Benson the Boxer Program for Loss and Grief: A Manual for Therapists, Educators and Parents working with Children

This comprehensive program manual provides therapists, parents, and other caregivers with a neuroscience based framework for understanding the effects of loss on children at different developmental stages. Together with the Benson the Boxer storybook, this program is a psychoeducational tool, incorporating contemporary neuroscience research, written specifically for children who have suffered the pain of losing a caring and loving relationship.The first section of the manual provides a definition of loss and trauma, and explains the emotional and neurological effect of loss on children. It specifically looks at the development of memory systems and the behaviours adopted when the brain processes incoming sensory signals, particularly sensory signals that are frightening or painful.The second section provides the theoretical explanation for Benson the Boxer, the themes relevant in loss and grief therapy, as well as guidelines for using the story as a therapist, an educator, or a parent. At the end of the program manual, worksheets are provided for 'junior' children (ages 4-7) and "senior" children (ages 8-12+). Filled with colourful and fun activities, these resources will help children absorb the material and integrate the lessons into their lives.

Karen Ferry is a Counsellor and Clinical Neuropsychotherapy Practitioner. Her experience in working with children and teenagers has been wide and extensive as Karen is also an educator and has worked in the private and public school systems, both in primary and secondary classrooms. Her roles have included classroom teaching, administration, curriculum development and specialist care for families in home education environments. She has provided professional assistance to clinicians, educators and parents in Australia and in many countries around the world. Karen specialises in childhood trauma, particularly loss, grief and anxiety.