Play therapy with traumatized children: a prescriptive approach

"Some of the most rewarding work a therapist can do is help a child recover from a traumatic event. But where to begin? A growing body of play therapy literature offers many specific techniques and a variety of theoretical models; however, many therapists are still searching for a comprehensive model of treatment that incorporates solid theoretical constructs with effective play therapy interventions." "Clinicians have long recognized that trauma therapy is not just a matter of techniques but a journey with a beginning, middle, and end. In a pioneering contribution to the field, Play Therapy with Traumatized Children: A Prescriptive Approach, the author codifies the process in her model, Flexibly Sequential Play Therapy (FSPT). Integrating non-directive and directive approaches, this components-based model allows for the uniqueness of each child to be valued while providing a safe, systematic journey towards trauma resolution. The FSPT model demystifies play- based trauma treatment by outlining the scope and sequence of posttraumatic play therapy and providing detailed guidance for clinicians at each step of the process."--Jacket.

Introduction : dimensions of treatment for traumatized children -- Trauma definitions and symptoms -- Enhancing a child's sense of safety -- Assessing and augmenting positive coping strategies -- Soothing the physiology -- Parents as partners -- Emotional literacy -- The continuum of disclosure -- Experiential mastery play : a form of gradual exposure -- Trauma narrative work -- Addressing the child's thought life -- Making positive meaning of the post-trauma self.