Stories are an invaluable tool for connecting with people, especially those reluctant to engage with more direct approaches. This unique resource presents ten original and emotive short stories designed to guide therapeutic work with adolescents and young adults in the classroom or consulting room by promoting emotional resilience and independent thinking. Originally developed with clients challenged by difficulties including depression, autism and eating disorders, the stories are proven in practice and supported by case studies, scripts, tableaus and activities. They tackle a wide range of specific mental health challenges such as trauma, separation, independence, rejection, hope and recovery. Each concludes with reflective questions that empower and guide young people to choose their own ending to the story - and in doing so to begin moving beyond adversity in the way that suits them best.
NICKY MORRIS is an experienced and HCPC registered dramatherapist whose approach is broadly humanistic and person-centred. After working for eight years in the NHS with a range of client groups, she joined Cygnet Health Care in 2006 providing music-based dramatherapy sessions on a secure ward for women diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder. Her work has since extended to women with mood disorders, psychotic disorders, personality disorders and eating disorders. She is the author of Dramatherapy for Borderline Personality Disorder (Routledge, 2018), which was included on Book Authority's list of the best personality disorder books of all time.
Foreword by Alida Gersie Introduction: * Promoting Mental Wellbeing in Young People * Drama and the Arts for Mental Health * How to Use This Resource 1. 'The Glow Fish' Attachment, Separation and Personality Types 2. 'The Lost One' Past, Future, Present 3. 'Guardian of Dogs' Rejection, Abuse, Trust and Recovery 4. 'Boy In A Tree' Avoidance, Self-Preservation, Fear and Courage 5. 'Little Blue' Immigration, Expectations, Relationships, Prejudice 6. 'The Glass Wall' Confinement, Freedom, Attachment, Separation 7. 'Silver Angel' Friendship, Transformation and Loss 8. 'Born of Shadow and Light' Emotional Balance 9. 'Survivors' Inner Strength and Courage 10. 'Nature's Spirits' Environmental Issues and Personality Types
"This is great. I really found this so enjoyable and easy to read/navigate, which is a good thing for a busy teacher. I feel that the layout and the scenarios are easy to connect with and easy to imagine implementing in any classroom. I can see this being a great go to resource for many teachers, to help navigate some of the challenging topics that exist in our school communities that can help them feel empowered and secure to deliver. This book also shows the importance and value of Drama being an important subject that enables a safe and vital place to explore these activities." Andria Zafirakou MBE. Global Teacher Prize Winner 2018. Consultant on Creativity and Innovation. Speaker. Art and Textiles Teacher. Founder and CEO of Artists in Residence (AiR) Charity.
