Play Therapy Interventions to Enhance Resilience

“Clinicians will discover this book inspires and supports their belief in the capacity of all people to find their way to recognition of their competencies—even in settings where the messages from others would declare otherwise.”

—Play Therapy Magazine


“This breakthrough book explores the newest play therapy techniques and interventions offered by experts in the field….The book is rich with new ideas and play therapy methods to facilitate healing and wellness, while bolstering the child’s intrinsic resources, for optimal recovery and growth….If you are looking for a truly exceptional, clinically-sound, reference guide that offers unique resilience-focused applications for play therapy interventions with children, I strongly recommend this for your professional collection. Unlike other offerings in this area, this book sets itself apart by design. Far too much of the professional literature is devoted to simply discussing trauma cases. Instead, this book focuses on the more positive aspects of the therapeutic equation such as the resilience, strength, and ‘islands of competence’ in children, as well as their unbelievable optimism and spirit….This one-of-a-kind reference puts theoretical concepts into practice and will no doubt be an asset for anyone involved in play therapy and mental health interventions with children. *****”

—Doody's Review Service


“What an amazing book! This book reflects the belief that all children can rebound from significant setbacks, and the best way to reach them is through their hands and their hearts, making play therapy the ideal treatment modality. Rather than seeking to ameliorate symptoms, the practitioners in this book aspire to find, nurture, and expand children's 'islands of competence.' Even play therapists who have been practicing for years will learn a great deal from the resilience perspective. Chapter 1 alone is worth the price of the entire book.”

—Maurice J. Elias, PhD, Department of Psychology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey


“A timely and impressive book that guides practitioners and students to use play as a mechanism to promote resilience in children. Helping young people develop a resilient mindset will equip them with the skills necessary to overcome bullying, grief, loss, trauma, and other adversities. The chapters are all written from a strengths-based perspective. I recommend this book for courses in school psychology, child clinical psychology, school counseling, and school social work. It is an indispensable tool for graduate students learning to conduct play therapy with children and a 'must-have' addition to the bookshelf of any child clinician.”

—Susan M. Swearer, PhD, Willa Cather Professor and Chair of Educational Psychology, University of Nebraska–Lincoln


“The volume provides readers an opportunity to see how expert play therapists foster hope and resilience in the lives of children who have experienced trauma and other adversities. It will appeal not only to seasoned clinicians with an interest in play therapy, but also to graduate students and interns. I am grateful to the expert editors and contributors for this valuable resource.”

—Mark Katz, PhD, Learning Development Services, San Diego, California


“Provides unique and valuable methods to harness the protective factors so vital for resilience. The book builds an excellent bridge between theory and practice.”

—Jack A. Naglieri, PhD, Research Professor, University of Virginia; Senior Research Scientist, Devereux Center for Resilient Children