Partners in Play

This handbook gives step-by-step instruction on using play therapy with children in school and private practice settings. The second edition builds on the fundamental instruction of the first edition and supplies play therapists with the necessary tools to strengthen therapeutic work with children-- especially those with problematic attitudes-- their parents, and their teachers and to engage them all in making changes that will benefit the client. Detailed information on developing client lifestyle conceptualizations and treatment plans (which include strategies for working with parents and teachers) have been added, as have many more strategies for using art and metaphors in work with children. A case study designed to illustrate each of the stages of Adlerian play therapy highlights the authors techniques. The chapters are as follows: (1) Overview of Play Therapy; (2) Introduction to Adlerian Theory (Individual Psychology); (3) Understanding Children; (4) Consulting with Parents and Teachers; (5) Building an Egalitarian Relationship with the Child; (6) Encouraging; (7) Setting Limits; (8) Exploring the Childs Lifestyle; (9) Developing Lifestyle Conceptualizations and Treatment Plans; (10) Helping the Child Gain Insight; (11) Reorienting/Reeducating. Ten appendices present: (1) an annotated bibliography on Adlerian play therapy; (2) research on the efficacy of play therapy; (3) selected references on play therapy; (4) children's life-style questions for parents; (5) resources for teaching parents and teachers; (6) childrens lifestyle questions for teachers; (7) lifestyle questions for children; (8) kinetic drawing strategies; (9) lifestyle conceptualization; and (10) an Adlerian play therapy treatment plan. (Contains 175 references and an index.) (GCP).