THE NO.1 INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER A TIMES, FT, ECONOMIST AND INDEPENDENT BOOK OF THE YEAR‘Boundlessly wise . . . important and engrossing’ The New York Times‘One of the most important books I’ve read . . . It’s absolutely brilliant’ Dr Rangan Chatterjee'Urgent and essential' GuardianAcclaimed psychologist Jonathan Haidt reveals how the decline of free-play in childhood and the rise of smartphone use among adolescents is changing our worldFrom 2010, as teens traded in their flip phones for smartphones packed with social media apps, unsupervised time online soared while face-to-face conversations with friends and family plummeted, and so did mental health. This profound shift took place against a backdrop of diminishing childhood freedom and over-supervision in the real world, depriving children of the experiences they most need to become strong and self-governing adults.The Anxious Generation delves into the latest research to show how this shift from free-play to smartphones disrupts development – from sleep deprivation to addiction – and lays the foundations of isolation and fear that define society today. Grounded in ancient wisdom and packed full of cutting-edge science and practical advice, this eye-opening book is a life-raft for anyone who wants to understand how the most rapid rewiring of human relationships and consciousness in human history has made it harder for all of us to think, focus, forget ourselves enough to care about others and build close relationships. Read more

'A wonderful book' Richard Osman'So clear and true ... Helpful for all relationships in life' Nigella Lawson'A fascinating read on the emotional baggage we all carry' Elizabeth Day______________________________________________________________________________________How can we have better relationships?In this Sunday Times bestseller, leading psychotherapist Philippa Perry reveals the vital do's and don'ts of relationships. This is a book for us all. Whether you are interested in understanding how your upbringing has shaped you, looking to handle your child's feelings or wishing to support your partner, you will find indispensable information and realistic tips in these pages. Philippa Perry's sane, sage and judgement-free advice is an essential resource on how to have the best possible relationships with the people who matter to you most.Featuring exclusive new chapter on sibling relationships._____________________________________________________________________________________'It gave me hope as a new parent' Babita Sharma'This has genuinely had such a positive impact on my life and my relationship with my daughter' Josh Widdicombe'She writes with an inquisitive elegance rarely found in parenting guides ... it is forgiving and persuasive' Hadley Freeman, the Guardian 'Philippa Perry is one of the wisest, most sane and secure people I've ever met' Decca Aitkenhead, Sunday Times MagazineThe Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read has sold over 1.3 million copies worldwide since publication, BBVA March 2024Philippa Perry, Sunday Times bestseller, October 2023 Read more

The complete mental fitness toolkit by Dr Alex GeorgeLearn how to assess your mental health today and understand what's normal for you.This is the mental health toolkit that will help you thrive.'How are you? No really, how are you?'The Mind Manual is broken down into four parts with each one building on the last. The goal is to help you to establish your baseline, to know what peace feels like to you. And then to offer advice and tools to help you maintain that as much as possible.Part 1 looks at how to figure out where your baseline is and what normal feels like for you. It's all about recognising your own needs so that you can best support yourself when issues arise.Part 2 explores the seven universal truths and how they can support you when you mind is telling you lies.Part 3 focuses on the foundations of mental fitness and explores the five different areas of life.Part 4 is your mental health toolkit, where you'll find a wide range of worksheets and activity tools to use in your day-to-day life to check in on how you're coping. Read more

'Could I do that, Maggie? Could I find my mum?'Sixteen-year-old Rebecca has been in care all her life, bouncing from foster carers and children's homes without ever having a permanent home to call her own. Social Services are at a loss as to what to do with the troubled teenager. Prone to violent outbursts and sudden, uncontrollable tantrums, Rebecca has never spent more than a few months in any one placement. When she comes to live with foster carer Maggie Hartley, it seems like there is little hope of Rebecca ever finding a long-term home. Her strange behaviour and sudden flashes of anger present challenges unlike any Maggie has ever seen before.But when a secret from Rebecca's past finally comes to light, it seems that Maggie has finally found the root of this vulnerable girl's out-of-control behaviour. Can Maggie help Rebecca come to terms with her past and realise she's not to blame?A true story of hope from Sunday Times bestselling author Maggie Hartley, a foster carer for over 20 years.'I loved this book' 5* Amazon reader review Read more

In this pioneering, practical book for parents, neuroscientist Daniel J. Siegel and parenting expert Tina Payne Bryson explain the new science of how a child's brain is wired and how it matures. Different parts of a child's brain develop at different speeds and understanding these differences can help you turn any outburst, argument, or fear into a chance to integrate your child's brain and raise calmer, happier children. Featuring clear explanations, age-appropriate strategies and illustrations that will help you explain these concepts to your child, The Whole-Brain Child will help your children to lead balanced, meaningful, and connected lives using twelve key strategies, including:Name It to Tame It: Corral raging right-brain behavior through left-brain storytelling, appealing to the left brain's affinity for words and reasoning to calm emotional storms and bodily tension.Engage, Don't Enrage: Keep your child thinking and listening, instead of purely reacting.Move It or Lose It: Use physical activities to shift your child's emotional state.Let the Clouds of Emotion Roll By: Guide your children when they are stuck on a negative emotion, and help them understand that feelings come and go.SIFT: Help children pay attention to the Sensations, Images, Feelings, and Thoughts within them so that they can make better decisions and be more flexible.Connect Through Conflict: Use discord to encourage empathy and greater social success. Read more

Leading clinical psychologist Lisa Damour identifies the seven key phases marking the journey from girlhood to womanhood, and offers practical advice for those raising teenage girls. We expect an enormous amount from our teenage girls in a world where they are bombarded with messages about how they should look, behave, succeed. Yet we also speak as though adolescence is a nightmare rollercoaster ride for both parent and child, to be endured rather than enjoyed. In Untangled, world authority and clinical psychologist Lisa Damour provides an accessible, detailed, comprehensive guide to parenting teenage girls. She believes there is a predictable blueprint for how girls grow; seven easily recognisable 'strands' of transition from childhood through adolescence and on to adulthood. Girls naturally develop at different rates, typically on more than one front, and the transition will be unique to every girl. Each chapter describes a phase, such as 'contending with adult authority' and 'entering the romantic world', with hints and tips for parents and daughters, and a 'when to worry' section. Damour writes sympathetically and clearly, providing a practical and helpful guide for any parent, and for teenage girls too. Read more

PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED AS OVERCOMING YOUR CHILD'S FEARS AND WORRIESDoes your child suffer from fears and worries that affect their behaviour or keep them awake at night?Fears and worries are very common among children with around 15% thought to suffer from anxiety disorders; the most commonly identified emotional or behavioural problems among children. However, if left unchecked, they can cause more serious problems such as school avoidance, difficulties in making friends and long-term problems with anxiety and depression. Written by two of the UK's foremost experts on childhood anxiety, this extremely useful guide will enable you to understand what is causing your child's worries and to carry out step-by-step practical strategies to help him or her to overcome them, including:· Addressing specific fears and phobias as well as general anxiety and 'worrying'· Using case studies, worksheets and chartsHelping Your Child is a series for parents and caregivers to support children through developmental difficulties, both psychological and physical. Each guide uses clinically-proven techniques.Series editors: Professor Peter Cooper and Dr Polly Waite Read more

In 1947, Virginia Axline introduced professional psychotherapists to a new way of working with children called Nondirective Play Therapy. In 1964, she introduced the rest of the world to “Dibs”. Dibs is silent. Dibs is a mystery to his parents and teachers. Dibs cannot be reached no matter how hard they try. He hides under tables and lashes out at other children. Some think he’s incapable of learning and interacting in a regular classroom. Some think he’s emotionally disturbed. Everyone is desperate to fix him, except for “Miss A”. “Miss A,” as Dibs calls her, believes that Dibs already knows the answers and can show her what he needs if she is patient enough, accepting enough, and observant enough. Dibs’ parents think she’s wasting her time trying to watch him play. He doesn’t play and he doesn’t talk. Dibs’ mother finally agrees to let Miss A try her methods, but she’s not holding her breath. “Miss A” then introduces Dibs and us to her special play room, where children can be just exactly who they truly are. The room is not magical, but the relationship between therapist and child is. In the safety and freedom of this special relationship, we begin to see what Axline meant when she first encouraged therapists to offer children the opportunity to “play out these feelings” and “realize the power within [themselves]”. “A ‘must read’ classic for play therapists!” — Charles E. Schaefer, PhD, RPT-S, Professor Emeritus of Psychology, Fairleigh Dickinson University; Co-Founder and Director Emeritus, The Association for Play Therapy “Dibs: In Search of Self is a timeless account of Axline as play therapist, advocate, and partner in Dibs’ therapeutic journey. I marvel at Axline’s ability to encompass multiple roles while demonstrating integration in all of her interactions; whether in the playroom, conducting classroom observations or working with Dibs’ parents. This is essential reading for play therapists, child development and counseling practitioners.” — Natalya Ann Lindo, PhD, LPC, CCPT-S, CPRT-S, Associate Professor & Counseling Program Coordinator, University of North Texas “There are many books on play therapy theory. There are many books on play therapy techniques. There is only one book that goes beyond theory and technique, getting to the heart of what play therapy is all about. Dibs captures the depth of connection and life-changing impact that play therapy can engender between a child and a therapist.” — Nick Cornett, PhD, LPC, LMFT, RPT, Assistant Professor, John Brown University Read more

Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy is an evidence-based, effective, and empirically validated treatment. This book is essentially a treatment manual for this Attachment-Focused Psychotherapy. The book describes the basic principles of attachment-focused treatment, the 14 components of treatment, and the five phases of treatment, as well as the differential use of the components in different phases of treatment. Numerous clinical examples illustrate the principles, components, and phases of attachment-focused treatment. This monograph is written with two audiences in mind. The first are those readers who wish to get a quick overview of what is Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy. The text will be useful for classes in family therapy and other mental health courses to provide a summary of the essential elements of this attachment-focused family therapy approach. Consumers interested in learning about this evidence-based approach will also find this monograph useful. The second group of readers who will find this text helpful are practitioners of attachment-focused family therapy and Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy. This monograph will provide those readers with a convenient reminder of the basic principles and methods of this approach. For a more comprehensive description of this approach readers are directed to the treatment manual, Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy: Essential Methods & Practices and The Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy Casebook. Trainers and consultants will find this monograph very helpful in teaching and consulting with therapists and counselors. I frequently provide this monograph to the professionals with whom I consult. They find the material useful and helpful in their work. In my workshops, courses, and certification programs, this monograph provides a helpful summary and handy reference of the major elements of attachment-focused family therapy and Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy. For information about certification as an attachment-focused family therapist or Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy therapist, the reader may contact the Center For Family Development about our programs and courses that lead to certification in these areas. In particular, our SKYPE Master Class allows professionals to access individualized training and secure certification. For more information see www.Center4FamilyDevelop.com Read more

Adolescence is a challenging time for any teenager, but for teens with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), it can feel overwhelming and uniquely complex. This essential guide is designed to help parents, caregivers, and educators navigate the intricacies of PDA during the teenage years, offering practical strategies, compassionate insights, and actionable tools to support neurodiverse teens as they grow into adulthood.With a focus on the emotional, social, and developmental challenges of PDA, this book explores topics such as managing daily routines, fostering independence, building self-advocacy, and preparing for life’s transitions. It offers a flexible, empathetic approach that honors the teen’s need for autonomy while reducing anxiety and creating a supportive environment where they can thrive. Whether it’s helping teens navigate friendships, manage sensory sensitivities, or set achievable goals, this guide provides step-by-step advice tailored to the unique needs of PDA teens.Readers will also find guidance on self-care for caregivers, emphasizing the importance of balance, patience, and resilience in supporting a teen with PDA. This book not only equips caregivers with the tools to handle everyday challenges but also celebrates the strengths, creativity, and individuality that PDA teens bring to the world.A guide for anyone seeking to better understand PDA and support teens in developing confidence, resilience, and self-awareness, this guide is a compassionate roadmap to navigating the complexities of neurodiverse adolescence with empathy and hope. Read more

Your child has a long life ahead of them... Discover the secret to making sure it's one of happiness and fulfillment.It’s estimated that one in every 100 children has autism… and if yours is one of them, you’re probably facing challenges you didn’t anticipate your parenting journey would hold. Whether your child has recently received a diagnosis or you’ve lived with this understanding for some time, you face new challenges with each phase of their life, and you want to do everything you can to help them thrive.Your child has a different operating system from you.All this means is that you need to understand their programming so that you can meet them where they are, understand their needs and capabilities, and make sure they have every opportunity to excel.When you have a complete understanding of ASD and the challenges it presents, you can equip your child with all the tools they need to feel comfortable in their own skin, make connections with others, and follow the paths they need to take to achieve their dreams.This comprehensive guide to autism, designed specifically for parents in your situation, will cover everything you need to know to make sure your child has the best start in life.Inside, you’ll discover:A deeper understanding of ASD (and the huge diversity it encompasses)Practical advice for navigating the immediate future once your child has received their diagnosisEssential communication strategies – discover the tools and techniques that will help you connect with your child and prepare them for challenges (plus advanced communication strategies for when they get older)The daily challenges your child is likely to face… and what you can do to helpWhat an Individual Education Plan (IEP) is and how it can help your childClear guidance for teaching your child social skills that will support them their whole lifeCommon behavioral struggles for children with ASD… and how you can overcome themHow to make technology your ally – complete with a comprehensive checklist for analyzing how assistive technology could helpWhat you can do to help your child stay healthy in mind and body (even if they have issues around food or easily become stressed or overwhelmed)Essential self-care tips for you… because your journey is stressful tooEverything you need to know to prepare both yourself and your child for puberty and adulthood (and the new challenges each new phase will bring)A deeper understanding of your child’s legal rights as they grow up… as well as the therapies and interventions available to themHow to build an empowering support network… and why this is essentialInspirational real-life stories that show you just how bright your child’s future could beAnd much more.Learning that your child has autism can leave you drowning in worries about what their future will look like – but when you fully understand the nuances of ASD and the strategies you can use to make life easier for them, you’ll see hope shining on the horizon.No matter how many challenges you’re currently facing, and no matter how many solutions you’ve tried before, you can connect with your child, and in turn, help them connect with the world.Load up on effective strategies so you can equip your child with the skills they need to thrive: Scroll up and click “Add to Cart” right now! Read more

THE PERFECT, THOUGHTFUL GIFT FOR THE MUM IN YOUR LIFE!This isn't a parenting book.This isn't a guide to being a perfect parent (spoiler: they don't exist)This is a book about you.We can only anchor, nurture, nourish and instill confidence in our children when we extend the same support to ourselves. After all, how can we effectively tend to our children's needs when our energy reserves are depleted? How can we lead by example and teach our children the importance of healthy self-esteem if we are struggling with these things ourselves? There are a thousand and one ways to parent, and only one way that's authentic for you.Drawing on her work as a psychotherapist, alongside her own experiences as a mother, Anna shows that caring with our children begins with caring for ourselves, and it's time to replace exhaustion with empowerment. Far from being selfish, self-care is an essential quality of a happier mother good parent. The greatest gift you can give to to yourself and your children, is to give yourself permission to thrive. Read more

For students, teachers and curious minds, our carefully structured jargon-free series helps you really get to grips with brilliant intellectuals and their inherently complex theories. Written in an accessible and engaging way, each book takes you through the life and influences of these great thinkers, then takes a deep dive into three of their key theories in plain English. Smart thinking made easy! Who the Hell is Melanie Klein? looks at one of the most controversial, powerful and influential figures within the heart of psychoanalysis. The first two chapters explore Klein the woman and intellectual, taking the reader through her life story and the ideas that influenced her thinking – many of which she was to dramatically overturn, driving a wedge into the heart of analytic thinking. Her three most important concepts – Splitting, Projective Identification and the Depressive Position – are explored in a highly accessible way, to enable a full understanding of their meaning and implications. A final chapter on her famous case study of a child reveals her ideas in action. Reviews "Psychology is my favourite subject, but so far at university we have focused a lot on old white men with beards! So, reading this book provided me with a little of the diversity that I was looking for in a subject I really enjoy learning about. As someone who particularly enjoys child psychology, this was an incredibly enjoyable read which included some other thinkers and their influences on her work. It was informative without being heavy on flowery psychological terms, which meant I didn’t have to be in a studious state of mind to read and enjoy it, yet I still managed to learn a great deal!" Claire Allison, Masters student in Psychology & Linguistics at Edinburgh University. Instagram : clairely_psyched Read more

An Introduction to Child Development, Third Edition provides undergraduate students in psychology and other disciplines with a comprehensive survey of the main areas of child development, from infancy through to adolescence, in a readily accessible format. It equips students with an appreciation of the critical issues, while providing balanced coverage of topics that represent both classic and cutting edge work in this vast and fascinating field.The new edition has been fully updated and features: Topical research examples from current literature in psychology, education, nursing and medicine including new material on fetal learning and the role of play New and expanded sections covering key contemporary issues in cognitive, emotional and social development New features such as ′Points for Reflection′ boxes, designed to encourage the reader to reflect more deeply on the subject matter Access to an enhanced SAGE Edge companion website which features online readings, Powerpoint Slides, ‘Test Yourself’ questions and much more (https://edge.sagepub.com/keenan3e). This textbook is essential reading for undergraduate students taking an introductory course in child development or developmental psychology and provides a clear and accessible foundation for essays, assignments and other projects. Read more

FROM INTERNATIONALLY ESTEEMED PSYCHOLOGIST AND BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF AUTHENTIC HAPPINESS"The first major work to provide an effective program for preventing depression in childhood - and probably later in life." Aaron T. Beck, author of Love is Never EnoughIn The Optimistic Child, Dr. Martin Seligman offers parents, teachers and coaches a well-validated program to prevent depression in children. Seligman shows adults how to teach children the skills of optimism that can help them combat sadness, achieve more on the playing field and at school and improve their physical health. Learning the skills of optimism not only reduces the risk of depression but boosts school performance and provides children with the self-reliance they need as they approach the teenage years and beyond. Filled with practical advice and written in clear, helpful language, this book is an invaluable resource for people who want to open up the world for children. Read more

From the author of You Are Awesome: Find Your Confidence and Dare to be Brilliant at (Almost) AnythingEssential reading for an astounding summer of sport; If you’ve ever wondered what makes a champion, Bounce has the answer.This edition does not include illustrations.What are the real secrets of sporting success, and what lessons do they offer about life? Why doesn’t Tiger Woods “choke”? Why are the best figure skaters those that have fallen over the most and why has one small street in Reading produced more top table tennis players than the rest of the country put together.Two-time Olympian and sports writer and broadcaster Matthew Syed draws on the latest in neuroscience and psychology to uncover the secrets of our top athletes and introduces us to an extraordinary cast of characters, including the East German athlete who became a man, and her husband – and the three Hungarian sisters who are all chess grandmasters. Bounce is crammed with fascinating stories and statistics.Looking at controversial questions such as whether talent is more important than practice, drugs in sport (and life) and whether black people really are faster runners, the mind-bending Bounce is a must-read for the hardened sports nut or brand new convert. Read more

Build teen self-esteem and communication skills with 150 simple, effective therapy gamesPlanning thoughtful and productive therapy activities for teens doesn't have to be a complex challenge or require a lot of specialized resources. Therapy Games for Teens makes it easier to reach them, with 150 games based in recreation therapy that help teens cope with stress, bullying, grief, anxiety, depression, and more.These fun and inclusive therapy games are designed specifically with teens in mind. Step-by-step instructions show you how to guide them as they practice everything from labeling their own emotions to creative ways of venting frustration, with techniques that incorporate mindfulness and self-reflection. Give teens the tools to navigate life's challenges effectively, so they can grow up into confident, self-aware adults.Therapy Games for Teens helps:Put teens in control—Designed for both groups and individuals, these therapy games use self-exploration and creative expression to help teens let their guard down and learn valuable coping skills.Discussion questions—Each activity includes tips, talking points, and open-ended questions to help teens put what they learned into perspective and apply it to their lives.Practical and doable—The therapy games use simple materials like pencils, paper, dry-erase boards, and tape so there's no need for expensive or specialized tools.Help teens arm themselves with skills to manage their emotions and step into their potential. Read more

Does your child struggle to know how their body is feeling? Do they find it hard to balance or feel uneasy when their feet leave the ground?Early trauma and neglect can have a profound effect upon a child's development. Sensory integration theory offers a way of understanding how the brain processes and stores movement experience, and how these experiences manifest at a physical and emotional level. This book explains how early movement experiences affect brain development and gives examples of how trauma can prevent basic sensory processing pathways from being correctly established. It shows how you can identify gaps in normal sensory development and offers ideas for how you can use physical activities to help build up the underdeveloped systems. Good bodily awareness forms the foundation of motor development as well as social and emotional skills and learning. This book will help your child to be more in tune with themselves and their bodies and feel more comfortable in their environment. Highly accessible with lots of practical tips and examples, this book is written for adoptive and foster parents, and will also be useful for social workers, fostering and adoption workers and those working in primary and early years educational settings. Read more

The start of a dark, gripping crime thriller series from UK Top 50 bestselling author John NichollBe careful who you trust.The Mailer family are oblivious to the terrible danger that enters their lives when seven-year-old Anthony is referred to the child guidance service by the family GP following the breakdown of his parents' marriage.Fifty-eight year old Dr. David Galbraith, a sadistic, predatory paedophile employed as a consultant child psychiatrist, has already murdered one child in the soundproofed cellar below the South Wales Georgian townhouse he shares with his wife and two young daughters.Anthony becomes Galbraith's latest obsession and he will stop at nothing to make his grotesque fantasies reality.A note from the author: While fictional, this book was inspired by true events. It draws on the author’s experiences as a police officer and child protection social worker. The story contains content that some readers may find upsetting. It is dedicated to survivors everywhere.Get ready to be on the edge of your seat and delve into this addictively shocking crime thriller series. Perfect for fans of The Housemaid, The Girl on the Train, and The Couple at No.9.Praise for John Nicholl:‘A dark, gritty, and compulsive read’ Daily Express'The chill is tangible' Owen Mullen'A frightening book that lures us into the darkness where monsters live. John Nicholl's knowledge of this world from his years of police work makes his characters ring true' Billy Hayes‘An outstanding piece of work by a truly masterful storyteller’ Anita Waller'Dark and disturbing. One to really get your pulse racing. This is a story you won't forget' Ross Greenwood‘The hairs on the back of my neck are still up!… Makes your skin quiver… I was well and truly hooked… The twist had my mouth dropping and rereading twice!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘Absolutely addictive and gripping. I seriously WOULD NOT even start this book unless you have cleared your schedule because you will not be able to put it down!!! I absolutely blew through it in one sitting and it genuinely was unputdownable!!! A true page turner absolutely rammed with suspense, tension and everything you want when you read a psychological thriller’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘I was hooked… Will leave you with shivers down your spine and chills in your heart. Some of the twists in this book left my jaw on the floor. And the ending blew me away. Outstanding!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘A real psychological thriller with a dark side. Creepy, chilling with undertones of something darker. At times I had goosebumps on my goosebumps. I found this book impossible to put down and finally turned the last page at 1am. Yes. This book is that good!!!… MUST READ!!!!!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘Absolutely brilliant… Immensely readable… Gripping… Never slows down at all’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘A completely unputdownable psychological suspense thriller that reeled me in right from the very start. The twists left me speechless. I did gasp out loud at the ending which I thought was brilliant' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader ReviewPreviously published as White is the Coldest Colour Read more

No one wants to get rid of obsessive-compulsive disorder more than someone who has it. That's why Talking Back to OCD puts kids and teens in charge. Dr. John March's eight-step program has already helped thousands of young people show the disorder that it doesn't call the shots--they do. This uniquely designed volume is really two books in one. Each chapter begins with a section that helps kids and teens zero in on specific problems and develop skills they can use to tune out obsessions and resist compulsions. The pages that follow show parents how to be supportive without getting in the way. The next time OCD butts in, your family will be prepared to boss back--and show an unwelcome visitor to the door. Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT) Self-Help Book of Merit Read more