Play Therapy Theories and Perspectives

This book explores the multitude of thoughts, theories, opinions, methods, and approaches to play therapy in order to highlight the unity and diversity of theory and perspective in the field. Each chapter is a common question related to play therapy to which ten established and experienced play therapists share their thoughts, theoretical perspectives, and opinions. The key characteristics of a well-trained play therapist, the role of technology in play therapy, the importance of speaking the client's language, and many more frequently asked play therapy questions and topics are explored. The reader will learn about the umbrella of play therapy thought and practice and connect with perspectives that might align with their own theoretical preferences. This book will be of interest to a wide range of mental health professionals working with children and adolescents. Those new to play therapy and those who are seasoned veterans will appreciate, value, and hopefully be challenged by the differing viewpoints surrounding many play therapy topics.

Robert Jason Grant, EdD, LPC, RPT-S, ACAS, owns and operates the AutPlay Therapy Clinic in Southwest Missouri. He is the creator of AutPlay® Therapy and a multi-published author of several articles, chapters, and books. He is an international presenter and keynote speaker and currently serves as a board member for the Association for Play Therapy. Jessica Stone, PhD, RPT-S, is a licensed psychologist working in a private practice setting in Colorado. She has been a practitioner, professor, presenter, mentor, and author for more than 25 years. She is the co-creator of the Virtual Sandtray App for iPad (VSA) and the Virtual Sandtray for Virtual Reality (VSA-VR). Dr. Stone has numerous publications to date including Integrating Technology into Modern Therapies, Game Play, and Digital Play Therapy. Clair Mellenthin, LCSW, RPT-S, is an international speaker, author, and Registered Play Therapist Supervisor. She holds a Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California. She is currently the Director of Child & Adolescents at Wasatch Family Therapy and an adjunct faculty member at the University of Southern California MSW program.

Introduction; Part 1: Perspective; Chapter 1: Do You Have A Primary Play Therapy Theory or Approach You Use the Most and Why?; Chapter 2: What Advice Would You Give Someone Just Getting Started in Play Therapy?; Chapter 3: What are the Key Characteristics of a Well-Trained Play Therapist?; Chapter 4: What are the Top Ten Items You Feel are Necessary in a Play Therapy Office?; Chapter 5: What Have Been Some of the Most Challenging Things You Have Experienced as a Play Therapist?; Chapter 6: What are Your Thoughts About Using Technology in Play Therapy?; Part 2: Process; Chapter 7: What Emphasis Do You Place on the Importance of Speaking the Client's Language?; Chapter 8: How Do You Include Parents in the Play Therapy Process?; Chapter 9: What is the Importance of Regulation in Your Play Therapy Work; How is That Best Achieved?; Chapter 10: How Do You Incorporate Nature into Play Therapy Treatment?; Chapter 11: How Do You Address Issues of Noncompliance and Aggression in the Playroom?; Chapter 12: How Do You Use A Sand Tray in Your Play Therapy Work?; Chapter 13: How Do You Use Expressive Arts in Play Therapy?; Chapter 14: How Do You Address Issues of Intersectionality in Your Practice?; Part 3: Practice; Chapter 15: What Are Your Suggestions for Building a Successful Play Therapy Practice?; Chapter 16: What Do You Think is One of the Most Challenging Ethical Issues Currently in Play Therapy?; Chapter 17: How Do You Set and Maintain Boundaries in the Playroom and with Clients, Parents, Caseworkers, Etc.?; Chapter 18: How Do You Prevent Burnout and Compassion Fatigue?; Chapter 19: How Do You Include Play in Your Play Therapy Supervision?; Chapter 20: How Do You Use Play Therapy Across the Lifespan with Respect to Client Ages?; Conclusion.