UBC Press Healthy Attachments and Neuro-Dramatic-Play book Paperback 272 pages

Breaking new ground in the areas of attachment and child development, Sue Jennings introduces the concept of 'Neuro-Dramatic-Play' exploring the sensory experiences that take place between mother and child during pregnancy and the first few months after birth. She explains how this interaction, that is essentially 'dramatic' in nature, is of crucial importance for the infant to develop a healthy brain, strong attachments and future resilience.Based on sound experience and observation, this book consolidates current theories of neuroscience, attachment and therapeutic intervention and challenges commonly held psychoanalytic ideas of child development. By expanding on the often narrow view of what is understood by attachment, this book makes a strong case for early years inclusion of play and arts therapies. Neuro-Dramatic-Play is also discussed in relation to fostering and adoption, teenagers and young adults, and children with developmental or cognitive disabilities.This accessible text will interest all therapists and practitioners who work with children and teenagers, including child psychotherapists, psychologists, social workers, paediatric and perinatal nurses, paediatricians, child psychiatrists and play and arts therapists, and post-graduate students.

Sue Jennings' career in professional theatre, play and dramatherapy, and social anthropology spans over 50 years. She is currently Honorary Fellow ofaRoehampton University,aPresident of the Romanian Association of Play Therapyaand Dramatherapy, Founder Member of the British Association of Dramatherapists and Dramatherapy Association of the Czech Republic. She is Honorary Advisorato WCCL (India) for their Arts become Healing training, and to the Irish Association of Play Therapy.aIn 2002 she was awarded the Gertrud Schattner Plaque for 'Excellence in Practice and Education in Drama Therapy'. She has published over 30 books, including Introduction to Developmental Playtherapy: Playing and Health and Introduction to Dramatherapy: Theatre and Healing - Ariadne's Ball of Thread, also published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers.