Foreword by David A. Crenshaw, Ph.D. Introduction. Part 1: Invoking the Spirit of Play. 1. Paradox: The Essence of Play Therapy. 2. The Roles of the Dynamic Play Therapist: Witnessing, Containing, Provoking, Envisioning. 3. Synchrony and Mirroring. Part 2: Imaginative Play. 4. The Meaning and Necessity of Symbols. 5. Symbols as Vehicles for Emotion. 6. Sand as Vehicle for Symbols. Part 3: Aggressive Play. 7. The Function and Necessity of Aggression. 8. Aggression and the Connection to the Self: Monsters. 9. Aggression and the Connection to Others. 10. Play Materials that Facilitate Healthy Aggression. Part 4: Helping Things Fall Apart. 11. The Mythological Perspective. 12. The Natural World as Evidence. Epilogue: Getting Lost and Finding Ourselves. References. Recommended Reading. Index.
Harnessing the power of play to elicit profound change in children with social, neurological, developmental and family issues
Dennis McCarthy is a licensed mental health counselor in New York state and is the director of Metamorfos Institute. He is a psychotherapist working with both children and adults and specializing in sandplay and dream work. Initially trained as a dancer, he weaves the body's innate urge to move into all of his work.
The book is written in a clear, concise manner, with theory
described in a way that is easy to understand, making it effortless
for us to read and engage with the te3xt. His illustrative case
material is particularly engaging and demonstrates various creative
methods.
*BACP Children & Young People*
The press release states that this book "will be essential reading
for play therapists and other professionals". I would add that it
would be of great benefit and interest to anyone who works with
children of any age group, from the very young to the very old - by
which I mean "grown-ups" - or indeed anyone who has children of
their own or has ever been a child themselves.
*Fidelity - The Journal for the NCP*
Dennis McCarthy is a play therapist with 35 years' experience who
writes with wisdom, compassion and humour... The book is packed
full of practical examples of play therapy in action that McCarthy
uses to explain the theoretical underpinnings of his work with
children... The delightful illustrations... bring it to life.
McCarthy writes passionately, honestly and vividly... I really
enjoyed this book, it was hard to put down, and you can't say that
of many practice manuals. For anyone who works with children, it
will be a riveting read. It is worth checking out McCarthy's
earlier books, too.
*Therapy Today*
Dennis McCarthy is a seasoned, masterful play therapist. His
insights into children and the complexities of the therapy process
are rich and the case presentations are beautifully illustrative of
the attunement between therapist and child as they undertake the
challenging, sometimes hazardous, and often exciting journey of
discovery of self and other through play, image, and symbol.
*From the foreword by David A. Crenshaw, Faculty Associate, Johns
Hopkins University, Founder, Rhinebeck Child & Family Center and
Clinical Director, Children's Home of Poughkeepsie*
In the company of monsters and Goddesses, with armies of dragons,
snakes and heroines struggling with volcanoes, earthquakes,
labyrinths, floods, storms and death rays, you will find (and lose
and find) real children's worlds endlessly falling apart and coming
together again. In these paradoxical worlds that encompass utter
despair and unbridled joy, you will find real change and growth. If
you are looking for an honest description of how it feels to
witness the transformative and healing power of play, read this
book.
*John Robertson, Play Therapist, Scotland*
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