Family Play Therapy

Family play therapy and play therapy need not be exclusionary. The two approaches actually can enhance and enrich each other. While each therapist ultimately will use his or her own ideas in the critical combining of both methods, Family Play Therapy offers various possibilities and as such, helps therapists to help their family patients to be readily engaged in treatment and to experience therapy as a fun, inclusive, transforming time together.

Charles Schaefer, Ph.D., is Professor of Psychology and Director, Psychological Services Center, Fairleigh Dickenson University, Hackensack, New Jersey. Dr. Schaefer is the founder and chairman of the Board of the Association for Play Therapy, a national organization that includes international members. He maintains a private practice with children and their families in Hackensack. Lois Carey, M.S.W., is the Director of the Center for Sandplay Studies, in Upper Grandview, New York, where she also has a private therapy practice with children and families.