Infant Play Therapy is a groundbreaking resource for practitioners interested in the varied play therapy theories, models, and programs available for the unique developmental needs of infants and children under the age of three.

The impressive list of expert contributors in the fields of play therapy and infant mental health cover a wide range of early intervention play-based models and topics. Chapters explore areas including: neurobiology, developmental trauma, parent-infant attachment relationships, neurosensory play, affective touch, grief and loss, perinatal depression, adoption, autism, domestic violence, sociocultural factors, and more. Chapter case studies highlight leading approaches and offer techniques to provide a comprehensive understanding of both play therapy and the ways we understand and recognize the therapeutic role of play with infants.

In these pages professionals and students alike will find valuable clinical resources to bring healing to family systems with young children.

About the Author

Janet A. Courtney, PhD, RPT-S is founder of FirstPlay Therapy (R) and editor of Touch in Child Counseling and Play Therapy: An Ethical and Clinical Guide. She is an internationally recognized author and trainer specializing in infant mental health, developmental trauma, therapeutic storytelling and expressive, nature and somatic play therapies.

Reviews

"This fascinating and useful text expands the focus of play therapy to include children from birth to age three. It will help mental health practitioners expand their knowledge about how play influences the developing brain and about how to enhance the reciprocal parent-infant relationship. An important contribution to the growing field of infant mental health."

Nancy Boyd Webb, DSW, LICSW, RPT-S, university distinguished professor of social work emerita, Fordham University; author/editor, supervisor, speaker, consultant.

"The field of play therapy, and indeed, the entire field of infant and child psychotherapy have long been waiting for a book of this magnitude to come along! Dr. Courtney and her colleagues have weaved a coherent and comprehensive book detailing theory, practice, and the importance of play-based, attachment-informed interventions. This book truly is a gem and will inform readers for generations to come."

Clair Mellenthin, LCSW, RPT-S, director of child and adolescent services, Wasatch Family Therapy, Salt Lake City, UT and author of Attachment Centered Play Therapy.

"At a time when play is being understood for developmental mental health in all children, Janet Courtney has gathered together experts in several fields and captured the essence of play for infants, and how to incorporate play therapy into their lives as well. This is a book that should be on the shelves of all clinicians who see children of all ages."

Heidi Gerard Kaduson, Ph.D., RPT-S, director, The Play Therapy Training Institute, Inc.

Book Information
ISBN 9781138613300
Author Janet A. Courtney
Format Paperback
Page Count 264
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 399g