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“Provides beginning, intermediate, and seasoned play therapists alike with a unique opportunity to consider various play therapy theories through the use of thoughtful questions. Kottman and Meany-Walen do not just connect with readers as authors, they also connect with them as teachers. Navigating the pages of the book, readers can solidify their theoretical and clinical perspectives and learn enough about alternative theories and approaches to speak intelligently about the clinical decisions play therapists make….There is something special about a book that allows its readers to feel both connected to—and supported by—the authors….Ultimately, the book provides readers with a comprehensive foundation for play therapy.”

—American Journal of Play


“I wish this text had been available when I was taking play therapy courses, and I am deeply grateful for it now that I am teaching them! The authors clearly explain theory and techniques and show the reader how to develop a personal style that flows naturally from a solid theoretical base. Their informal writing style makes complex ideas accessible, and the case studies are relevant and applicable. The book will give play therapy students a solid grasp of practice and will help seasoned professionals sharpen their skills and deepen their understanding. I plan to use this text both personally and in my classes.”

—Jeffrey S. Ashby, PhD, ABPP, RPT-S, Department of Counseling and Psychological Services, Georgia State University


“A fresh, relevant guide to play therapy that speaks to play therapists-in-training and has hidden gems for those of us with more experience. This volume broadens the traditional view of play therapy to encompass multiple modalities, and to include adolescents and adults as well as children. Unique interludes throughout the book help the reader become more reflective and integrate personal and professional growth. Kottman and Meany-Walen tackle some of the tougher questions in play therapy regarding interpretation, questioning, and insight, among many other complicated issues. The book is filled with activities and resources to help play therapists at any level improve their everyday practice.”

—Dee C. Ray, PhD, LPC-S, NCC, RPT-S, Director, Center for Play Therapy, and Professor, Counseling Program, University of North Texas


“This is a unique and needed addition to the play therapy literature—Kottman and Meany-Walen have filled a gap like only they could! The text presents a cross-theoretical, practical perspective, and manages to offer techniques based on theory (no easy task). It should be used for all Introduction to Play Therapy classes and should be in the libraries of all play therapy graduate students, as well as seasoned practitioners.”

—Daniel S. Sweeney, PhD, LMFT, LPC, RPT-S, Professor of Counseling and Director, Northwest Center for Play Therapy Studies, George Fox University

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Table of Contents

Prelude: Once Upon a Time

1. An Introduction to Play Therapy

Interlude 1: Show Up and Choose To Be Present

2. Pick a Theory, Any Theory

Interlude 2: Showing Interest

3. Broad Play Therapy Strategies

Interlude 3: Being Intentional with Your Interventions and Making "Stuff" Up

4. Building a Relationship

Interlude 4: Take a Breath

5. Exploring Intrapersonal and Interpersonal Dynamics

Interlude 5: Developing a Conceptualization of Your Clients

6. Helping Clients Gain Insight

Interlude 6: Language Choice

7. Helping Clients Make Changes in Play Therapy

Interlude 7: Giving Yourself Permission

8. Working with Parents, Teachers, and Families

Interlude 8: Avoiding Judgment

9. Challenging Situations in the Playroom

Interlude 9: Continuing the Journey

Appendix A. Theory and Play Therapy Resources

Appendix B. Children’s Books

Appendix C. Professional Information

References

Index

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About the Authors

Terry Kottman, PhD, NCC, RPT-S, LMHC, founded The Encouragement Zone, in Cedar Falls, Iowa, where she provides play therapy training and supervision, life coaching, counseling, and “playshops” for women. Dr. Kottman developed Adlerian play therapy, an approach to working with children, families, and adults that combines the ideas and techniques of Individual Psychology and play therapy. She writes about play therapy and regularly presents workshops nationally and internationally. Dr. Kottman is a recipient of Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Association for Play Therapy and the Iowa Association for Play Therapy.

• Author's website

Kristin K. Meany-Walen, PhD, LMHC, RPT-S, is Assistant Professor of Counseling at the University of North Texas. She was previously in private practice, where she worked with a variety of clients who reinforced her belief in the significance of play and creative expression. Dr. Meany-Walen regularly publishes and presents on play therapy with children and adolescents. She conducted the first Adlerian play therapy study, which was instrumental in Adlerian play therapy becoming recognized as an evidence-based treatment for reducing behavioral problems in children.

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Audience

Play, art, and other creative arts therapists; clinical psychologists, social workers, and counselors working with children, adolescents, and adults.

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Course Use

Will serve as a text in introductory play therapy classes.