Essential Play Therapy Techniques: Time-Tested Approaches

By Charles E. Schaefer and Donna Cangelosi

This book presents 58 play therapy techniques that draw from multiple theoretical orientations. Each chapter includes a historical perspective, a rationale explaining its therapeutic power, a review of the empirical findings, and an overview of its application to specific childhood difficulties and disorders. The book enables the therapist to determine which strategies are appropriate for a particular child or group and incorporate them into practice.

Participants will:

  1. Explore hundreds of play therapy techniques, which have been grouped into the following broad categories: Toy and Object Play, Metaphors and Storytelling, Role Play, Creative Arts, Imagery and Fantasy, Game Play and Other Techniques.
  2. Learn the various types of play, including understanding historical roots, the rationale, empirical support and application to specific childhood difficulties and disorders.
  3. Be able to determine which techniques are appropriate for a particular child or group and incorporate them into practice.