Child-Led Therapy for Children with Complex Trauma

Gita Ingram is an occupational therapist and systemic practitioner who worked in a child and adolescent mental health service as Head of Occupational Therapy and then manager of a specialist team for children in the care system. She is now an independent trainer and consultant, and writes about play and psychodynamic approaches.Susie Reade is an occupational therapist who worked in a child and adolescent mental health service as clinical specialist in the sexual trauma team. She is learning British Sign Language and now volunteers in services for deaf children. She is an exhibiting visual artist.Annie Green is an occupational therapist and counsellor who worked for many years in a child and adolescent mental health service as Head of Occupational Therapy and clinical specialist in the child trauma team. She is now an exhibiting visual artist.

This book is a rare and invaluable contribution to the field of therapeutic work with children. The writers bring both deep compassion and clinical clarity to the delivery and impact of play based occupational therapy. With rich case studies and grounded theory, this book bridges the gap between evidence-based practice and the lived realities of working with children who carry complex trauma.The authors manage to articulate what many clinicians feel but struggle to express: that within the simplicity of play lies extraordinary potential for healing, connection, and transformation. A must-read for all professionals committed to supporting the most vulnerable young people, with skill, sensitivity and heart.- Rhona McAlpine, Specialist Occupational Therapist/Parent Infant TherapistA practical and thoughtful guide, bridging theory and clinical practice. Drawing on their expertise as seasoned clinicians, the authors seamlessly integrate case studies that provide profound insights, reflections, and practical wisdom. This resource equips professionals with an essential understanding when using play-based approaches to support children and young people who have experienced complex trauma. A must read!- Dr Sara Shafi, Consultant Clinical Psychologist - Specialist Trauma Team, NHS LothianHow can services best meet the needs of children and young people with complex trauma? This clear and accessible book is invaluable for anyone working in Children’s Services and CAMHS. It is a testimony to the importance of understanding children’s ways of communicating through play and the centrality of relationship-based practice as well as the challenges involved in this way of working.- Dr. Debbie Hindle, Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist, Human Development Scotland

• ForewordPrefaceAcknowledgementsIntroduction and Chapter OutlinesChapter 1 Understanding Complex TraumaChapter 2 Additional Vulnerabilities to TraumaChapter 3 Play as Communication and as a Child’s Natural OccupationChapter 4 What happens in the Playroom?Chapter 5 Assessment, Review and PlanningChapter 6 Theoretical Underpinning of Play Based Occupational TherapyChapter 7: The Therapeutic ProcessChapter 8 Working with the Multidisciplinary TeamChapter 9 Supervision and supportFinal thoughtsIndex