healing through play
Play Therapy Based Interventions
Biblotherapy
As therapists, there are several supportive therapeutic tools to consider when working with children and families. One of such tools includes the use of therapeutic stories. There are a number of readily available stories for therapists to use as a valuable method within their practice. Often such stories share a message of hope providing coping strategies to children facing a particular problem (Kaduson & Schaefer, 2009). Certain instances may rise where a therapist may not find a published story which is appropriate for a specific client; when such cases arise, therapists may wish to create a simple story for a client. With preschool and school-aged children, therapists have the option of creating a story during treatment with a child (Kaduson & Schaefer, 2009). As the story is created, therapists can challenge children’s maladaptive thoughts, and support problem solving, and coping skills. For instance, children who have experienced a separation from a parent may wish to complete a story focusing on positive coping strategies a character may use when faced with a similar loss or concern (Kaduson & Schaefer, 2009). Fortunately, there is also an extensive list of therapeutic stories to chose from. Please see below for a list of recommended supportive therapeutic stories.
Recommendations
Allen, J., & Klein, R. (1997). Read…set..r.e.l.a.x.: A research-based program of relaxation, learning, and self-esteem for children. Watertown, WI: Inner Coaching.
Curtis, J., & Cornell, L. (2002). I’m gonna like me. New York, NY: Joanna Cotler Books.
Guber, T. (2005). Yoga pretzels: 50 fun yoga activities for kids and grownups. Barefoot Books Ltd.
Heegaard, M. (1991). When mom and dad separate. Minneapolis, MN: Woodland Press
Holmes, M. (2000). A terrible thing happened. Toledo, OH: Hippo Books.
Hopkins, B. (1999). My mom has a bad temper. Washington, DC: Child and Family Press.
Jessie. (1991). Please tell: A child’s story about sexual abuse. Centre City, MN: Hazelden Foundation.
Karst, P. (2000). The invisible string. United States: Eleventh Printing.
Lester, H. (2014) Hurty feelings. New York: Books For Young Readers.
Lite, L. (2011). Angry octopus: An anger management story introducing active progressive muscular relaxation and deep breathing. Stress Free Kids
Lite, L. (2008). Bubble riding. A relaxation story for children. Stress Free Kids.
MacLean, K. L. (2009). Moody cow meditates. Somerville, MA: Wisdom Publications.
Marcus, I.W., & Marcus, P. (1992). Into the great forest: A story for children away from parents for the first time. New York: Magination Press
O’Neill, C. (2002). Relax. New Delhi, Allied: Child's Play International Limited
Patterson, S.Y. (1988). No no the little seal: A story for very young children that talks about sexual abuse. Random House Autobooks.
Patterson, S. (1990). I wish the hitting would stop. Facilitator's guide: A workbook for children living in violent homes. Red Flag Green Flag Resources.
Penn, A. (1993). The kissing hand. Washington, DC: Child Welfare League of America.
Schor, H. (2002). A place for starr. A story of hope for children experiencing family violence. JIST Publishing.
Shapiro, L., Spraque, R., & McKay M. (2009). The relaxation & stress reduction workshop for kids: Help for children to cope with stress, anxiety, and transitions. A Division of New Harbringer Publications, Inc.
Sheppard, C. ( 1998). Brave bart: A story for traumatized and grieving children. Gosse Pointe Woods, MI: The Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children.
Snel, E. (2013). Sitting still like a frog, sitting: Mindfulness exercises for kids (and their parents). Boston: Shambhala Publication.
Steward, A. & Marlow L. (2008) Little by little. Oxford: OUP Oxford.
Sunderland, M. & Hancock, N. (2001). Willy and the wobbly house. United Kingdom: Speechmark Publishing Ltd.
What do you know? (n.d.). Cares Institute. Retrieved from http://www.caresinstitute.org/Products.php
Williams, M.L. (1996). Cool cats, calm kids: Relaxation and stress management for young people. San Luis Obispo, CA: Impact.