Description
Book SynopsisThis completely revised and updated second edition provides a comprehensive introduction to using play to communicate with troubled or traumatized children and their families, and to heal emotional damage. The book gives examples of good practice in different settings and situations.
Drawing on psychodynamic, systemic and attachment theory, the book provides an integrated theory base for using play in therapeutic work with children. It emphasizes non-directive approaches to therapeutic play and play therapy, based on supporting the child's developing self within the safe boundaries provided by the setting and the worker's emotional holding and containment. Areas explored include:
- children with disabilities and illnesses
- daily living with abused and traumatized children
- helping troubled families
- difficulties in early years
- children experiencing separation, loss and bereavement
- children moving to new families.
Trade Review"This book is pervaded by a sense of hope and an overriding belief in the 'healing power of play.' I was moved by the case examples and by McMahon's sense of compassion and empathy for the children whose stories are recorded in this book. I would highly recommend it to anyone considering play therapy as a career or to those already practicing." - Jackie Townsend, Counselling Children and Young People, September 2009
praise for the first edition:
"…essential reading for all those who purport to practice play therapy." – British Journal of Occupational Therapy
"A Handbook like this is an excellent idea for other workers who want to help disturbed children but don’t know where to start." – Nicholas Tucker, The Times Educational Supplement
Table of ContentsIntroduction: The State of Play. The Development of Play. Approaches to Therapeutic Play. The Process of Therapeutic Play and Play Therapy. Therapeutic Play in the Early Years. Play in Helping Troubled Families. Therapeutic Play for Children with Disabilities and Illness. Therapeutic Play for Children Experiencing Separation, Loss and Bereavement in Their Families. Therapeutic Play with Children who have Experienced Continual Trauma and Loss. Therapeutic Play in Daily Living with Abused and Traumatized Children. Play in Therapeutic Work with Children Moving to New Families.
