Therapeutic Groupwork with Children

Book excerpt: This hands-on workbook is an invaluable resource for all professionals who work with young children, both in clinics and schools, including teachers, activity leaders and therapists. It provides an overview of the book's basis in humanistic philosophy, a discussion of the role of group leaders and how to start and run a group. It contains 40 varied group activities, some original and some more well known, each with clear guidelines, photocopiable worksheets and anecdotal evaluations. Guidance is given on how to use the activities in a pick-and-mix approach, with a gradual build up from simple listening and turn-taking exercises to empathy, problem-solving and dealing with emotions. Divided into activities for infants and juniors, they are designed to use different strengths within the children, including verbal, non-verbal, trust, imagination and physical. Using these activities in a group setting will create an environment, where children feel listened to, accepted and valued, and in which they can grow emotionally.