“Truly impressive. The chapters capture the power of different therapeutic techniques that involve the use of the arts and play when working with children with attachment problems. The case examples provide a revealing view of and rationale for the interventions of very talented therapists. The book is enriched by the inclusion of recent brain research to help the reader understand why these techniques are indicated. While the emphasis is on youngsters with histories of abuse and attachment problems, the therapeutic techniques described are applicable with all child patients. This is an invaluable resource for both beginning and experienced child and adolescent psychotherapists. Malchiodi and Crenshaw are to be commended for editing such a wonderful, informative book.”

—Robert Brooks, PhD, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School


“When children are 'captured' by living in a traumatic environment, it takes the efforts of a brave and knowledgeable therapist to help release them from their psychological bondage. This book brings that insight to fruition in an approach to attachment-focused play and arts therapy that is grounded in knowledge of developmental neuroscience, and it does so with insight and wisdom. It should be required reading for any professional who steps into the world of children exposed to the dark side of human experience.”

—James Garbarino, PhD, Maude C. Clarke Chair in Humanistic Psychology, Loyola University Chicago


“This book is a gem! Integrating attachment theory, recent advances in neuroscience, and clinical wisdom, the editors have made an outstanding contribution to the field. Contributors weave together theory, research, and practice. Readers gain a deeper appreciation for the rich nuances of creative arts and play therapy as powerful means of helping survivors of attachment trauma. Every chapter contains practical techniques for addressing a wide range of therapeutic issues, and vignettes that bring the concepts to life. Clinicians of all levels of experience will find reading this book to be enlightening, moving, and inspiring.”

—Lennis G. Echterling, PhD, Director and Professor of Counseling, James Madison University