Emotional Release for Children

Book excerpt: This sequel to the bestselling Emotional First-Aid for Children is full of fresh answers. The background information, drawn from contemporary psychology, will support creativity in dealing with emotions. There are clear, step-by-step games and exercises for encouraging children's growth in self-awareness and in reclaiming their self-esteem. The exercises, designed for work with individual children and groups, provide imaginative formats for repairing the hurts of the past and for opening children to the full potential of their inner world. Teachers, counsellors and parents will find up-to-date methods for helping children and adolescents grow out of depression, fear, hidden grief and unpredictable anger, into happiness and emotional balance. As well as the emotional release exercises there is guidance for planning personal development and counselling sessions; an introduction to Sandplay Therapy; work with art, drama and music; Gestalt methods, relaxation and visualisation formats; and a chapter on 'Care for the Carers'.