Playful approaches to serious problems
Subtitle: narrative therapy with children and their families
By: Jennifer Freeman, David Epston, Dean Lobovits.
Contributors: Epston, David.; Lobovits, Dean.
Publisher: W.W. Norton
Published: 1997
Place of publication: New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 321
Subjects: Narrative therapy.; Child psychotherapy.; Family psychotherapy.; Metaphor -- Therapeutic use.; Fantasy -- Therapeutic use.
Description: The narrative therapy approach involves the whole family and especially children by respecting their unique language, problem-solving resources, and views of the world.

The authors begin by elucidating a basic theory of collaborative narrative play that allows new choices and stories of hope and change to emerge. They encourage appreciation for ways of communicating that appeal to children, whether in the sandtray or with puppet "co-therapists," and respect for special and unusual abilities, such the ability to "read hearts" or connect with imaginary friends.

Compelling case examples draw the reader into the book from the first pages. Children who might have been labeled belligerent, hyperactive, anxious, or out of touch with reality are found to be capable of taming their tempers, controlling frustration, facing fears, and using their imaginations to the fullest.

Realistic, heartening, pragmatic, and just plain fun, narrative therapy encourages children and their families to use resources that have been overlooked to turn the tables on the problems they face. Therapists, parents, teachers, or anyone helping children and families will find that this book turns their thinking around, too - in the most unexpected and illuminating ways.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. [303]-309) and index.
"A Norton professional book."