Relationship Play Therapy [Paperback]

Clark Moustakas (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0765700298 | ISBN-13: 978-0765700292 | Publication Date: June 1, 1997

Renowned child therapist Clark Moustakas demonstrates how play can be used to affirm and liberate children_children who suddenly become troubled in their school or family lives and can work out their anger and fear in just a few sessions, as well as children who are seriously disturbed and must struggle to achieve emotional maturity, respect for others, and faith in themselves.

Editorial Reviews

Review

The work of an artist, elegant in its simplicity. (Colleen McNally, Ph.D. )

In Relationship Play Therapy, the child-centered approach comes alive. Seasoned and aspiring practitioners alike can participate in the process through the encounters between child and therapist, which are vividly portrayed in verbatim sessions ranging from transitional situation to serious disturbances in behavior. Moustakas's presentation allows us to witness the development of the therapeutic relationship, the child's use of the raw materials of the playroom, and finally the resolution of the child's internal conflict with the external world. Required reading for anyone in the field. (Patricia Armstrong, Ph.D., M.S.W. )

Clark Moustakas's new book keeps us grounded in the essential qualities of the play therapist and the play therapy relationship: faith, acceptance, and respect. Moustakas brings to life a wealth of theoretical principles, values, and methods with abundant case material from his experience with children and families. For both the student and the beginning play therapist, he provides orientation and a strong foundation for entering the world of the children with whom they will work; the experienced play therapist will recognize a return to basic, natural ways of being with children as we engage them in the powerful healing process. Relationship Play Therapy represents an enriching opportunity to share the current thinking of one of the pioneers in the field. (Alvin Ramsey, Ph.D. )

In my own quiet way I follow the path of the firebrand, daring to live, to be, to create in the rhythms of darkness and light, believing that in every learner, in every person, there is a bright and unique spark of energy and meaning that is often hidden or denied. I rejoice when I can inspire the trust, confidence, and support that frees energy and spirit for creative expression. My participation as an educator and psychotherapist has focused on the healthy resources of the person, while not ignoring the dark side: I am firmly committed to the future and possibilities for emergence and growth rather than barriers from the past of blockages to the present. (Clark Moustakas )

About the Author

Clark Moustakasb, Ph.D., Ed.D., is President of the Center for Humanistic Studies in Detroit as well as Senior Consultant and Core Faculty Member in Psychology at the Union Institute in Cincinnati, where he co-chairs a consortium of alternate graduate programs in psychology. His development as a person and as a psychologist is reflected in his studies, which are grounded in psychological, philosophical, educational, and literary perspectives. His publications on loneliness, creativity, conformity, the teaching and learning of psychotherapy, and qualitative research retain an interdisciplinary, humanistic unity of mind and soul. Dr. Moustakas's current work focuses on the integration of philosophy and psychology in the training of humanistic clinical psychologists, which includes the application of legal and ethical standards in professional practice and human affairs.

Product Details

• Paperback: 220 pages
• Publisher: Jason Aronson, Inc. (June 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0765700298
• ISBN-13: 978-0765700292
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.7 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #487,042 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Appreciation for a Founder, December 22, 2002

By 

Karla D. Carmichael, Ph.D (Tuscaloosa, Alabama USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Relationship Play Therapy (Paperback)

This text represents the final publication of the founder of Existential, and now called, Relationship Play Therapy. Moustakas's text is definitive in this theory of play therapy. The book is written in existential prose with specifics given to direct the therapist interested in this particular theory of therapy with children. To find this book valuable, the reader must believe in the child's capacity for self-determination and responsibility. In the present environment of behaviorial contracts and brief therapy interventions with little attention given to the developmental needs of childrem, Moustakas provides us with a refreshing return to seeing therapy as a committment to personal growth and development between therapist and client. The methodology and theory are meant to encourage personal responsibility and understanding that goes far beyond the immediate problem. The reader can be easily deluded by Moustakas's prose and writing style into believing that this is a simplistic theory. The application of the theory presented is beyond the lay person and requires training in psychotherapy to be effective. However, the reading and style of expression makes for easy understanding of a complex form of therapy.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A valuable approach in a broad context, July 13, 2006

By 

Bad Best Friend (Detroit, MI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Relationship Play Therapy (Paperback)

It is apparent to me that one reviewer here who is criticizing the book, did not receive his or her education at the very graduate school founded by Clark Moustakas. When Dr. Moustakas comes into the classroom for his annual lecture in play therapy with his plaid suitcoat and delivers moving words and then, in a very Morrie Schwartz kind of way, dances, and makes the class dance, you realize you are in the presence of a great spirit.

Anyway, without receiving instruction on this theory outside of glancing at the book, I could understand this person's interpretation of this theory. But there really are emphases on limitations (the book even provides an examply), and you talk about disinhibition in children today, have you ever worked with foster children, they are not the disinhibited children you are describing? I also don't see the Freudian overlap, existential psychotherapy is different. It is about providing an atmosphere where the child can be authentic in ways that his typical environment does not allow him. When he feels comfortable to express this, feelings are identified and reflected back, and appropriate ways to express these feelings are then explored.

Overall, this book offers a very human approach, and yes, it may be more appropriate for the intermediate play therapist, but the approach works more than you have confidence for when you hit that playroom for the first time but what I have learned through practicing the approach, is that you have to trust the process. If you go with it, you will see results.