Lawrence E. Shapiro, PhD , is a renowned and internationally recognized child psychologist known for his innovative play-oriented techniques. He has invented more than seventy-five therapeutic games used by therapists around the world, and is creator of the Instant Help series for kids. He has written more than sixty books for children, teens, parents, and mental health professionals. Together, his books have sold nearly half a million copies worldwide, and have been translated into twenty-eight languages. Robin K. Sprague, LCPC, is a licensed clinical professional counselor in Bangor, ME. She holds a master's degree from Boston College.

For over twenty years, she has worked in the field of human services. Her specialty is helping children successfully transition through difficult life challenges in order to prevent future psychological problems, especially anxiety disorders. A highly creative person herself, Sprague enjoys painting, writing, and laughing out loud. Matthew McKay, PhD , is a professor at the Wright Institute in Berkeley, CA. He is coauthor of The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook , The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook , Thoughts and Feelings , When Anger Hurts , and others. His books combined have sold more than five million copies. He received his PhD in clinical psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology. In private practice, he specializes in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety.

He lives and works in the greater San Francisco Bay Area.