Play Therapy Primer

Play is the most popular therapy approach for helping children work through emotionally distressing experiences or overcome behavioral and developmental problems. As childrenûyoung ones especiallyûare unable to think through and discuss their problems cogently, play therapists seek to maximize a childs ability to engage in behavior that is fun, person-oriented, non-instrumental, and characterized by a natural flow. Working within a given theoretical model, they use the therapeutic powers of play to help a child move systematically toward mental health. Offering a variety of tested theories and techniques and including new approaches to play therapy since the first edition, The Play Therapy Primer, Second Edition provides health care professionals with a thorough introduction to using play in therapy. This revised volume features increased coverage of developmental issues and includes a new chapter on diversity issues as well as one that presents comprehensive case examples, including session-by-session treatment plans. This edition provides a broad context for understanding and practicing play therapy. The introductory chapters present a history of the evolution of play therapy, establish a common vocabulary, and delineate the functions of play behavior in human life. The most widely used models of play therapyûpsychoanalytic, humanistic, and behavioralûare reviewed, as well as several other theoretical models of psychotherapy used to develop the integrated model known as Ecosystemic Play Therapy. In addition, material is presented on the importance of cultural awareness, knowledge, and skills in the effective practice of play therapy in the twenty-first century. The Play Therapy Primer offers a conceptual framework for the practice of individual play therapy. Ecosystemic Play Therapyûa model inclusive enough to serve both new and experienced therapistsûis examined, along with the basic assumptions underlying the model. There is an extensive review of child development, plus discussion about the types of child clients best suited to play therapy, the training and role of the therapist, and the nature of the play therapy process This book charts the complete course of individual play therapy, from assessment, case formulation, and treatment planning to construction of play therapy sessions, developmental and phase-specific modifications, and collateral work. The practice of Ecosystemic Play Therapy is described in detail, extensively illustrated with case material. Also covered is the practice of structured group play therapy consistent with ecosystemic theory. Pragmatic and motivating, The Play Therapy Primer, Second Edition is an indispensable reference for psychologists, psychiatrists, counselors, social workers, and other mental health specialists at all levels of training and experience.