Breaking new ground in the areas of attachment and child development, Sue Jennings introduces the concept of ‘Neuro-Dramatic-Play’ exploring the sensory experiences that take place between mother and child during pregnancy and the first few months after birth. She explains how this interaction, that is essentially ‘dramatic’ in nature, is of crucial importance for the infant to develop a healthy brain, strong attachments and future resilience.
Based on sound experience and observation, this book consolidates current theories of neuroscience, attachment and therapeutic intervention and challenges commonly held psychoanalytic ideas of child development. By expanding on the often narrow view of what is understood by attachment, this book makes a strong case for early years inclusion of play and arts therapies. Neuro-Dramatic-Play is also discussed in relation to fostering and adoption, teenagers and young adults, and children with developmental or cognitive disabilities.
This accessible text will interest all therapists and practitioners who work with children and teenagers, including child psychotherapists, psychologists, social workers, paediatric and perinatal nurses, paediatricians, child psychiatrists and play and arts therapists, and post-graduate students.
Tabella dei contenuti
Foreword by Dennis Mc Carthy. Introduction: Neuro-Dramatic -Play – Its Roots in Attachment and Play, Theatre and Ritual. 1. NDP – Definitions and Theories. 2. NDP and Attachment. 3. NDP – Play and Play Therapy. 4. NDP, Pregnancy and Birth. 5. NDP Childbirth and The First Six Months. 6. NDP and Resilience and Empathy. 7. NDP and Children with Attachment Needs. 8. NDP in Fostering and Adoption 9. NDP with Teenagers and Young Adults. 10. NDP and Children on the Autistic Spectrum. 11. NDP and Children with Learning Difficulties. 12. NDP for Practitioners. Appendix 1 – NDP – 6 Months Before and After Play. Appendix 2 – Embodiment-Projection-Role (0-7 years). Afterword by Mooli Lahad. References. Index.
Circa l’autore
Dennis Mc Carthy is a licensed mental health counselor in New York state and is the director of Metamorfos Institute. He is a psychotherapist working with both children and adults and specializing in sandplay and dream work. Initially trained as a dancer, he weaves the body’s innate urge to move into all of his work.