Playful Approaches to Serious Problems: Narrative Therapy with Children and their Families (Norton Professional Books) [Hardcover]

David Epston (Author), Jennifer Freeman (Author), Dean Lobovits (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0393702294 | ISBN-13: 978-0393702293 | Publication Date: May 17, 1997 | Edition: 1

The "grown-up talk" of therapy is likely to turn off children - especially if it focuses on their problematic behavior. The highly effective techniques of narrative therapy include children by respecting their unique language, stories, and views of the world.

This book describes a basic theory of collaborative narrative play, as well as verbal and nonverbal techniques that clear the way for stories of hope, possibility, and change. Compelling case examples, drawn from the authors' work, will appeal to parents and educators as well as therapists.

Editorial Reviews

Review

I...strongly encourage readers to buy this book. Thought-provoking and rejuvenating, [and]...will benefit...families who consult you...enliven your work...revitalize your spirit. (Journal of Feminist Family Therapy, William C. Madsen)

I...strongly encourage readers to buy this book. Thought-provoking and rejuvenating, [and]...will benefit...families who consult you...enliven your work...revitalize your spirit.

Review

I...strongly encourage readers to buy this book. Thought-provoking and rejuvenating, [and]...will benefit...families who consult you...enliven your work...revitalize your spirit.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 336 pages
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company; 1 edition (May 17, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0393702294
• ISBN-13: 978-0393702293
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #58,832 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #99 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Mental Health > Compulsive Behavior

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An easy to read book about new ideas for child therapy., June 17, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Playful Approaches to Serious Problems: Narrative Therapy with Children and their Families (Norton Professional Books) (Hardcover)

Playfull Approaches is an engaging book that makes the complex simple. A therapist parent or teacher will be spurred to creativity about even the most recalcitrant child. The authors work with children is presented in a literary form that puts the reader right inside their thinking and the world of childrens ideas. There is an excellent chapter on the use of expressive arts so its not just about talk therapy. The book shows how to put children in charge of their own healing and in touch with eachother. There are a number of extended case "stories" that are fascinating and educational.

21 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Helpful and well writen, December 5, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Playful Approaches to Serious Problems: Narrative Therapy with Children and their Families (Norton Professional Books) (Hardcover)

Provides original solutions to tough and common problems. I found that I was able to apply the concepts and suggestions, both personally, and in my practice, effortlessly. I bought it for every therapist I knew.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Practical, useful information, January 11, 2007

By 

L. V. Stewart (Charlotte, NC,USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Playful Approaches to Serious Problems: Narrative Therapy with Children and their Families (Norton Professional Books) (Hardcover)

I became interested in Narrative Therapy at a conference for gifted children. I bought this book after it was recommended to me by one of the presenters who has used this therapy for several years. I have found it very clear to understand and have begun using the techniques that are described in the book. I would highly recommend this book to any therapist who is interested in exploring a different way to work with children, not only gifted but typical children as well.