Play Therapy Theories and Perspectives : A Collection of Thoughts in the Field

This book explores the multitude of thoughts, theories, opinions, methods, and approaches to play therapy in order to highlight the unity and diversity of theory and perspective in the field.

Each chapter is a common question related to play therapy to which ten established and experienced play therapists share their thoughts, theoretical perspectives, and opinions. The key characteristics of a well-trained play therapist, the role of technology in play therapy, the importance of speaking the client’s language, and many more frequently asked play therapy questions and topics are explored. The reader will learn about the umbrella of play therapy thought and practice and connect with perspectives that might align with their own theoretical preferences.

This book will be of interest to a wide range of mental health professionals working with children and adolescents. Those new to play therapy and those who are seasoned veterans will appreciate, value, and hopefully be challenged by the differing viewpoints surrounding many play therapy topics.

Robert Jason Grant, EdD, LPC, RPT-S, ACAS, owns and operates the AutPlay Therapy Clinic in Southwest Missouri. He is the creator of AutPlay® Therapy and a multi-published author of several articles, chapters, and books. He is an international presenter and keynote speaker and currently serves as a board member for the Association for Play Therapy.

Jessica Stone, PhD, RPT-S, is a licensed psychologist working in a private practice setting in Colorado. She has been a practitioner, professor, presenter, mentor, and author for more than 25 years. She is the co-creator of the Virtual Sandtray App for iPad (VSA) and the Virtual Sandtray for Virtual Reality (VSA-VR). Dr. Stone has numerous publications to date including Integrating Technology into Modern Therapies, Game Play, and Digital Play Therapy.

Clair Mellenthin, LCSW, RPT-S, is an international speaker, author, and Registered Play Therapist Supervisor. She holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California. She is currently the Director of Child & Adolescents at Wasatch Family Therapy and an adjunct faculty member at the University of Southern California MSW program.