Play Therapy [Mass Market Paperback]

Virginia M. Axline (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 12, 1981

"The most brilliant and intuitive, as well as the clearest written, work in this field. It is unpretentious yet clearly the most authoritative work that has been published."
NORMAN CAMERON, Ph.D.
Professor of Psychiatry
Yale University School of Medicine
Here is an intensely practical book that gives specific illustrations of how therapy can be implemented in play contacts, and tells how the toys of the playroom can be vivid performers and aids in growth. As she did with DIBS IN SEARCH OF SELF, Dr. Axline has taken true case histories from the rich mine of verbatim case material of children referred for play therapy, choosing children ranging in age, problem, and personality. It's all here in an important and rewarding book for parents, teachers, and anyone who comes in contact with children.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

"The most brilliant and intuitive, as well as the clearest written, work in this field. It is unpretentious yet clearly the most authoritative work that has been published."
NORMAN CAMERON, Ph.D.
Professor of Psychiatry
Yale University School of Medicine
Here is an intensely practical book that gives specific illustrations of how therapy can be implemented in play contacts, and tells how the toys of the playroom can be vivid performers and aids in growth. As she did with DIBS IN SEARCH OF SELF, Dr. Axline has taken true case histories from the rich mine of verbatim case material of children referred for play therapy, choosing children ranging in age, problem, and personality. It's all here in an important and rewarding book for parents, teachers, and anyone who comes in contact with children.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Ballantine Books; 19th edition (December 12, 1981)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0345303350
• ISBN-13: 978-0345303356
• Product Dimensions: 4.1 x 1 x 6.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #42,935 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #4 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Health, Mind & Body > Psychology & Counseling > Adolescent Psychology
  • #4 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Health, Mind & Body > Psychology & Counseling > Child Psychology > Psychology
  • #6 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Health, Mind & Body > Psychology & Counseling > Child Psychology > Development

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE WORK OF A PIONEER, December 16, 2000

By 

BeatleBangs1964 (United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Play Therapy (Mass Market Paperback)

Dr. Axline uses a series of recorded sessions with different children ranging in age from 5 to 12. Histories of each child is given and the course of action taken during the sessions. Group and invidual sessions of the children is recorded in playwright tone; that is, T: C: (therapist, child) so that one sees how the communication flowed during the sessions.

These sessions were conducted during the 1940s when pyschiatry was breaking new ground in the U.S. Issues such as extended hospitalization, foster care, death and physical challenges and the natural expressions of each child regarding such issues were explored. During this period in history, this was pioneer work.

This book is interesting, flowing and a very satisfying read. It is a work that is still applicable.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent!, September 16, 2005

By 

Julie Segars Chibbaro "esse quam videri (to b... (Villa Rica, GA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Play Therapy (Mass Market Paperback)

Axline's book is a "must read" for persons interested in play therapy. I have used her book along with the text while teaching at the university level. Her book provides the reader with case studies and practical information. Her writing style is intelligible as well as technical-a rare find!

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars easy read, October 11, 2005

By 

Kathleen Lavery - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Play Therapy (Mass Market Paperback)

Easy read but a bit redundant in its explinations. The writing sounds like she is talking to you and is not as formal in language as other psychology books. Although it is dated the information within the book is useful for work being done today in this area.