Counseling Children Through the World of Play

By Daniel Sweeney

Book Overview

If we are to touch the hearts of hurting children, we must enter their world, the world of play. Play therapy honors children by meeting them in their world. Children say with toys what they have difficulty saying with words. Toys become the play therapist's tools to help unlock the healing process for wounded children. Whether you are a psychologist, a social worker, a family therapist, a pastoral counselor, a group-home worker, or a children's ministry worker, this book will help you build relationships that minister to the souls of hurting children and bring understanding to the confusion of their pain. Through these nurturing relationships, children will be freed to understand and process emotional pain.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1579106544
• ISBN13: 9781579106546
• Release Date: May 2001
• Publisher: Wipf & Stock Publishers
• Length: 326 Pages
• Weight: 1.14 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.4" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

A must read for the Christian therapist

Dr. Sweeney's book is an informative and effective tool for parents and professionals who value interaction with children that is both Christian and empathic. This book has given me guidance as a play therapist, parent educator, and parent.

Table of Contents

Chapter One: The Child's World-- Chapter Two: Children Communicate through Play-- Chapter Three: Play Therapy As a Foundational Treatment-- Chapter Four: Working with Parents-- Chapter Five: The Playroom and Materials-- Chapter Six: Conducting a Child Play Therapy Session-- Chapter Seven: Therapeutic Limit Setting-- Chapter Eight: Using Stories, Sandplay, and Art in Play Therapy-- Chapter Nine: Issues in Counseling Children through Play-- Chapter Ten: Parent Training: Filial Therapy--Chapter Eleven: Treating Traumatized Children-- Chapter Twelve: Treating Disruptive Behavior Problems-- Chapter Thirteen: Treating Anxious and Depressed Children-- Chapter Fourteen: Treating Other Common Childhood Problems-- Chapter Fifteen: Children and Psychopharmacology-- Appendix A: Assessment Instruments-- Appendix B: Informed Consent for Counseling-- Appendix C: Professional Disclosure Statement

Insightful & Practical Application of Play Therapy Principle

Dr. Sweeney provides an insightful and practical view of play therapy with in a spiritual context. It is well organized, well written, and easy to understand. Dr. Sweeney examines relevant issues including: entering the child's world, play as therapy, and treating children with distinct needs. This is a must text for beginer to experienced play therapist with faith. A wonderful book and a break through for the Christian community to understand and respond to the needs of children in a therapeutic way.