David A Crenshaw, Anne L Stewart, Stuart Brown
This authoritative work brings together leading play therapists to describe state-of-the-art clinical approaches and applications. The book explains major theoretical frameworks and summarises the contemporary play therapy research base, including compelling findings from neuroscience. Contributors present effective strategies for treating children struggling with such problems as trauma, maltreatment, attachment difficulties, bullying, rage, grief, and autism spectrum disorder. Practice principles are brought to life in vivid case illustrations throughout the volume. Special topics include treatment of military families and play therapy interventions for adolescents and adults.
This book will be useful to play, art, and other creative arts therapists; clinical psychologists, child psychiatrists, social workers, counsellors, and family therapists.
Foreword by Stuart Brown
I. Play Therapy Theories and Approaches
II. Clinical Applications of Play Therapy
III. Research and Practice Guidelines in Play Therapy
"Crenshaw and Stewart have created the seminal anthology of play therapy. Covering theory and approaches, clinical applications, practice guidelines, and research, this volume is the ultimate resource for students, as well as experienced practitioners. Taken in its entirety, the book goes further than any other work I know of in defining the breadth and scope of play therapy and its contribution to growth, development, education, and healing in children. I offer my sincere thanks to the editors for providing this indispensable resource!"
- Richard L. Gaskill, EdD, LCP, RPT-S, Sumner Mental Health Center, Wellington, Kansas
"Everything you always wanted to know about play therapy can be found in this comprehensive 36-chapter volume. The wide scope makes the book ideal for graduate play therapy training programs and for clinicians who work with children in a variety of settings. The chapter authors present not only their theoretical bases but also rich clinical case examples that demonstrate the unique power of play therapy. This impressive book will prove invaluable for educating professionals for years to come."
- Nancy Boyd Webb, DSW, LICSW, RPT-S, University Distinguished Professor of Social Work Emerita, Fordham University
" This book offers a unique, much-needed contribution to the field. Crenshaw and Stewart have brought together an outstanding group of contributors. The impressive breadth and depth of coverage ranges from theoretical underpinnings, to clinical applications across a wide range of client problems, to research and ethical bases for practice. I recommend the book heartily as a text for graduate training programs, and for the library of any professional who wishes to engage in the informed practice of play therapy."
- Ronald E. Reeve, PhD, NCSP, Director, Curry Program in Clinical and School Psychology, University of Virginia