In the lush green Ethiopian mountains lives a tortoise called Taya, who loves basking in the sun and going to Baobab school to play with all her animal friends. But Taya has lived through some painful things. She copes and protects herself by retreating, disconnecting and going inwards. She keeps her feelings locked away, she finds it hard to share with others or to let them in-and this makes her feel even sadder and more alone than ever! How can Taya's friends and family help? Taya the Tortoise is a much-needed activity workbook and therapeutic story written by award winning clinical psychologist, Dr Karen Treisman. We are used to identifying children who ask for attention, but what about children who need help, but stay silent or show their pain differently? They may survive by disconnecting, retreating, dissociating and internalising their hurt. These children are often overlooked, quieter, and misunderstood and therefore fall through the net. This activity book is a professional tool to help these children and the adults supporting them. At its heart are tools to help children heal, connect, trust, and express themselves. Combining trauma informed theory with practical and creative activities and worksheets, and a final section for adults supporting children, this activity book will help you to support children aged 5-10 to step out of their shells and into a brighter, more connected future.
Dr. Karen Treisman, MBE, is an award-winning specialist Clinical Psychologist, trainer, and bestselling author, working in London, UK. Karen is also the Director of Safe Hands and Thinking Minds Training and Consultancy services.
Dr. Karen Treisman introduces the Taya the Tortoise Activity Book, designed to support children who bottle up their feelings and struggle to express themselves.
I have no doubt that this is going to make such a difference to so many. -- Sue Green, Foster Carer For years I have been looking for something that fits. Children like Taya often get lost or fall through the radar, or once again are made to be invisible. I am already seeing the benefits of putting some of the ideas and tools into practice. So thank you. -- Linda Horsfield, Foster Carer I had so many lightbulb moments while reading this. It's a book that I will return to over and over again. -- Shelley Binia, Foster Carer I wish I had this workbook sooner. Thank you for shining a spotlight on those kids who are so often missed. I hope this is read far and wide as it is so needed. I especially like how it takes something like dissociation which is misunderstood and demystified it and made it understandable. -- Samia Khan, Foster Carer Caring for kids who have their walls up and are in their shells is hard. It is painful. It is frustrating. This workbook touched my heart as it has helped me to take a step back and to focus on the connection, and to understand why it can be so hard. There are so many books out there that are academic, but this is properly practical and gets it. -- Ed Davis, Foster Carer
