From the Publisher
"This much-needed book effectively argues for the use of structured activities as the basis for exploring trauma-specific questions in clinical work with traumatized children and adolescents. Numerous examples of children’s artwork enhance the book and illustrate the effectiveness of the treatment. The authors’ methods have been used successfully for many years and represent a major contribution to the study of trauma that will be welcomed by both students and seasoned practitioners"
—Nancy Boyd Webb, DSW, LICSW, RPT-S, Professor of Social Work Emerita, Fordham University
Author: Play therapy with Children in Crisis, 3rd ed.
"In the sea of rhetoric about trauma-informed care, What Matters Most delivers answers that will make a difference to young people right now. This book equips professionals working at all levels with young people impacted by trauma to do their work differently, incorporating one fundamental principle that stands above all else: this work is not about doing to children, but being with children, and empowering them in their own healing journey. From neuroscience to relational practice, this book is the most compelling and practical story about trauma treatment told to date."
—Kiaras Gharabaghi, Ph.D, Ryerson University, Toronto, Canada
"The authors provide a clear theoretical framework AND demonstrate practical sensory-based activities so kids can discover and reconnect with their bodies' agency and vitality. Refreshingly, this vehicle creates an emotionally safe journey for the child into the mystery of the experiential, embedded in implicit memory. It's chock full of invitations to explore self-impressions and worldview in a way that children feel seen; not assessed."
—Peter A. Levine, Ph.D. originator and founder of the Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute and author of Waking the Tiger and In an Unspoken Voice & Maggie Kline, MS, LMFT, School Psychologist, SE Faculty, co-author of Trauma through a Child's Eyes and Trauma-Proofing Your Kids
"This book is a page-turner, a comment usually reserved for action novels. Rich with recent neuroscience findings, the impact of trauma on the brain, case studies, and specific interventions, Working with Grieving and Traumatized Children and Adolescents is a must-have resource for anyone who works with and cares about young people of any age. As a foster care survivor and now a college professor, I am grateful for Dr. Steele's contribution."
—John Seita, Ed.D., School of Social Work, Michigan State University
"Building on years of developing and researching structured sensory interventions, the authors share poignant stories of resilience, integrate findings from neuroscience and empirical studies, and offer simple and effective interventions that build safe and secure relationships for grieving and traumatized children and teens."
—Anne L. Stewart, Ph.D., Professor of Graduate Psychology, James Madison University, President, Virginia Association for Play Therapy
