The Therapeutic Powers of Play: 20 Core Agents of Change

While current research shows that play therapy is an effective means of treatment, it doesn't explain why it helps or how to utilize play therapy to bring about positive change. The underlying curative elements of play therapy have remained mysterious. This pioneering book provides a unique understanding of the process of play therapy by highlighting the therapeutic forces contained in it, such as catharsis, abreaction, self-expression, self-efficacy, role playing, and attachment formation. Clarification of the basic mechanisms of change in play therapy will lead to greater effectiveness for play therapists of all orientations. Schaefer and Drewes have identified 20 powerful therapeutic effects of play therapy based on a comprehesive review of the research. The book is divided into sections that cover the powerful effects that play therapy has on different areas within a client's life: communication, emotion regulation, relationship enhancement, and personal strengths. Expert contributors cover the nuts and bolts of how different interventions and components of treatment can move clients to change.