Editorial introduction: 'Therapeutic ethos' in therapeutic, educational and cultural perspectives / Richard House and Del Loewenthal -- Childhood, well-being and a therapeutic ethos : a case for therapeutic education / Del Loewenthal -- What is a toxic childhood? / Sue Palmer -- The challenge of modern childhood / Christopher Clouder -- The good childhood : an inquiry by the Children's Society / Bob Reitemeier -- Childhood 'toxicity' and 'trauma' : asking the right questions / Ricky Emanuel -- The changing space of childhood and its relationship to narcissism / Sami Timimi -- Why love matters in early childhood / Sue Gerhardt -- Resisting images of the 'diminished self' in education policy and practice for emotional well-being / Kathryn Ecclestone -- The 'mind object' and 'dream consciousness' : a Winnicottian and Steinerean rationale for avoiding the premature 'adultifying' of children / Richard House -- First catch your child / Andrew Samuels -- The importance of play and playfulness / Biddy Youell -- Everyday play activities as therapeutic and pedagogical encounters / Elizabeth Wood -- From playing to thinking : how the kindergarten provides a foundation for scientific understanding / Eugene Schwartz -- Play--excerpts from They f*** you up and Affluenza / Oliver James -- Editorial conclusion: Therapeia today (re-instating the soul in human experience) / Del Loewenthal and Richard House.