Contemporary Play Therapy: Theory, Research, and Practice [Hardcover]

Charles E. Schaefer PhD (Editor), Heidi Gerard Kaduson PhD (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1593853041 | ISBN-13: 978-1593853044 | Publication Date: July 10, 2006 | Edition: 1

This highly practical book presents current developments in play therapy, including innovative applications for particular problems and populations. Contributors first discuss the latest ideas and techniques emerging from object relations, experiential, dynamic, and narrative perspectives. Next, research evaluating the effectiveness of play interventions is reviewed in detail. The book's third and largest section demonstrates creative approaches for helping children deal with a variety of adverse circumstances: homelessness, family problems, sexual abuse, social aggression, natural disasters, and more. Throughout, rich case illustrations enhance the book's utility for clinicians.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Filling a void for today's play therapist, this volume covers theories, research, and applications that have not yet been addressed in depth in other texts. It includes a diverse range of practical, hands-on approaches for specific populations. The book is accessible enough for students, yet will also serve as a practical, unique reference for experienced professionals. I highly recommend this much-needed addition to the literature."--Athena A. Drewes, PsyD, RPT-S, The Astor Home for Children, Poughkeepsie, New York

"Schaefer and Kaduson bring together a wonderful collection of knowledgeable and thoughtful authors to inform, educate, and enlighten. Overviews of approaches and specific applications bring valuable, current information to the reader. Up-to-date reviews of research in the field are timely and helpful. This book is a valuable addition to the continually growing play therapy literature."--Linda Homeyer, PhD, Department of Educational Administration and Psychological Services, Texas State University-San Marcos

"A groundbreaking work in the field of play therapy. This book contains the most up-to-date literature by world-renowned researchers and master therapists. The book takes the reader to a more in-depth understanding and appreciation of what play therapy can do, and shows how to do it well. I highly recommend this volume to experienced play therapists as well as novices. It is an important addition to any play therapy library."--Cynthia Reynolds, PhD, RPT-S, Department of Counseling, University of Akron

About the Author

Charles E. Schaefer, PhD, RPT-S, a nationally renowned child psychologist, is Professor of Psychology at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, New Jersey. He is cofounder and director emeritus of the Association for Play Therapy, and founder and codirector of the Play Therapy Training Institute in Hightstown, New Jersey. Dr. Schaefer is a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association for Play Therapy. He has written or edited more than 50 books on parenting, child psychology, and play therapy, including The Therapeutic Use of Child's Play, Foundations of Play Therapy, Handbook of Play Therapy, Play Therapy with Adolescents, and Empirically Based Play Interventions for Children. Dr. Schaefer maintains a private practice in child psychotherapy in Hackensack, New Jersey.

Heidi Gerard Kaduson, PhD, RPT-S, specializes in evaluation and intervention services for children with a variety of behavioral, emotional, and learning problems. She is past president of the Association for Play Therapy and codirector of the Play Therapy Training Institute. She has lectured internationally on play therapy, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and learning disabilities. Dr. Kaduson's publications include The Playing Cure and 101 Favorite Play Therapy Techniques (Volumes I, II, and III). With Charles E. Schaefer, she is coeditor of Short-Term Play Therapy for Children, Second Edition. Dr. Kaduson maintains a private practice in child psychotherapy in Monroe Township, New Jersey.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Hardcover: 338 pages
• Publisher: The Guilford Press; 1 edition (July 10, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1593853041
• ISBN-13: 978-1593853044
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.3 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,282,575 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Contemporary Play Therapy, July 8, 2007

By 

T. Shaw - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Contemporary Play Therapy: Theory, Research, and Practice (Hardcover)

I needed this book for an online CEU course that I was taking (to renew licensure in California, one needs 36 Continuing Education Credits every two years). I believe that this book is excellent for those of us who see children, adolescents and their families. It discusses what works, how studies were configured and gave me an excellent overview of current trends. I am not new to this field, having seen children and their families almost exclusively for the past 20 years. This book is excellent for beginners and people in the field awhile. Its worth its price and then some.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Invaluable compilation, November 4, 2006

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Contemporary Play Therapy: Theory, Research, and Practice (Hardcover)

Edited by Charles E. Schaefer (Professor of Psychology at Farleigh Dickinson University) and Heidi Gerard Kaduson (specialist in evaluation and intervention services for children with behavioral, emotional, and learning problems), Contemporary Play Therapy: Theory, Research, and Practice is an anthology of essays written by professionals, for professionals. Essays discuss current ideas and techniques concerning the helpful tool of play therapy, research evaluating the effectiveness of play therapy, and creative approaches for applying play therapy in situations ranging from parental divorce, maltreatment, and abuse, to surviving natural disasters and much more. A special section concerning cultural competence when treating Mexican-American children rounds out this invaluable compilation of the latest findings in the field.