Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship [Hardcover]

Garry L. Landreth (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1583913270 | ISBN-13: 978-1583913277 | Publication Date: August 9, 2002 | Edition: 2

Play Therapy, Second Edition, is a thorough update to the 1991 first edition best-selling book, the most widely used text for play therapy courses. It refreshes the history and development in play therapy including results of research done in the past 10 years. A new chapter is included on current issues and special populations relevant to the development of play therapy. The author presents very readable descriptions of play and the history of play therapy; child and therapist characteristics; play room set-up and materials; working with parents; and a number of helpful and interesting case descriptions.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Dr. Garry Landreth has made yet another significant contribution to the field of play therapy with the revised and expanded second edition of his landmark, award-winning text, Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship. This book is rare in its scope, including a historical, theoretical, and practical-how to approach to play therapy; in addition to providing invaluable insights into the child's world and the therapeutic power of play within the context of the child-therapist relationship. This is the essential text for an introductory play therapy course and a must read for all child therapists.' - Sue C. Bratton, Ph.D., University of North Texas, President, Association for Play Therapy 2001-2002

'The first edition was a classic and this second edition builds upon that groundbreaking work with the addition of chapters dealing with intensive and short-term play and an expansion of Filial Therapy. A major strength of the text is the inclusion of current play therapy research, much of which comes from the work of Landreth and his students. There is no other text in print that is as comprehensive.this text will continue to set the standard for training and practice.' - Joanna F. White, Professor and Chair, Department of Counseling and Psychological Services, Georgia State University, President-elect, Association for Play Therapy

Product Details

• Hardcover: 432 pages
• Publisher: Routledge; 2 edition (August 9, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1583913270
• ISBN-13: 978-1583913277
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #13,748 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #23 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Mental Health > Compulsive Behavior

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

54 of 55 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Clear, concise, engaging introduction to play therapy, June 23, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Play Therapy: The Art Of The Relationship (Library Binding)

This book is a necessary addition to any therapists library, especially those who are just beginning or are interested in knowing the foundations for therapy with children. Clearly written and well organized, it is easy to read and an invaluable reference. Highly recommended for beginning play therapists

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good, but requires a huge buy-in on theory, August 9, 2008

By 

SMC "SMC" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship (Hardcover)

I took a course from Dr. Landreth in the 1980s, and while I respect his perspective on child-centered play therapy, it seems a bit rigid and dogmatic. This book describes his theoretical perspective on working with children -- ONE perspective, which is helpful in many cases, but definitely not for everyone. In working with a diverse group of families and children, I've found the perspectives and techniques outlined in this book to have limited applicability. Landreth would say that's the therapist's fault -- not doing the approach "right." But I think it helps to look at the ideas in this book as ONE approach of many, and to work from the approach that fits you and your families best.

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is THE Book for aspiring play therapists!, July 19, 2005

By 

A. Sirocky-Meck "trevspal" (Harrisonburg, VA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship (Hardcover)

I was required to read the book for a class I was completing on Play therapy. It was a very easy read, well organized with a good mixture of research and anecdotal information. What makes the book a truly outstanding resource is Dr. Landreth's very candid insight into the practice of play therapy as well as his willingness to share with the reader his very sincere love and respect for children.