Contemporary Play Therapy: Theory, Research, and Practice

This highly practical book presents current developments in play therapy, including innovative applications for particular problems and populations. Contributors first discuss the latest ideas and techniques emerging from object relations, experiential, dynamic, and narrative perspectives. Next, research evaluating the effectiveness of play interventions is reviewed in detail. The book's third and largest section demonstrates creative approaches for helping children deal with a variety of adverse circumstances: homelessness, family problems, sexual abuse, social aggression, natural disasters, and more. Throughout, rich case illustrations enhance the book's utility for clinicians.

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Reviewer:Susan Richardson, MA, PsyD(Private Practice)
Description:This book combines theory, research, and applications of new play therapy interventions to use with children.
Purpose:The editors seek to present the most recent innovations and advances in play therapy. This state-of-the-art volume includes interventions based on natural disasters, including the tsunami of December 2004. The book clearly meets these goals with its wide range and updated approach.
Audience:It is for the student learning to do psychotherapy with children but is surely intended for the experienced practitioner as well. The contributing authors are masters and doctoral level clinicians, most of whom teach as well as work with children.
Features:The book is nicely divided into its core sections: theory, research and practice. It is readable and educational, and this structure works well for clinicians looking for updated interventions as well as students or practitioners more interested in theory or research. Its greatest quality is the pertinence and timeliness of its subjects. In particular, interventions for homeless children as well as natural disaster victims are unique contributions.
Assessment:This well written book is quite accessible to mental health professionals or graduate students. It can be read for theory or as a casebook based on the needs of the reader. It is a state-of-the-art overview of a highly challenging area of practice.

Charles E. Schaefer, PhD, RPT-S, a nationally renowned child psychologist, is Professor of Psychology at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, New Jersey. He is cofounder and director emeritus of the Association for Play Therapy, and founder and codirector of the Play Therapy Training Institute in Hightstown, New Jersey. Dr. Schaefer is a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association for Play Therapy. He has written or edited more than 50 books on parenting, child psychology, and play therapy, including The Therapeutic Use of Child's Play, Foundations of Play Therapy, Handbook of Play Therapy, Play Therapy with Adolescents, and Empirically Based Play Interventions for Children. Dr. Schaefer maintains a private practice in child psychotherapy in Hackensack, New Jersey.

Heidi Gerard Kaduson, PhD, RPT-S, specializes in evaluation and intervention services for children with a variety of behavioral, emotional, and learning problems. She is past president of the Association for Play Therapy and codirector of the Play Therapy Training Institute. She has lectured internationally on play therapy, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and learning disabilities. Dr. Kaduson's publications include The Playing Cure and 101 Favorite Play Therapy Techniques (Volumes I, II, and III). With Charles E. Schaefer, she is coeditor of Short-Term Play Therapy for Children, Second Edition. Dr. Kaduson maintains a private practice in child psychotherapy in Monroe Township, New Jersey.