former Yugoslavia, Lahad examines how to supervise a crisis intervention team: he also focuses on self-supervision. Combining humanistic, creative and practical approaches, Creative Supervision gives a fresh, new perspective which will inspire supervisors to re-think their practice.

Developing the basic principles of her model of playtherapy, Sue Jennings has written a stimulating book that will provide inspiration for those new to the discipline, whilst providing a fresh and exciting approach for established practitioners. In Introduction to Developmental Playtherapy, Jennings argues that creative play is essential for children's health. Drawing on examples from her own professional experience, she discusses how play can help resolve issues by allowing possible solutions to be explored safely, thus encouraging flexibility of response. She explores the cultural background and theory of using play as a therapeutic tool with children and how play can communicate to the therapist what the child needs to tell. Innovative and accessible, her book breaks fertile new ground for playtherapy.