With an understanding of aggressive play based on brain function and neuroscience, this book provides therapists with a framework to work authentically with aggressive play, while making it an integrative and therapeutic experience for the child. Through the lens of principles from Synergetic Play Therapy®, therapists are taught how to integrate the intensity experienced by both the child and the therapist during aggressive play in a way that leads towards greater healing and integration.  The book explains the neurological processes that lead kids to dysregulation and provides therapists with tools to help their clients facilitate deep emotional healing, without causing their own nervous system to shut down. Chapter Topics Include:
  • Aggression in the Playroom and Making Aggressive Play Therapeutic
  • Understanding the Nervous System
  • What Regulation Really Means
  • Developing Yourself as the External Regulator
  • The Set-Up in Play Therapy
  • Authentic Expression
  • Setting Boundaries
  • Working with Emotional Flooding
  • Hyper-Aroused Play
  • Observing Play
  • Hypo-Aroused Play
  • Working with Parents
See book study details below.