Reflections on Play Therapy

This book explores an extensive range of questions and challenges within the training, theory, and practice of play therapy, with the aim of providing a stimulating and thought-provoking debate around many of the issues and dilemmas therapists experience. Drawing upon the author's own experience as both a therapist and trainer/educator/supervisor, the volume grapples with questions of power, privilege, self-care, and mental health. It additionally addresses the wider challenges and impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, climate change, and international conflict upon practice and personhood. Questions around training are explored as well as specific practice challenges relating to managing limits and boundaries within play therapy and working with adopted children. Throughout the book, the author will reflect upon aspects of personal and clinical experience, sharing something of his own developmental narrative through training, teaching, and practice. Reflections on Play Therapy will serve as a core text for trainee play therapists and also a valuable resource for any experienced clinicians working therapeutically with children, young people, and families.

David Le Vay is a consultant, supervisor, and practising independent therapist within a multi-disciplinary therapy team. He worked extensively for many years as a senior lecturer teaching and developing the MA Play Therapy Programme at the University of Roehampton, London.

1. Wherever you go, there you are: pathways to training and beyond 2. Playful pedagogy: the role of reflective, experiential learning within play therapy training 3. On not trusting the process 4. Stormy weather: on not being good enough 5. I walk, therefore I am: paths to self-care 6. Power, privilege and intersectionality: the politics of the playroom 7. A postcard from the edge: reflections on liminality and the role of play as a response to the Covid 19 pandemic 8. A view from the boundary 9. Weather report: the climate emergency and child mental health 10. Taken: play therapy with children in care 11. Autumn leaves: reflections on endings