ABSTRACT

Challenges in the Theory and Practice of Play Therapy provides an advanced and in-depth exploration of the issues and challenges relating to the training, theory and practice of Child-Centred Play Therapy. The ethos of the book is process orientated, and it discusses the particular therapeutic challenges that are encountered on a day-to- day basis.

Drawing upon clinical material and cutting-edge theory, David Le Vay and Elise Cuschieri bring together experienced practitioners from the field to explore key topics such as:

  • The therapeutic use of self within play therapy
  • Gender issues in play therapy
  • The play therapist’s experience of self-doubt
  • Working with acquired brain injury
  • Working with developmental trauma
  • The role of research within play therapy
  • The role of experiential training groups in a play therapy training programme      

Original and stimulating, Challenges in the Theory and Practice of Play Therapy will be of interest and value to all those working within the area of child mental health, both in practice and in training, and particularly those in the wider Arts and Play Therapy community who are working therapeutically with troubled children.

 

chapter 1|17 pages

To be or not to be?

The therapeutic use of self within child-centred play therapy

chapter 2|20 pages

Can I really do this?

An exploration into therapist self-doubt

chapter 3|14 pages

Reflections on gender

The male play therapist

chapter 4|19 pages

Bridging the cultural divide

Meeting cultural challenges with enhanced awareness, knowledge and skills

chapter 5|15 pages

Stuck in the dollhouse

A brain-based perspective of post-traumatic play

chapter 6|18 pages

Who am I now?

How play therapy can empower children and adolescents in their ‘search for self' following severe acquired brain injury

chapter 7|23 pages

Tackling taboos

Research in play therapy