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"This book takes the mystery out of integrating play therapy with attachment and family-systems theories. It offers therapists a roadmap to understanding the neurobiology of trauma and connects how trauma affects the brain and the ability to self-regulate. This is a well-written book for mental health professionals utilizing attachment-based play therapy with children, adolescents, and families. Cathi Spooner has done an incredible job providing implementable approaches to help clients build and repair attachments." — Althea T. Simpson, LCSW, RPT-S, founder and CEO of Unicorn Life Play Therapy

"If you are a therapist working with traumatized children and their families, you must get this book! Cathi Spooner guides the reader through the entire play therapy process, using case studies, vignettes, and neuroscience to support and explain the nuances of working with this challenging population. This information speaks to new therapists, as well as seasoned clinicians, and does so in a way that is engaging and affirmative. Using up-to-date research, Cathi Spooner’s work is a gamechanger for those of us who are seeking to apply trauma-informed and empirically supported methods to help the families with whom we work. I’m grateful for clinicians such as Cathi Spooner who are willing to share their expertise and experience to expand the knowledge base for those working with this population." — Norman E. Thibault, PhD, LMFT, president, Association for Training on Trauma and Attachment in Children (ATTACh); founding owner and CEO, Three Points Center

"Cathi Spooner masterfully integrates and presents academic research and theory using layman's terms in a way that makes for an effortless and enjoyable read! Ms. Spooner's use of creative counseling techniques affords both clinician and client the opportunity to explore challenging experiences through alternative means. This unprecedented approach to trauma and attachment is a much-needed addition in the field of counseling!" — Monica Bergandi M.Ed., resident in counseling, Bright Horizons Counseling LLC

"Cathi Spooner has embodied the essence of being a trauma-focused therapist in her book. She takes the reader on a journey through trauma, its effect on neurobiology, and the ways in which a therapist can effectively work with families and/or clients who have experienced trauma. The book describes scenarios and references direct therapeutic interventions that are helpful not only to beginners but also the most seasoned clinicians. It would be impossible to treat the whole client without understanding the dynamics of trauma and its biological impact, and the book does just that. This book is a must read, and the information in it is essential for gaining insight and empathy into the client process." — Rebecca Cottle-Makhene, LPC-S, registered play therapist supervisor; certified child and adolescent trauma professional (CATP); licensed professional school counselor

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