While many books and current research in the field of child psychotherapy focus on typical psychiatric conditions faced by children and the associated treatments for those conditions, there is a paucity of information on treating vulnerable demographics and unique child populations. These include, but are not limited to, children affected by natural disasters, complex trauma, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Play Therapy with Vulnerable Populations: No Child Forgotten provides the latest research-supported, play-based interventions for clinicians to utilize with these children. This book encourages the reader through real-world application case studies to honor the significance of the therapeutic relationship and balance humanism and therapeutic warmth with evidence-based practices.

This book brings together in a single volume concrete applications of play therapy by seasoned clinicians from various theoretical perspectives. The goal is to reflect the broad spectrum of approaches that now exist in the field. The major psychopathologies in children present the therapist with different problems and therefore require different approaches. Another guiding belief underlying this volume is that descriptive studies that carefully detail psychotherapy process are among the most useful and practical resources for both students and practicing therapists. This casebook offers step-by-step treatment guidelines for a number of childhood difficulties, including internalizing, externalizing, and post-traumatic disorders. It should be of interest to both students and more advanced practitioners in a variety of mental health disciplines, including social work; psychiatry; clinical, counseling, and school psychology; expressive arts therapy; child-life therapy; and psychiatric nursing. A Jason Aronson Book

Covering the process of therapy from beginning to end, this engaging text helps students and practitioners use play confidently and effectively with children, adolescents, and adults struggling with emotional or behavioral problems or life challenges. With an accessible theory-to-practice focus, the book explains the basics of different play therapy approaches and invites readers to reflect on and develop their own clinical style. It is filled with rich case material and specific examples of play techniques and strategies. The expert authors provide steps for building strong relationships with clients; exploring their clinical issues and underlying dynamics; developing and working toward clear treatment goals; and collaborating with parents and teachers. A chapter on common challenges offers insightful guidance for navigating difficult situations in the playroom.