A Clear, Unified Guide to Integrating Play Therapy Theory and Practice

Ideal for professors, supervisors, trainers, and practicing play therapists, this book offers an accessible, up-to-date synthesis of the Therapeutic Powers of Play across seminal theoretical approaches. Each chapter-written by the co-editors and leading experts-uses the same case study to show exactly how a given theory conceptualizes the child and incorporates the therapeutic powers of play into treatment.

With its focused structure and practical comparisons, this book provides a unique, side-by-side look at how different theories understand and apply play's healing mechanisms. It delivers the essentials: clear foundations, major theoretical frameworks, and practical guidance for integrating the Therapeutic Powers of Play in real clinical work.

A timely, much-needed resource, this book deepens understanding, strengthens clinical decision-making, and brings clarity to the art and science of play therapy.

Autorentext

Dr. Athena A. Drewes is a licensed psychologist, certified school psychologist and Registered Play Therapist and Supervisor. Formerly Director of Training and Director of the American Psychological Association Doctoral Psychology Internship at Astor Services for Children and Families in New York. She currently is semi-retired and lives in Ocala, FL. She has over 45 years of clinical and supervision experience with complex trauma, sexual abuse, foster care children and adolescents, in school, outpatient and inpatient settings. She is former Board of Director of the Association for Play Therapy and Founder and President Emeritus of the NY Association for Play Therapy. She is a frequently invited guest lecturer around the United States and internationally around the world, including Argentina, Australia, Canada, China, Denmark, England, Ireland, Italy, Mexico and Taiwan. She has is renowned writer on play therapy and has published numerous book chapters, journal articles and edited/co-edited twelve play therapy.
Edward Franc Hudspeth is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor, Registered Play Therapist and Supervisor, and Registered Pharmacist. He is Coordinator and Clinical Associate Professor of the Ed.S. in Counselor Education-Play Therapy Emphasis, in the School of Education, at the University of Mississippi. He served as Editor of International Journal of Play Therapy for 10 years and served on the Association for Play Therapy's Foundation for Play Therapy Board of Directors for 10 years. He now serves on the Association for Play Therapy's governing Board of Directors. He is a recipient of the Association for Play Therapy's Service Award and President's Award.