ABSTRACT
In this chapter, Attachment Centered Play Therapy is examined as an integrative play therapy model that takes a holistic perspective that includes viewing the child as part of their family system. The family unit is viewed as the client, and the inclusion of the parents in their child’s therapeutic journey is of critical importance in creating last change and healing. The impact of shame, vulnerability, a parent’s unresolved grief or trauma, as well as fear is explored as possible issues that may prevent a parent from joining in the play therapy process naturally. The chapter explores how involving the family into the play experience can benefit the child-parent attachment bond. The logistics of actually bringing the family (particularly the parents) into the playroom to participate in therapy is described in depth, and ACPT interventions are offered.
