Conversation-Starters for Working with Children and Adolescents After Trauma

This book is a practical guide for professionals working with children and young people who have experienced trauma. Drawing on decades of experience, it offers creative, engaging, and developmentally appropriate activities designed to help children express their feelings, process difficult experiences, and develop healthy coping strategies. The text emphasizes creating safe and supportive environments where children can explore emotions and build resilience.

Key Features

• 50 practical tools and activities: Activities range from simple play techniques using bubbles, balloons, and blocks to more imaginative exercises involving ghosts, monsters, and squiggles.
• Trauma-informed approach: Each activity is framed within a trauma-informed perspective, highlighting how children’s experiences influence behaviour and emotional responses.
• Case studies: Real-world examples demonstrate how activities can be integrated into daily practice in social work, counselling, and therapeutic settings.
• Theoretical grounding: Clear explanations of underlying psychological theories provide context and guidance for practitioners on why and how each activity works.
• Focus on attachment and relationships: Activities support children in developing trust, forming healthy attachments, and improving interpersonal skills.
• Practical for daily use: Designed to be easily implemented in routine interactions with children, making it accessible for practitioners across various settings including schools, social services, and therapy sessions.