ABSTRACT
In Chapter 7, the authors overview the theory and practice of play and expressive arts counseling with very young children and their families. The history of play and expressive arts therapies with children 0–5 is briefly presented. Theoretical orientation to counseling in early childhood is examined with an emphasis on attachment theory. Interventions for counseling practitioners, playing (water and sand, games, dramatic play, and puppets), and expressive arts such as art, music, movement, and role-play are illustrated for working with children 0–5 in school and agency settings. Therapeutic play and expressive activities are presented with sufficient detail to be applied by counselors, and implications for working with families, and in preschool educational settings are included. Outcome research is reviewed as it relates to counseling young children. After reading this chapter, practitioners should have a working knowledge of play and expressive arts therapies, the theories most relevant to counseling with very young children and families, and many examples of creative techniques to use in their work.
