| Summary: | The Playing Cure focuses on the curative powers of play and the application of play therapy to a wide variety of psychological problems. The authors present a prescriptive approach built on years of research. With clear examples, they demonstrate how play therapy can be adapted to the treatment of many distinct clinical populations including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, and adjustment reactions. This innovative approach challenges clinicians to implement a broad range of interventions that can be fine-tuned to the needs of each child. Many of the therapeutic factors of play originated in specific schools of thought. However, the authors discuss how they can be integrated into the most effective treatment. If a child's immediate need is to acquire skills for confronting a current or impending life situations, the authors suggest that role-playing techniques-which are rooted in the principles of Gestalt and behavior therapies-should be used. On teh other hand, when insight is the treatment goal, they advise that metaphoric teaching be the primary orientation. The chapter specificially address: the psychological issues that are commonly seen in specific childhood disorders; immediate, short-term, and long-term needs of children with specific presenting-problems; play theraphy treatment planning that integrates and applies those therapeutic factors that relate to a child's needs; and skillful application of interventions that address play theraphy goals and objectives. For child therapists who want to practice state-of-the-art work with their clients, this is an indispensable guide.
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