Essential Play Therapy Techniques

Charles E. Schaefer, PhD, RPT-S, until his death in 2020, was Professor Emeritus of Clinical Psychology at Fairleigh Dickinson University. A pioneering play therapist, he was Cofounder and Director Emeritus of the Association for Play Therapy, which recognized him with its Lifetime Achievement Award. Dr. Schaefer published more than 100 research articles and over 70 professional books, including Prescriptive Play Therapy; Play-Based Interventions for Childhood Anxieties, Fears, and Phobias; and Essential Play Therapy Techniques. Donna Cangelosi, PsyD, RPT-S, maintains a private practice with children, adolescents, and adults in Wayne, New Jersey, where she practices psychotherapy, clinical supervision, and parent education. She is coeditor of Play Therapy Techniques and The Playing Cure and author of Saying Goodbye in Child Psychotherapy. Dr. Cangelosi has authored a number of professional articles and chapters on the theory and application of psychodynamic play therapy.

I. Toy and Object Play Techniques
1. Ball Play
2. Plush Doll Play
3. Medical Play
4. Baby Doll Play
5. Baby Bottle Play
6. Toy Telephone Play
7. Magic Wand Play
8. Bubble Play
9. Block Play
10. Balloon Play
11. Bop Bag Play
12. Sensory Play
II. Metaphors and Storytelling Techniques
13. Concrete Play Metaphors
14. Turtle Technique
15. Emotion Thermometer
16. Storytelling
17. Externalization Play
18. Bibliotherapy
III. Role-Play Techniques
19. Role Play
20. Costume Play
21. Mask Play
22. Superhero Play
23. Puppet Play
IV. Creative Arts Techniques
24. Color Your Life
25. Clay Play
26. Free Drawings
27. Trauma Drawings
28. Mandala Drawings
29. Serial Drawings
30. Collage
31. Painting
32. Dance/Movement Play
33. Draw a Family
34. Family Sculpting
35. Musical Play
V. Imagery and Fantasy Techniques
36. Guided Imagery
37. The World Technique
38. Dollhouse Play
39. Adaptive Doll Play
40. Rosebush Fantasy Technique
41. Family Relations Technique
42. Worry Dolls
43. Tea Party Play
VI. Game Play Techniques
44. Communication Games
45. Self-Control Games
46. Strategy Games
47. Cooperative Games
48. Chance Games
49. Squiggle Game
VII. Other Techniques
50. Desensitization Play
51. Laughter Play
52. Stress Inoculation Play
53. Reenactment Play
54. Hide-and-Seek Play
55. Magic Tricks
56. Feeling Faces
57. Suitcase Playroom
58. Play Therapy Rituals