Play Therapy with Vulnerable Populations

Green and Myrick advocate evidence-based play therapy in conjunction with a range of different problems.  Recognizing that there is often a need for integrated therapies targeted at particular needs, the editors have assembled a range of authorities who explore a variety of techniques.  Each essay reviews the particular problem children may have and describes the research and the appropriateness of each type of play therapy, culminating in a case history that demonstrates the impact of the particular approach.  Children on the autism spectrum, those with physical disabilities, and those with obsessive compulsive disorder are among the populations discussed.  Individuals recovering from trauma—be it a specific occurrence, such as a natural disaster like Hurricane Katrina, or complex chronic trauma from multiple causes, such as sexual abuse or dysfunctional family situations—are examined and the most appropriate treatment is described.  The various examples offer much useful information.  Even more valuable is the emphasis on recognizing that the treatment must be appropriate to the particular individual and the specific problem he or she faces, and should include working with the children’s families.  A valuable resource. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Graduate students, researchers, faculty, professionals. * CHOICE *
This book is a helpful compilation of information and guidelines to work with several unique groups of children. The authors share their expertise of working with these children, clearly articulating the children’s needs, play therapy concepts, and applicable techniques. The case studies vibrantly demonstrate the resulting integrated treatment. Clearly a needed addition to our field as we seek to offer best practices with vulnerable populations. -- Linda E. Homeyer, PhD, Texas State University
Eric Green and Amie Myrick have brought together a group of experts in the field of play therapy and the treatment of ‘vulnerable’ children. They have written and produced a highly readable and informative book. Well-grounded in theory and covering a wide range of issues and situations, this book will be of great benefit to practitioners, graduate students, and other interested professionals. I recommend it most highly. -- John Allan, professor emeritus, University of British Columbia, and author of Inscapes of the Child’s World
Green and Myrick, respected scholars and practitioners of play therapy, along with an impressive group of contributing authors are to be commended for this important new work on play therapy with a wide range of vulnerable client groups. The volume achieves a masterful blend of research-informed methods, solid theoretical underpinnings, and humanistic care that represents the best that play therapy offers. This book is highly recommended to practitioners and scholars alike. -- David A. Crenshaw, PhD, clinical director of the Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie, coeditor with Anne Stewart of Play Therapy: A Comprehensive Guide to Theory and Practice, and coeditor with Cathy Malchiodi of Creative Arts and Play Therapy for Attachment Problems