Play Therapy for Very Young Children

Research has shown that a child's social and academic success can be greatly influenced by experiences from infancy and toddlerhood. Despite this knowledge, the importance of infant mental health has only recently been recognized. This book is one of the first to present the major models of play interventions with very young children and their families. In this collection of essays by child development experts, the editors provide a comprehensive guide of the most beneficial effects of play therapy and play for the very young. Regardless of the theoretical orientation of the play therapist, this book will help the clinician to conceptualize the worlds of infants and toddlers, and explain the specific play therapy interventions that can be effectively utilized. Contributors address specific therapies from cultures around the world, including caregiver-toddler play therapy, filial play therapy, mother-infant play, and play based interventions with young children with disabilities and autism. This book is essential for students and professionals who work with very young children.

“If you are working therapeutically with very young children (0 to 3), you need this book. The authors' in-depth coverage of a variety of approaches to working with infants and their parents is an invaluable contribution to the field of infant mental health. Play therapists, childcare providers, healthcare professionals, and preschool teachers, this is a resource you can't afford not to have in your professional library.”

Charles Schaefer does it again! In this volume he and his co-editors Kelly-Zion, McCormick, and Ohnogi expand play therapy to the young child. The collected chapter authors challenge the reader to consider their work with a stung theory and research base. The case studies provide insight into the work developed by each author. The international quality stretches the reader to understand both the meta-communication and multi-cultural qualities. It also challenges the reader to assist in the preventive work that is critically needed. -- Linda Homeyer, President, Association for Play Therapy
If you are working therapeutically with very young children (0 to 3), you need this book. The authors' in-depth coverage of a variety of approaches to working with infants and their parents is an invaluable contribution to the field of infant mental health. Play therapists, childcare providers, healthcare professionals, and preschool teachers, this is a resource you can't afford not to have in your professional library. -- Terry Kottman, Ph.D., LMHC, NCC, Adjunct Professor, University of Northern Iowa
A timely and much-needed book. There is a widespread and growing need for prevention and early intervention programs and treatment approaches to help stem the rising tide of childhood disorders. Mental health problems in early childhood are often associated with greater family distress and conflict, poor social functioning and lower academic achievement during childhood and into adulthood. This book assembles an impressive list of play therapy interventions for addressing early childhood problems. It is an important resource and indispensable play therapy companion for all concerned with early childhood intervention and treatment. -- Athena A. Drewes, director of Clinical Training, Astor Services for Children and Families
For anyone who works with very young children, this book is a must! Filled with well-written and interesting chapters by key authors in the fields of play therapy and attachment, it offers theoretically sound, empirically-based, and clinically pragmatic approaches. We know that intervening earlier is likely to have the biggest impact on children's and families' lives, and this volume offers a wide range of solid approaches, enlivened by case studies. I highly recommend it! -- Risë VanFleet, Ph.D., RPT-S, President, Family Enhancement & Play Therapy Center

Charles E. Schaefer is professor of psychology at Fairleigh Dickinson University. He is co-founder and Director Emeritus of the Association for Play Therapy Sophronia Kelly-Zion is a Licensed Clinical Social Work Supervisor and a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor. Currently she is employed with Judson Independent School District in San Antonio, TX where she works with elementary age at-risk students. Judy McCormick is a Play Therapist for the Health Services Executive in Limerick, Ireland. She is the past president of the Illinois Association for Play Therapy and is co-editor of the International Handbook of Play Therapy with Dr. Schaefer and Dr. Ohnogi. Akiko J. Ohnogi is a clinical psychologist and play therapist in private practice in Tokyo who specializes in treating children, adolescents, families, parent education, and multicultural issues. Dr. Ohnogi is also adjunct faculty of International Christian University.

Research has shown that a child's social and academic success can be greatly influenced by experiences from infancy and toddlerhood. Despite this knowledge, the importance of infant mental health has only recently been recognized. This book is one of the first to present the major models of play interventions with very young children and their families. In this collection of essays by child development experts, the editors provide a comprehensive guide of the most beneficial effects of play therapy and play for the very young. Regardless of the theoretical orientation of the play therapist, this book will help the clinician to conceptualize the worlds of infants and toddlers, and explain the specific play therapy interventions that can be effectively utilized. Contributors address specific therapies from cultures around the world, including caregiver-toddler play therapy, filial play therapy, mother-infant play, and play based interventions with young children with disabilities and autism. This book is essential for students and professionals who work with very young children.

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