Contemporary Play Therapy

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, including Prescriptive Play Therapy; Play-Based Interventions for Childhood Anxieties, Fears, and Phobias; and Essential Play Therapy Techniques.Heidi Gerard Kaduson, PhD, RPT-S, specializes in evaluation and intervention services for children with a variety of behavioral, emotional, and learning problems. She is past president of the Association for Play Therapy and codirector of the Play Therapy Training Institute. She has lectured internationally on play therapy, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and learning disabilities. Dr. Kaduson's publications include The Playing Cure and 101 Favorite Play Therapy Techniques (Volumes I, II, and III). With Charles E. Schaefer, she is coeditor of Short-Term Play Therapy for Children, Second Edition. Dr. Kaduson maintains a private practice in child psychotherapy in Monroe Township, New Jersey.

Filling a void for today's play therapist, this volume covers theories, research, and applications that have not yet been addressed in depth in other texts. It includes a diverse range of practical, hands-on approaches for specific populations. The book is accessible enough for students, yet will also serve as a practical, unique reference for experienced professionals. I highly recommend this much-needed addition to the literature.--Athena A. Drewes, PsyD, RPT-S, The Astor Home for Children, Poughkeepsie, New YorkSchaefer and Kaduson bring together a wonderful collection of knowledgeable and thoughtful authors to inform, educate, and enlighten. Overviews of approaches and specific applications bring valuable, current information to the reader. Up-to-date reviews of research in the field are timely and helpful. This book is a valuable addition to the continually growing play therapy literature.--Linda Homeyer, PhD, Department of Educational Administration and Psychological Services, Texas State University-San MarcosA groundbreaking work in the field of play therapy. This book contains the most up-to-date literature by world-renowned researchers and master therapists. The book takes the reader to a more in-depth understanding and appreciation of what play therapy can do, and shows how to do it well. I highly recommend this volume to experienced play therapists as well as novices. It is an important addition to any play therapy library.--Cynthia Reynolds, PhD, RPT-S, Department of Counseling, University of Akron - A state-of-the-art overview of a highly challenging area of practice....4 Stars! --Doody's Review Service, 10/20/2007

• I. Theory1. Object Relations Play Therapy: Applications to Attachment Problems and Relational Trauma, Helen E. Benedict2. Experiential Play Therapy, Carol C. Norton and Byron E. Norton3. Dynamic Play Therapy, Steve Harvey4. Narrative Play Therapy, Ann CattanachII. Research5. Evaluating the Effectiveness of Theraplay, Herbert H. G. Wettig, Ulrike Franke, and Bess Sirmon Fjordbak6. Evidence-Based Play Therapy, Dee C. RayIII. Applications7. I'm Rich: Play Therapy with Children Who Are Homeless, Jennifer Baggerly8. Treatment of Sexually Abused Children, Mary Margaret Kelly and Hope C. Odenwalt9. Play Therapy for Girls Displaying Social Aggression, Myra M. Lawrence, Kristin Condon, Kathryn S. Jacobi, and Emily Nicholson10. Culturally Competent Play Therapy with the Mexican American Child and Family, Roberto Robles11. CLAYtherapy: The Clinical Application of Clay with Children, Paul R. White12. Time-Limited Play Therapy to Enhance Resiliency in Children, Debra May13. Coping with Disaster: Psychosocial Interventions for Children in International Disaster Relief, Erika Felix, David Bond, and Janine Shelby