This book helps therapists provide developmentally appropriate, effective play therapy for children ages 6 to 12. The interventions address internalizing disorders, externalizing disorders, relational deficits, and autism spectrum disorder. Children ages 6-12 undergo major developmental changes. During this period, known as middle childhood, they develop a more advanced sense of self, emotion regulation skills, and self-confidence. They become less dependent on their parents and learn to form connections with peers. They also learn to follow rules and reach achievements through sustained effort. Because of these social, emotional, and cognitive developments, play therapy with these children looks different than with younger children.
Play Therapy in Middle Childhoodpresents a broad range of play interventions, showing how play therapy can be used with school-age children and their parents to address internalizing disorders, externalizing disord
Trade Review“Drewes and Shaefer do an excellent job of providing experienced therapists with a well-organized, clearly written overview of developmentally relevant play interventions for elementary school-aged children.” —
PsycCRITIQUESTable of ContentsContributors
Introduction: Developmentally Appropriate Play Therapy in Middle Childhood
Athena A. Drewes and Charles E. Schaefer
I. Play Interventions for Internalizing Disorders
- Game-Based Cognitive–Behavioral Therapy for Child Sexual Abuse
Craig I. Springer and Justin R. Misurell
- Play Therapy to Help School-Age Children Deal With Natural and Human-Made Disasters
Akiko Ohnogi and Athena A. Drewes
- Playful Trauma-Focused Cognitive–Behavioral Therapy for School-Age Children
Angela M. Cavett
- Use of Pretend Play to Overcome Anxiety in School-Age Children
Sandra W. Russ and Karla K. Fehr
II. Play Interventions for Externalizing Disorders
- Playful Cognitive–Behavioral Therapy for Children With Sexual Behavior Problems
Diana Garza Louis
- Enjoying Theraplay With School-Age Children
David L. Myrow
- Using Puppets With Aggressive Children to Externalize the Problem in Narrative Therapy
Jeffrey T. Guterman and Clayton V. Martin
- Kids Together: A Group Therapy Program for Children Using Cognitive–Behavioral Play Therapy Interventions
Susan Hansen
- Adlerian Play Therapy for Children With Externalizing Behaviors
Kristin K. Meany-Walen and Terry Kottman
III. Play Interventions to Strengthen Relationship Skills
- Child–Parent Relationship Therapy With Preadolescents
Kara Carnes-Holt, Kristin K. Meany-Walen, and Peggy Ceballos
- Pair Counseling to Promote Social Competencies Among School-Age Children
Michael J. Karcher, Kristi McClatchy, and Courtney Borsuk
IV. Play Interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Play Therapy for School-Age Children With High-Functioning Autism
Karen Stagnitti
- Child-Centered Play Therapy for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Maureen C. Kenny, Laura H. Dinehart, and Charles B. Winick
- Replays: A Therapeutic Approach for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Karen Levine
Index
About the Editors
