Play Therapy for Very Young Children

Edited by Charles E. Schaefer, Sophronia Kelly-Zion, Judith McCormick, Akiko Ohnogi

This book’s focus is on the clinical practice of play therapy with very young children and their families. The reader is provided a compilation of therapeutic approaches, with an emphasis on the vital importance of early intervention, especially the use of play in helping young children from birth to three years of age. Written by child developmental experts and leading authorities in the field of early intervention, it is a comprehensive guide to play therapy with infants and toddlers.

Participants will:

  1. Gain an understanding of the mental health needs of infants and toddlers.
  2. Learn current research and practice related to what is important for infants and toddlers and their families in the field of play therapy.
  3. Explore specific play-based interventions that can assist in dealing with the multiple obstacles that interfere with the infant or toddler’s optimal development.
  4. Review case studies to further conceptualize specific play therapy interventions that can be utilized with these very young children.

Course Content