Beyond the Clouds: An Autoethnographic Research Exploring Good Practice in Crisis Settings

Beyond the Clouds explores the constituent elements of good practice in crisis work, providing theoretical foundations and practical tools in the context of a metaphorical journey through the clouds. By investigating and sharing his own worldwide experience in crisis contexts developed over more than 20 years, the author stimulates-through metaphors, anecdotes, and personal reflections-the reader's internal exploration.

Beyond the Clouds focuses on the conceptualization of crisis intervention as a co-constructed process, presents the innovative concept of MAP (My Awareness Process), contextualizes the role of the therapeutic power of play and play therapy in crisis settings, and underlines the relevance of symbols, writing, and metaphors in processing experiences and expanding self-knowledge and awareness.

Readers will:

• Explore the dimensions of good practice in crisis work, providing theoretical foundations and practical resources.
• Appreciate the expressive power of symbols, writing, and metaphors in processing experiences and expanding self-knowledge and awareness.
• Engage in conceptualizing crisis intervention as a process of co-construction specifying the role of professionals in the field.
• Start developing the reader's own MAP as a personal guide in crisis work by undertaking a path of introspection.
• Recognize and uphold the use of the therapeutic power of play and play therapy in crisis settings.

Beyond the Clouds is key reading for students and experienced professionals in the field of humanitarian work and international cooperation who wish to grasp the potential of play and play therapy in crisis contexts, as well as students and professionals from the world of play therapy and creative therapies who are interested in crisis work. Learn more at www.crisisplaytherapy.com (English) or www.play-therapy.ch (Italian)

"Beautifully blending science and theory, Mochi is a master storyteller who, with his vast experience, takes us on his personal journey working in crisis intervention. In this highly accessible volume, enhanced by his use of metaphor and stories, Mochi outlines core dimensions of best practices in crisis intervention. A must read-I could not put it down!" -- Sue C. Bratton, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S, Professor Emerita and Director Emerita, Center for Play Therapy, University of North Texas

"Beyond the Clouds is a beautiful gift, an inspiration, and a call to action. The premise of pausing long enough to process the reciprocity between those of us who want to be of service and those who are recipients is profound. Claudio is purposeful in his work, and he shares what he has learned with great generosity and humility. It transported me; I highly recommend it!" -- Eliana Gil, Ph.D., Gil Institute for Trauma Recovery & Education, Fairfax, Virginia

Claudio Mochi, MA, RP, RPT-S is Clinical Psychologist, Child and Adolescents Psychotherapist, and Registered Play Therapist Supervisor with the Association for Play Therapy (APT). He is specialized in emergency interventions and trauma with twenty years of international field experience in disaster mental health. He presented and trained in Play Therapy-related topics professionals in six Continents and over twenty Countries. Claudio is the Founder of the Association for Play Therapy Italy (APTI), President and Director of the training program of the International Academy for Play Therapy studies and Psychosocial Projects (INA) in Switzerland. In 2015, the Family Enhancement & Play Therapy Center, Inc. (Boiling Springs, PA) awarded him for "Outstanding contributions to the practice and teaching of Filial Therapy". Claudio has published several book chapters and articles on Play Therapy and crisis interventions. He has recently co-edited with Isabella Cassina and Karen Stagnitti the book "Play Therapy and Expressive Arts in a Complex and Dynamic World: Opportunities and Challenges Inside and Outside the Playroom" (Routledge 2022).Learn more at www.crisisplaytherapy.com (English) or www.play-therapy.ch (Italian)