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“Offers a comprehensive introduction into the world of child-centered play therapy, its efficacy, and application. The text makes several strong contributions to the practice of CCPT....Appropriate for the novice play therapist. It offers a plethora of insight for the experienced play therapist as well, and is an easy and enjoyable read.”

—Play Therapy Magazine


“The authors are all experienced with CCPT....Chapters on touch and cultural considerations in the use of CCPT are especially interesting. Highly recommended. Upper-division graduates through faculty and professionals.”

—Choice


“VanFleet, Sywulak, and Sniscak bring with them perspectives developed over many years of experience in working with children and families with complex needs....The authors speak collectively with an authoritative but also warmly empathic voice....Child-Centered Play Therapy provides a rich and valuable addition to the existing literature on non-directive play and will be a much welcomed book in that it combines rich theoretical and contextual frameworks along with clear and relevant practice examples to address a wide range of difficulties and in a variety of settings. In these days when the notion of child-centred practice has become a loosely applied and often misunderstood term the strength of this book lies in its synthesis of clear practice principles, well illustrated case material, and specific suggestions for dos and donts in child-centred therapy. For professionals who need to remind themselves of fundamental tenets on which their practice is based and want to remain well grounded in delivering evidence-based therapy, this book will be handy as a refresher for their skills....It should be required reading, alongside other acknowledged texts, in any introductory play therapy and child psychotherapy course.”

—British Journal of Play Therapy


“This is one of those rare books that combine rich theoretical and contextual frameworks with clear and relevant practice examples. At a time when the term 'child-centered play therapy' is often loosely applied or misunderstood, this book could not be more timely. The authors take CCPT back to its fundamental principles, speaking with an authoritative but also warmly empathic voice. Chapters are illustrated with helpful case material and specific suggestions for therapeutic 'dos and don'ts.' The book will be invaluable as a refresher for experienced play therapists or as a starting point for students and others just getting acquainted with the principles of nondirective play. It should be required reading in any introductory play therapy or child psychotherapy course.”

—Geraldine Thomas MSc, Filial/Play Therapist and Instructor, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services,London, UK


“A practical guide for beginning and experienced child clinicians. This book is unique in the depth of its coverage of the essential ingredients of child-centered play therapy, from how to set up a therapy room to recognizing and interpreting play themes and setting limits with child clients. The authors seamlessly share their wealth of knowledge and expertise, offering a generous mix of applications and rich case studies. They tackle such important issues as the use of touch in therapy, cultural considerations, and research evidence for play therapy. This well-rounded and easy-to-read work is a 'must have.'”

—Athena A. Drewes, PsyD, RPT-S, Director of Clinical Training, Astor Services for Children and Families, Poughkeepsie, New York


“Finally, a book that teaches and illustrates the essential 'how-to' details of child-centered play therapy (CCPT)! The approach is presented in such a comprehensive, explicit format that whether you are a beginning play therapist or an experienced practitioner or professor, the book has tremendous value. Drawing on their vast knowledge of the field, the authors address the importance of the relationship, how to work with parents, and practical applications for children with a wide variety of psychological difficulties. Using detailed case studies, they show how CCPT can enhance anyone's play therapy style. This book is a 'must' for teaching CCPT and should be on the shelves of all therapists interested in using play to help children heal.”

—Heidi Gerard Kaduson, PhD, RPT-S, Director, The Play Therapy Training Institute, Inc., Hightstown, New Jersey


“This book provides excellent explanations of the critical skills that therapists need to practice child-centered play therapy. It presents a well-conceptualized discussion of common themes that children present in play therapy, and strategies for understanding and utilizing these in the treatment process. It also offers a thorough discussion of the application of child-centered play therapy to a variety of common problems, as well as how to handle difficult behaviors in session. Both graduate students and seasoned play therapists will find this book significantly expands the way they think about one of the most widely practiced forms of play therapy.”

—Kevin O'Connor, PhD, RPT-S, Distinguished Professor, California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University

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Table of Contents

Preface

I. Background and Relevance

1. The Importance of Play

2. A Brief Overview of Play Therapy

3. History, Theory, Principles, and Variations of Child-Centered Play Therapy

II. Logistics and Techniques

4. Playroom Set-Up and Logistics

5. The Four Skills of Child-Centered Play Therapy

6. Recognition and Interpretation of Play Themes

III. Parent Involvement

7. Engaging Parents and Teachers in Child-Centered Play Therapy

8. Filial Therapy

IV. Practical Applications and Issues

9. Child-Centered Play Therapy with Different Presenting Problems

10. Handling Select Child Behaviors and Special Circumstances

11. Touch in Child-Centered Play Therapy

12. Cultural and Systemic Considerations in the Practice of Child-Centered Play Therapy

V. Research and Professional Issues

13. Research on Child-Centered Play Therapy and Filial Therapy

14. Developing Competence in Child-Centered Play Therapy

Conclusion

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About the Authors

Risë VanFleet, PhD, RPT-S, is President of the Family Enhancement and Play Therapy Center in Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania. She has trained thousands worldwide in the practice of child-centered play therapy and Filial Therapy, and is the author of numerous books, articles, and DVDs on these topics. Dr. VanFleet is a past president and board chair of the Association for Play Therapy. She is a recipient of the Bernard G. and Louise F. Guerney Award for Outstanding Contributions to Practice and Training in Filial Therapy, from the Association for Filial and Relationship Enhancement Methods, and of the Play Therapy Professional Education and Training Award, from the Association for Play Therapy.

• Author's website

Andrea E. Sywulak, PhD, RPT-S, is in private practice in Southampton, Pennsylvania, specializing in the treatment of families with young children. She has trained many professionals in child-centered play therapy and Filial Therapy and regularly supervises professionals in their use of these methods. She conducted some of the first research on Filial Therapy, has authored book chapters and manuals, and has presented at international conferences.

Cynthia Caparosa Sniscak, LPC, RPT-S, is in private practice with children and families in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, specializing in trauma and attachment problems. She has trained many professionals and authored several book chapters. Ms. Sniscak presents at international conferences and provides supervision in child-centered play therapy and Filial Therapy. She is a recipient of the Outstanding Contributions to Professional Training in Filial Therapy Award from the Family Enhancement and Play Therapy Center.

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Audience

Mental health professionals working with children, including child psychologists, social workers, play and art therapists, counselors, family therapists, and psychiatrists.

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Course Use

May serve as a supplemental text in clinically oriented graduate-level courses.