Going beyond traditional play therapy, this innovative book presents a range of evidence-based assessment and intervention approaches that incorporate play as a key element. It is grounded in the latest knowledge about the importance of play in child development. Leading experts describe effective strategies for addressing a wide variety of clinical concerns, including behavioral difficulties, anxiety, parent-child relationship issues, trauma, and autism. The empirical support for each approach is summarized and clinical techniques are illustrated. The book also discusses school-based prevention programs that utilize play to support children's learning and social-emotional functioning.

About the Author

Sandra W. Russ, PhD, a child clinical psychologist, is Professor of Psychology at Case Western Reserve University. Her research and publications focus on pretend play, creativity, and adaptive functioning in children. Dr. Russ has served as President of the Society for Personality Assessment; the Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology (APA Division 53); and the Society for the Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity and the Arts (APA Division 10). She is the developer of the Affect in Play Scale. Larissa N. Niec, PhD, is Professor of Psychology in the Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program at Central Michigan University (CMU) and Director of the CMU Parent-Child Interaction Therapy Clinic. Dr. Niec conducts basic and applied research on play, child maltreatment, and parent-child interaction therapy. The overarching goal of her research program is to reduce barriers to evidence-based treatment for children and families. She is involved in national efforts to increase the effectiveness of treatment dissemination to community therapists.

Reviews

This is a valuable book for professionals who work with children. Play is generally thought of as a normal and beneficial component of a child's development, but in this book we see how it can become an effective tool in the healing process. The contributors present current research and different approaches to assessment and treatment. The focus on evidence makes this a unique and refreshing addition to the numerous books about play.--Dorothy G. Singer, EdD, Department of Psychology, Yale University

Play research and play therapy have much to learn from one another. This book opens up an important conversation between the two fields, reviewing a variety of clinical approaches and techniques that incorporate a play component. Fostering collaboration among researchers and clinicians is sure to help all of us better serve children and their families. The book will make a good supplemental text for courses in child development or play therapy.--Linda E. Homeyer, PhD, RPT-S, Professional Counseling Program, Texas State University-San Marcos

Bravo! This book offers a balanced discussion of the value of play. Weaving together chapters on play and learning, assessment, and play-based intervention, it is a timely 'go-to' resource for researchers and clinicians alike.--Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, PhD, Lefkowitz Professor of Psychology, Temple University -This book will bring the reader up to date on the most current trends in play and playfulness, with a strong, particular emphasis on evidence-based research regarding this topic....We recommend this book to researchers interested in the newest developments in the field of play, and those who may be looking at generating research design for their projects. This is an ideal gift for anyone who expresses doubts about the scientific validity of play interventions.--Journal of the Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 11/1/2012

Book Information
ISBN 9781609180461
Author Sandra W. Russ
Format Hardback
Page Count 352
Imprint Guilford Publications
Publisher Guilford Publications
Weight(grams) 628g