Play Therapy: Basics and Beyond

"Terry Kottman has done a masterful job of distilling vast amounts of information about play therapy theory, research, and practice into a very reader' friendly form. This volume will be of great value to professionals entering the field, as well as to experienced play therapists expanding their scope of practice, leaching graduate classes, or looking for a good solid reference."---Rise VanFleet. PhD. RPT-S President, Family Enhancement & Play Therapy Center Director. The Playful Pooch Program Past President. Association for Play Therapy

"Taking the reader from basic skills to advanced communication methods, Dr. Kottman truly provides best practices for working with children. In addition, she reviews each distinct play therapy theory with conscientious attention to detail, and with respect for what the theory has to offer, through research and personal communication with practicing play therapists." ---Dee Ray, PhD. LPC-S, NCC, RPT-S Director, Child and Family Resource Clinic University of North Texas

Written for use in play therapy and child counseling courses, this extraordinarily practical text provides a detailed examination of basic and advanced play therapy concepts and skills and guidance on when and how to use them. Kottman's multitheoretical approach and wealth of explicit techniques are also helpful for clinicians who want to gain greater insight into children's minds and enhance therapeutic communication through the power of play.

After a discussion of the basic concepts and logistical aspects of play therapy, Kottman illustrates commonly used play therapy skills and more advanced skills. Introduced in this edition is a new chapter on working with parents and teachers to increase the effectiveness of play therapy. Practice exercises and "Questions to Ponder" throughout the text facilitate the skill-building and self-examination process, and a final chapter on professional concerns addresses important issues facing mental health professionals who practice play therapy.

Terry Kottman, PhD, RPT-S NCC, LMHC, is the founder of The Encouragement Zone, a training center for play therapists and other counselors. Before her "retirement," she was a professor of counselor education at the University of Northern Iowa and the University of North Texas.