The Healing Forest in Post-Crisis Work with Children: A Nature Therapy and Expressive Arts Program for Groups

Description

Nature Therapy is an innovative approach based on the direct and creative dialogues humans have with nature. For the first time in the English language, this book presents the theory behind the approach along with detailed guidelines for using it with children who have experienced stress or trauma. The authors explain how nature-based activities ranging from tree planting to making feeding stations for birds can be used therapeutically in conjunction with storytelling and other expressive arts therapies with children who have experienced large-scale crises such as wars, terrorism and natural or man-made disasters, as well as more common causes of stress such as the divorce of parents, moving home, the illness of a loved one and bullying. A 12-session programme designed to strengthen coping and resilience is then described, and the authors explain how it can be used in the prevention and treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder. The book also includes an evocative colour storybook for use within this programme. The original, evidence-based approach described in this book will be of interest to all those working therapeutically or creatively with children who have experienced stress or trauma, including arts therapists, teachers, psychologists and counsellors. Endorsements The Healing Forest in Post-Crisis Work with Children Health and Safety Disclaimer Acknowledgments Part 1: Background and Theory Chapter 1: “A Safe Place” Introduction “A Safe Place”—Historical Background The Research Support: Widely Acclaimed Success Post-Trauma and the Traumatic Experience Chapter 2: Post-Trauma and the Traumatic Experience: Definitions, Differences, and Methods of Coping Post-Trauma and the Traumatic Experience The Diagnostic Criteria of Post-Trauma Expected Reactions after Trauma and Prolonged Stressful Situations The Severity and Uniqueness of the Traumatic Reaction Trauma as a Social-Communal Phenomenon Psychological Treatment of PTSD Chapter 3: Resilience and Coping Resources What is Resilience? Do Modern Life and Educational Systems Limit Resilience? The Development of Resilience in Children “Fantastic Reality” The Healing Metaphor The Importance of Play in Children’s Recovery Chapter 4: Nature Therapy: Theoretical and Practical Framework The Historical Context of Nature Therapy Nature Therapy: An Applied Theoretical Framework Nature as a Therapeutic Environment The Therapeutic Triangle: Client–Therapist–Nature Choosing the Right Space Rituals, Rituals, and More Rituals… Four Applied Models Part 2: The Program Chapter 5: The Protocol: A Practical Guide General Information Chapter 6: The Sessions Session 1: Trees also have a “Safe Place” Session 2: Finding a “Safe Place” and Becoming “Guardians of the Forest” Session 3: Choosing a “Safe Place” in Nature Session 4: Building a “Safe Place” (a “Home in Nature”) Session 5: Building a “Safe Place” Continues (a “Home in Nature”) Session 6: The “Big Bash”—Campsite Cooking Session 7: Treasure Hunt Session 8: Making Flags and Preparing to March Session 9: Hosting Another Class in the “Safe Place” Session 10: Helping Nature—Preparing for “Graduation” Session 11: Closure (Planting, Feeding Stations, and Nature Corner) Session 12: Farewell to the Space in Nature and to the Facilitator Chapter 7: Further Activities and Adaptations More Tree Activities Rainy Day Activities Adapting the Program to Kindergartens Appendix 1: Guidelines for Preparing Feeding Stations (Sessions 10–11) Preparing Feeding Stations from Recycled Plastic Containers Hanging the Station Placing Food in the Feeding Station Appendix 2: Preparing a Peanut Roll Stages of Preparation Appendix 3: Other Types of Feeding Stations Appendix 4: Templates for “Guardians of the Forest” Badges Bibliography Index