The Therapeutic Powers of Play: 20 Core Agents of Change
"The first Edition ofThe Therapeutic Powers of Playwas always one of my favorite books. I couldn't imagine it could get better, but it has indeed! Focusing on the specific ingredients that activate clinical change, this book is enhanced by current research, more ample scope, and an array of contributions in contemporary and relevant topic areas. I couldn't put this book down, it is full of inspiration, direction, and grounding. This is a stunning contribution to the field of child therapy."—Eliana Gil, Ph.D., Gil Institute for Trauma Recovery and Education"This first chapter of this book uses the concept of 'therapeutic factors' to create a very logical framework/rationale for pulling together the theories and techniques one might integrate into a prescriptive approach to play therapy. This is incredibly useful as it allows therapists to tailor their work to the needs of their child clients in a logical and systematic way. The remaining chapters describe some of those therapeutic factors and play strategies from which the prescriptive play therapist might draw in creating individualized treatment approaches."—Kevin O'Connor, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor, California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University"The hallmark of a good play therapist is a clear understanding of why play interventions are pertinent, how they work to foster therapeutic change, and how to select and facilitate play therapy processes in ways that are theoretically grounded and empathically attuned to their clients' needs.The Therapeutic Powers of Playprovides breadth and depth in exploring the essential features of play operating within the therapy process. Each chapter describes a fundamental therapeutic power of play, empirical support for it, its role in bringing about change, and case material to illustrate. This volume provides a key avenue for play therapists to understand the inner workings of their craft, and thereby, to enhance their use of play therapy with a wide range of client challenges."—Risë VanFleet, Ph.D., RPT-S, CDBC; Author ofChild-Centered Play Therapy;Filial Therapy: Play Therapy with Kids & Canines, and others; President, Family Enhancement & Play Therapy Center; Past Chair of the Board, the Association for Play Therapy