An essential guide that focuses on play therapy in schools

This landmark reference presents an A-to-Z guide for using play therapy in preschool and elementary school settings to help children prevent or resolve psychosocial dif?culties. Coedited by three experts in the ?eld, School-Based Play Therapy offers school counselors, psychologists, teachers, and social workers the latest techniques to help them develop their own creative approaches to utilizing the therapeutic powers of play.

Beginning with an overview that addresses multicultural concerns, a description of play instruments, and observational techniques, this practice-oriented book explains how to implement play therapy in schools, with solid advice on gaining acceptance from other staff members and administration. Covering both individual and group play therapy, it clearly describes proven approaches such as child-centered play therapy, Theraplay, sandplay, and art exercises. The thorough treatment of the subject combined with the contributors' incomparable expertise makes this an essential volume for all mental health professionals working in schools.
* Describes play therapy approaches for special populations, such as sexually abused children, ADD/ADHD, children of divorce, and others
* Includes innovative play therapy programs and tools
* Outlines how to construct portable play kits and set up a play space

Table of Contents:
Part I. SCHOOL-BASED PLAY ASSESSMENT. '

Chapter 1. Using Play Therapy Assessment in an Elementary and Intermediate School Setting (M. Schmidt).
Chapter 2. Sandplay and Assessment Techniques with Preschool-Age Children'

Part II. IMPLEMENTING PLAY THERAPY IN THE SCHOOLS. '

Chapter 3. The Possibilities and Challenges in Using Play Therapy in Schools
Chapter 4. Play Objects and Play Spaces
Chapter 5. Play Therapy in a Special Education Preschool'

Part III. INDIVIDUAL PLAY THERAPY APPROACHES. '

Chapter 6. Child-Centered Play Therapy for At-Risk Elementary School Children
Chapter 7. Sandplay Therapy in a Time-Limited School-Based Program
Chapter 8. Play Therapy in a Residential Treatment Center
Chapter 9. Theraplay for Classrooms'

Part IV. GROUP PLAY THERAPY AND SPECIAL POPULATIONS. '

Chapter 10. Crisis Intervention Activity Groups in the Schools
Chapter 11. Play Therapy for Children of Alcoholics
Chapter 12. Playing the Unspeakable: Bereavement Programs in the School Setting
Chapter 13. Use of Play Therapy for Anger Management in the School Setting
Chapter 14. Use of Developmentally Appropriate Games in a Child Group Training Program for Young Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder '

Part V. ISSUES AND INNOVATIONS. '

Chapter 15. Chapter 1. Primary Mental Health Project: A School-Based Prevention Program
Chapter 16. Developmental Considerations in Play and Play Therapy with Traumatized Children
Chapter 17. An Integrative Play Therapy Approach to Working with Children
Chapter 18. Group Sandplay in Elementary Schools
Chapter 19. Innovative Applications of Play Therapy in School Settings
Chapter 20. Counselors Coaching Teachers to Use Play Therapy in Classrooms: The Play and Language to Succeed (PALS) Early, School-Based Intervention for Behaviorally At-Risk Children