Play in Family Therapy [Paperback]

Gil. (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0898627575 | ISBN-13: 978-0898627572 | Publication Date: April 8, 1994

Bridging the gap between play therapy and family therapy, this volume focuses on utilization of play therapy with children and their families. Following a brief overview of both fields, the author describes the rationale for play in the family setting. The work describes how play can encourage relatedness among family members, increase communication and understanding, and allow for the expression of laughter and play with all its inherent curative qualities. The applicability of numerous play techniques for children and their families is clearly demonstrated and illustrated with numerous case examples. Among the many techniques described are the use of puppets, art therapy, and storytelling. This book will be of interest to practitioners and students of both play and family therapy, as well as child therapy courses.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The Family Therapy and Play Therapy fields have had to wait a long time for a comprehensive, clinically sound, and integrated handbook. Dr. Eliana Gil's work is well worth the wait. The book fills a gap that has been present far too long. We have needed a comprehensive work that acknowledges that families have the resources to grow and heal together. Therapy does not have to be something done to people, but rather done with people. Dr. Gil not only acknowledges this, but teaches us how to do it. It might be frequently said, but in this case absolutely true, Play in Family Therapy is a 'must' for all clinicians who care for and work with families and their children. This work is a gift for any clinician and the families with which they work. I am thrilled with the clarity of presentation and all the wonderful techniques Dr. Gil presents." --Mary Jo Barrett, MSW, The Center for Contextual Change

"If you have ever struggled with the question of what can be done to facilitate family relatedness or wished for help in understanding what children have experienced in their lives, this book is for you. Play in Family Therapy is the single most comprehensive collection of play procedures for families in therapy. Eliana Gil's easy going writing style captures the reader's attention and imagination with lively, dramatic case examples of play procedures that open the door and allow the reader to view the inner dynamics of family interactions. Drawing freely on her own creative insights into family interactions, Gil shows therapists how to have fun through play with families and in her skillful hands, the richness of family play comes alive. She writes like she speaks with enthusiasm, conviction, authority, encouragement, and a heartfelt understanding of children and their families." --Dr. Gary Landreth, EdD, Director, Center for Play Therapy, University of North Texas

About the Author

Eliana Gil, PhD, is Director of Clinical Services for Childhelp, Inc., and works at the Childhelp Children’s Center in Fairfax, Virginia. Dr. Gil is a well-known lecturer, author, and clinician who has worked in child abuse prevention and treatment for over three decades. A registered play therapy supervisor, registered art therapist, and a licensed marriage, family, and child counselor, she has served on the Board of Directors of the American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children and the National Resource Center on Child Sexual Abuse, and is a former President of the Association for Play Therapy. She is the author of acclaimed books and video programs on child abuse, play therapy, and related topics. Bilingual and bicultural, Dr. Gil is originally from Guayaquil, Ecuador.

Product Details

• Paperback: 226 pages
• Publisher: Guilford Press (April 8, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0898627575
• ISBN-13: 978-0898627572
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #128,639 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars An endlessly useful resource!, November 25, 2010

By 

Amie C. Myrick (Baltimore Metro, Maryland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Play in Family Therapy (Paperback)

Assessment and Treatment Activities for Children, Adolescents, and Families: Practitioners Share Their Most Effective Techniques[
[ASIN:0968519962 Creative Family Therapy Techniques: Play, Art, and Expressive Activities to Engage Children in Family Sessions (Sociology Family Relationships)]]

I originally read this book as a requirement for a one-credit graduate course taught by Eliana Gil. The class was one of the most useful I took in my play therapy training, and I use this book as a regular refresher for the skills I learned. Parents and children respond well to her techniques and they can be used to fit a number of presenting issues. This book is a must-have resource for any clinician who has wanted to engage and help families.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great foundation book for family therapists, November 8, 2010

By 

Liana Lowenstein "Liana Lowenstein, author of... (Toronto, Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Play in Family Therapy (Paperback)

Eliana Gil is the pioneer of family play therapy and she has written a great foundation book for clinicians who seek to blend family therapy and play therapy. I particularly like the chapters on integrating play therapy and family therapy. Gil also presents some wonderful techniques for use in family sessions. Other books I recommend for therapists who conduct child-focused family therapy include:


Family Art Therapy: Foundations of Theory and Practice (Family Therapy and Counseling)

Creative Family Therapy Techniques: Play, Art, and Expressive Activities to Engage Children in Family Sessions (Sociology Family Relationships)

Engaging Children in Family Therapy: Creative Approaches to Integrating Theory and Research

4.0 out of 5 stars Great family therapy book, September 30, 2010

By 

Denise Filley (Overland Park, KS) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Play in Family Therapy (Paperback)

This book provides a great foundational approach to using play therapy with family counseling work. Beginners will find it especially helpful in navigating the road of integrating family therapy with play therapy. Creative Family Therapy Techniques: Play, Art, and Expressive Activities to Engage Children in Family Sessions