Play Therapy Theories and Perspectives

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.

Introduction; Part 1: Perspective; Chapter 1: Do You Have A Primary Play Therapy Theory or Approach You Use the Most and Why?; Chapter 2: What Advice Would You Give Someone Just Getting Started in Play Therapy?; Chapter 3: What are the Key Characteristics of a Well-Trained Play Therapist?; Chapter 4: What are the Top Ten Items You Feel are Necessary in a Play Therapy Office?; Chapter 5: What Have Been Some of the Most Challenging Things You Have Experienced as a Play Therapist?; Chapter 6: What are Your Thoughts About Using Technology in Play Therapy?; Part 2: Process; Chapter 7: What Emphasis Do You Place on the Importance of Speaking the Client’s Language?; Chapter 8: How Do You Include Parents in the Play Therapy Process?; Chapter 9: What is the Importance of Regulation in Your Play Therapy Work; How is That Best Achieved?; Chapter 10: How Do You Incorporate Nature into Play Therapy Treatment?; Chapter 11: How Do You Address Issues of Noncompliance and Aggression in the Playroom?; Chapter 12: How Do You Use A Sand Tray in Your Play Therapy Work?; Chapter 13: How Do You Use Expressive Arts in Play Therapy?; Chapter 14: How Do You Address Issues of Intersectionality in Your Practice?; Part 3: Practice; Chapter 15: What Are Your Suggestions for Building a Successful Play Therapy Practice?; Chapter 16: What Do You Think is One of the Most Challenging Ethical Issues Currently in Play Therapy?; Chapter 17: How Do You Set and Maintain Boundaries in the Playroom and with Clients, Parents, Caseworkers, Etc.?; Chapter 18: How Do You Prevent Burnout and Compassion Fatigue?; Chapter 19: How Do You Include Play in Your Play Therapy Supervision?; Chapter 20: How Do You Use Play Therapy Across the Lifespan with Respect to Client Ages?; Conclusion.