Child-Centered Play Therapy

Highly practical, instructive, and authoritative, this book vividly describes how to conduct child-centered play therapy. The authors are master clinicians who explain core therapeutic principles and techniques, using rich case material to illustrate treatment of a wide range of difficulties. The focus is on nondirective interventions that allow children to freely express their feelings and take the lead in solving their own problems. Flexible yet systematic guidelines are provided for setting up a playroom; structuring sessions; understanding and responding empathically to children's play themes, including how to handle challenging behaviors; and collaborating effectively with parents.This book will be important reading for mental health professionals working with children, including child psychologists, social workers, play and art therapists, counselors, family therapists, and psychiatrists. It will also serve as a supplemental text in clinically oriented graduate-level courses.

Risë VanFleet, PhD, RPT-S, is President of the Family Enhancement and Play Therapy Center in Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania. She has trained thousands worldwide in the practice of child-centered play therapy and Filial Therapy, and is the author of numerous books, articles, and DVDs on these topics. Dr. VanFleet is a past president and board chair of the Association for Play Therapy. She is a recipient of the Bernard G. and Louise F. Guerney Award for Outstanding Contributions to Practice and Training in Filial Therapy, from the Association for Filial and Relationship Enhancement Methods, and of the Play Therapy Professional Education and Training Award, from the Association for Play Therapy. Andrea E. Sywulak, PhD, RPT-S, is in private practice in Southampton, Pennsylvania, specializing in the treatment of families with young children. She has trained many professionals in child-centered play therapy and Filial Therapy and regularly supervises professionals in their use of these methods. She conducted some of the first research on Filial Therapy, has authored book chapters and manuals, and has presented at international conferences. Cynthia Caparosa Sniscak, LPC, RPT-S, is in private practice with children and families in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, specializing in trauma and attachment problems. She has trained many professionals and authored several book chapters. Ms. Sniscak presents at international conferences and provides supervision in child-centered play therapy and Filial Therapy. She is a recipient of the Outstanding Contributions to Professional Training in Filial Therapy Award from the Family Enhancement and Play Therapy Center.

Preface I. Background and Relevance 1. The Importance of Play 2. A Brief Overview of Play Therapy 3. History, Theory, Principles, and Variations of Child-Centered Play Therapy II. Logistics and Techniques 4. Playroom Set-Up and Logistics 5. The Four Skills of Child-Centered Play Therapy 6. Recognition and Interpretation of Play Themes III. Parent Involvement 7. Engaging Parents and Teachers in Child-Centered Play Therapy 8. Filial Therapy IV. Practical Applications and Issues 9. Child-Centered Play Therapy with Different Presenting Problems 10. Handling Select Child Behaviors and Special Circumstances 11. Touch in Child-Centered Play Therapy 12. Cultural and Systemic Considerations in the Practice of Child-Centered Play Therapy V. Research and Professional Issues 13. Research on Child-Centered Play Therapy and Filial Therapy 14. Developing Competence in Child-Centered Play Therapy Conclusion