How it Feels to be You
Objects, Play and Child Psychotherapy
Author: Tamsin Cottis
Through the stories of individual children, this book illuminates the process of creative, play-based child psychotherapy. Each chapter focuses on a specific issue that brings a child or a young person to the therapy room and explores the use and meaning of particular objects and ‘object games’. These insightful and dynamic stories offer readers a profound understanding of the healing power of play in the context of child psychotherapy.
REVIEWS AND ENDORSEMENTS
“Cottis’s illustrations and explanations of how a Child Therapist works flow seamlessly from events and processes in the session with the child and then, quite naturally, the drama of the session takes over – so the reader is never bored, always pulled along by the narrative, yet ever more informed. This is a beautiful book, describing beautiful work.” – Anne Alvarez, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist, author of The Thinking Heart.
‘This is a wonderful and engaging book. Tamsin is the therapist you’d want every child to have. I learnt so very much.’ – Dr. Susie Orbach, Psychoanalyst and author.
WATCH THE TRAILER
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tamsin Cottis is a child psychotherapist and co-founder of Respond, the UK’s leading agency for psychotherapy and counselling for people with learning disabilities. She works in primary schools and in private practice, supporting children and young people with diverse needs.
CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
INTRODUCTION
Chapter 1. Samina: A game of Jenga
Beginnings
Chapter 2. Jake: Toy soldiers in the desert
Children who are hard to reach
Chapter 3. Zara: A life-size soft toy cheetah and a cake made of clay
Supporting children whose parents separate
Chapter 4. Theo: Players and playgrounds
Reluctant talkers
Chapter 5. Hakan: An inflatable globe and the 50 Clip-together Felt Pens
Children who can’t keep still
Chapter 6. Cristina: A bowl of green paint soup
Supporting children who are bereaved
Chapter 7. Polly: Wet sand and emoji cushions
Therapy for children with learning disabilities
Chapter 8. Jordan and Francesca: A full diary and a giant bean bag
Moving on from therapy, moving on from childhood
REFERENCES
INDEX
APPENDICES
ALSO AVAILABLE
