Play Therapy Theories and Perspectives: A Collection of Thoughts in the Field

This book explores the multitude of thoughts, theories, opinions, methods, and approaches to play therapy in order to highlight the unity and diversity of theory and perspective in the field.

Each chapter is a common question related to play therapy to which ten established and experienced play therapists share their thoughts, theoretical perspectives, and opinions. The key characteristics of a well-trained play therapist, the role of technology in play therapy, the importance of speaking the client’s language, and many more frequently asked play therapy questions and topics are explored. The reader will learn about the umbrella of play therapy thought and practice and connect with perspectives that might align with their own theoretical preferences.

This book will be of interest to a wide range of mental health professionals working with children and adolescents. Those new to play therapy and those who are seasoned veterans will appreciate, value, and hopefully be challenged by the differing viewpoints surrounding many play therapy topics.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Part 1: Perspective

1. Do You Have A Primary Play Therapy Theory or Approach You Use the Most and Why?
2. What Advice Would You Give Someone Just Getting Started in Play Therapy?
3. What are the Key Characteristics of a Well-Trained Play Therapist?
4. What are the Top Ten Items You Feel are Necessary in a Play Therapy Office?
5. What Have Been Some of the Most Challenging Things You Have Experienced as a Play Therapist?
6. What are Your Thoughts About Using Technology in Play Therapy?

Part 2: Process

7. What Emphasis Do You Place on the Importance of Speaking the Client’s Language?
8. How Do You Include Parents in the Play Therapy Process?
9. What is the Importance of Regulation in Your Play Therapy Work; How is That Best Achieved?
10. How Do You Incorporate Nature into Play Therapy Treatment?
11. How Do You Address Issues of Noncompliance and Aggression in the Playroom?
12. How Do You Use A Sand Tray in Your Play Therapy Work?
13. How Do You Use Expressive Arts in Play Therapy?
14. How Do You Address Issues of Intersectionality in Your Practice?

Part 3: Practice

15. What Are Your Suggestions for Building a Successful Play Therapy Practice?
16. What Do You Think is One of the Most Challenging Ethical Issues Currently in Play Therapy?
17. How Do You Set and Maintain Boundaries in the Playroom and with Clients, Parents, Caseworkers, Etc.?
18. How Do You Prevent Burnout and Compassion Fatigue?
19. How Do You Include Play in Your Play Therapy Supervision?
20. How Do You Use Play Therapy Across the Lifespan with Respect to Client Ages?

Conclusion

"Experienced play therapists illuminate the current practice of Play Therapy. Highly recommended!"
- Charles Schaefer, PhD, RPT-S, co-founder, The Association for Play Therapy.

"Have you longed for deep conversations with expert, seasoned play therapists from a variety of approaches to the field? Have you ever had hard questions about the different ways of doing play therapy and wished you had someone to help you sort through them? I have, and this book, a book that answers the hard questions from a panorama of play therapy theoretical orientations and styles, is the answer to that longing! It’s like you get to sit around in a circle with amazing play therapy thinkers and doers and learn from them."
- Terry Kottman, PhD, NCC, RPT-S, LMHC, Creator of Adlerian Play Therapy.