Essential Play Therapy Techniques

Charles E. Schaefer, PhD, RPT-S, until his death in 2020, was Professor Emeritus of Clinical Psychology at Fairleigh Dickinson University. A pioneering play therapist, he was Cofounder and Director Emeritus of the Association for Play Therapy, which recognized him with its Lifetime Achievement Award. Dr. Schaefer published more than 100 research articles and over 70 professional books.Donna Cangelosi, PsyD, RPT-S, maintains a private practice with children, adolescents, and adults in Wayne, New Jersey, where she practices psychotherapy, clinical supervision, and parent education. She is coeditor of Play Therapy Techniques and The Playing Cure and author of Saying Goodbye in Child Psychotherapy. Dr. Cangelosi has authored a number of professional articles and chapters on the theory and application of psychodynamic play therapy.

"What a wealth of information! Each chapter describes a type of play and its historical roots and empirical support. Uses of each type of play are detailed, providing an understanding of the therapeutic benefits. The relevant age range is clearly identified. Specific suggestions are given for selecting materials and tailoring techniques for different clients, which makes implementation easy. As a recommended text, the book will give students the knowledge needed to discriminate among different techniques. Thanks for this fresh look at the classics!"--Linda E. Homeyer, PhD, LPCS, RPT-S, Professional Counseling Program, Texas State University"A gem of a book. The authors have taken a transtheoretical approach to their selection of tried-and-true techniques for therapists of all theoretical orientations. The techniques are organized into clear categories and include helpful variations, making this a unique toolbox for clinicians who work with children."--Athena A. Drewes, PsyD, RPT-S, Director of Clinical Training, Astor Services for Children and Families, Middletown, New York"Schaefer and Cangelosi offer a unique contribution to the field with this comprehensive exploration of play therapy techniques that have stood the test of time. Unlike many guides to play activities, the book includes a rationale for the use of each technique, empirical findings, and contraindications. It successfully combines applications and clinical foundations. This informative resource will prove useful for both novice and seasoned play therapists."--Sueann Kenney-Noziska, LCSW, RPT-S, private practice, Las Cruces, New Mexico -Schaefer and Cangelosi provide readers with a user-friendly guide of 58 different techniques with countless variations that can be applied while playing with children. The book is very well organized with interventions coming from seven broad categories that include techniques involving specific toys, metaphors, role-playing, creative arts, fantasy, and games….A variety of play therapists will appreciate that the authors interweave many popular theoretical orientations through the techniques, including cognitive behavior, Theraplay, psychoanalyses, humanism, solution focus, and more….Practitioners will benefit greatly from the authors' personal expertise gained through decades of play therapy practice. They introduce each technique with a rationale that highlights specific benefits for the child….Schaefer and Cangelosi's streamlined organization, clarity of writing, attention to a variety of client populations, and creativity offers a fresh new look and makes this a must-buy resource for play therapy students and practitioners alike.--American Journal of Play, 12/1/2017ƒƒEach activity offers a basic description and variations of the play, age relevance, and what resources are required. What makes this book stand out is that each entry also includes a historical perspective of the play, rationale for its use, and empirical findings--all well referenced….Essential Play Therapy Techniques has prompted my creativity to step up a gear and has me and the counselors I supervise thinking of new ways to use common play activities. One of my favorite suggestions is to use bubble blowing as a way of modeling deep breathing and relaxation techniques….Counselors at any stage of development (but especially those just starting out) will likely gain new ideas or be pushed to think of their own, and perhaps have a bit of fun in learning their historical significance.--BACP Children and Young People, 9/1/2016

• I. Toy and Object Play Techniques1. Ball Play2. Plush Doll Play3. Medical Play4. Baby Doll Play5. Baby Bottle Play6. Toy Telephone Play7. Magic Wand Play8. Bubble Play9. Block Play10. Balloon Play11. Bop Bag Play12. Sensory PlayII. Metaphors and Storytelling Techniques13. Concrete Play Metaphors14. Turtle Technique15. Emotion Thermometer16. Storytelling17. Externalization Play18. BibliotherapyIII. Role-Play Techniques19. Role Play20. Costume Play21. Mask Play22. Superhero Play23. Puppet PlayIV. Creative Arts Techniques24. Color Your Life 25. Clay Play26. Free Drawings27. Trauma Drawings28. Mandala Drawings29. Serial Drawings30. Collage31. Painting32. Dance/Movement Play33. Draw a Family34. Family Sculpting35. Musical PlayV. Imagery and Fantasy Techniques36. Guided Imagery37. The World Technique38. Dollhouse Play39. Adaptive Doll Play40. Rosebush Fantasy Technique41. Family Relations Technique42. Worry Dolls43. Tea Party PlayVI. Game Play Techniques44. Communication Games45. Self-Control Games46. Strategy Games47. Cooperative Games48. Chance Games49. Squiggle GameVII. Other Techniques50. Desensitization Play51. Laughter Play52. Stress Inoculation Play53. Reenactment Play54. Hide-and-Seek Play55. Magic Tricks56. Feeling Faces57. Suitcase Playroom58. Play Therapy Rituals