“The book has a rich collection of black-and-white sketches that are worth the price of the book on its own merit. They speak when words fail....The book has good reference information, organized by chapters.”

—Illness, Crisis and Loss (on the first edition)


“I would recommend this well-researched and well-informed book to therapists working in schools with children of displaced, disenfranchised survivors of war and disaster and those working with families around the world who are struggling to make sense of their traumatizing experiences....This book is packed with suggested activities for therapists to help restore the child's sense of safety and ability to function creatively and spontaneously.”

—Child and Adolescent Mental Health (on the first edition)


“The book is well structured and each chapter offers the reader a deeper understanding of specific creative applications and useful interventions for working with traumatized children, families, and groups....I found Malchiodi's presentation of the neurobiological effects of trauma to be an exciting introduction to new ways of looking at trauma work with children. It serves as a foundation for the important and moving work described by the contributing authors and sets the tone for the book.”

—Art Therapy (on the first edition)


“Malchiodi and her colleagues understand the needs of traumatized children and how to respond to them. In this book of wide-ranging creative therapeutic interventions, contributors report on techniques grounded in the latest psychophysiological and developmental research. They describe expressive/experiential/body-based creative arts techniques that help traumatized children address and process the effects of their traumatic experiences. Among the many strengths of this book are its focus on flexibly adapting the various strategies to the specific needs and context of each child and its emphasis on strengths and resiliency.”

—Christine A. Courtois, PhD, ABPP, private practice (retired), Washington, DC; consultant and trainer, trauma psychology and treatment, Bethany Beach, Delaware


“Another exceptional book from a highly regarded clinician, author, and speaker! Malchiodi has assembled a group of experts to present the beautifully written and illustrated second edition of this important volume. The book includes cutting-edge creative interventions and updated discussions of practice issues, research, and multicultural applications. Like the first edition, this comprehensive and highly accessible work contains a wealth of practical information and is a 'must read' for both professionals and students to guide their work with children.”

—Sue C. Bratton, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S, Professor and Director, Center for Play Therapy, University of North Texas


“Malchiodi has once again delivered a volume that beautifully blends theory, science, and technique with clinically sound strategies for helping traumatized children. Whether your interest is art, play, sandtray, drama, music, or movement therapy, you will find valuable information and fresh clinical insights to inform your practice. Newer therapists will receive a solid grounding in a trauma-informed approach to expressive therapies, and seasoned therapists will find creative interventions to expand their clinical repertoires. This second edition is a welcome addition to the libraries of those who practice developmentally sensitive trauma work with children.”

—Paris Goodyear-Brown, LCSW, RPT-S, Nurture House, Franklin, Tennessee


“As understanding has increased of neurobiology and sensory processes in trauma, so has the need for practitioners to develop skills in the use of creative arts and expressive therapies for treatment. This well-written volume offers both breadth and depth, while providing flexible and developmentally friendly treatment approaches that are client-focused and driven by individual and family needs relating to trauma. Compelling case examples bring these approaches to life. I highly recommend this work to all practitioners who work with children and families living with trauma in its many forms. It’s a wonderful book!”

—Risë VanFleet, PhD, RPT-S, CDBC, President, Family Enhancement and Play Therapy Center, Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania