"Focusing on the specific ingredients that activate clinical change, this book is enhanced by current research, more ample scope, and an array of contributions in contemporary and relevant topic areas. It is full of inspiration, direction, and grounding. This is a stunning contribution to the field of child therapy."

--Eliana Gil, PhD, Gil Institute for Trauma Recovery and Education

A practical look at how play therapy can promote mental health wellness in children and adolescents

Revised and expanded, The Therapeutic Powers of Play, Second Edition explores the powerful effects that play therapy has on different areas within a child or adolescent's life: communication, emotion regulation, relationship enhancement, and personal strengths. Editors Charles Schaefer and Athena Drewes--renowned experts in the field of play therapy--discuss the different interventions and components of treatment that can move clients to change.

Leading play therapists contributed to this volume, supplying a wide repertoire of practical techniques and applications in each chapter for use in clinical practice, including: Direct teachingIndirect teachingSelf-expressionRelationship enhancementAttachment formationCatharsisStress inoculationCreative problem solvingSelf-esteem

Filled with clinical case vignettes from various theoretical viewpoints, the second edition is an invaluable resource for play and child therapists of all levels of experience and theoretical orientations.

A comprehensive parent’s guide to your child’s psychological development from birth through age 10 Written in an engaging, practical style, Ages and Stages offers you the benefits of the most current research on child development, featuring helpful tips and techniques to foster your child’s maturation. Charles Schaefer and Theresa Foy DiGeronimo tell you what behaviors you can expect as your child grows and how you can help him or her to advance to the next level of development. They include numerous examples, stories, and activities you can use immediately to positively influence your child’s development. The book’s structure (divided into four stages of child development—birth to 18 months, 18 to 36 months, 36 months to age six, and six to ten years) allows you to monitor your child’s progress, identify the reasons for emotional and psychological differences in siblings, and even determine how your parenting strategies should change as your child grows.

• Covers all five areas of psychological health—emotional, cognitive, friendship/relationships, personal growth, and morality
• Filled with easy-to-follow Do’s and Don’ts, plus fun activities and exercises to encourage your child’s development
• Helps you assess if and when your child may need professional intervention

Learn how to incorporate adult play therapy into your practice with this easy-to-use guide

In the Western world there has been a widening belief that play is not a trivial or childish pursuit but rather a prime pillar of mental health, along with love and work. Play Therapy with Adults presents original chapters written by a collection of international experts who examine the diverse approaches and clinical strategies available for successfully incorporating play therapy into adult-client sessions.

This timely guide covers healing through the use of a variety of play therapy techniques and methods. Various client groups and treatment settings are given special attention, including working with adolescents, the elderly, couples, individuals with dementia, and clients in group therapy.

Material is organized into four sections for easy reference:

• Dramatic role play
• Therapeutic humor
• Sand play and doll play
• Play groups, hypnoplay, and client-centered play

Play Therapy with Adults is a valuable book for psychologists, therapists, social workers, and counselors interested in helping clients explore themselves through playful activities.