The Therapeutic Powers of Play: Comparing Theories and Practice
Book Details
- Publisher : Bloomsbury Academic
- Published : January 2026
- Cover : Paperback
- Pages : 456
- Category :
Child and Adolescent Studies - Catalogue No : 98451
- ISBN 13 : 9798216277606
- ISBN 10 : 8216277601
Also by Athena A. Drewes
Cultural Issues in Play Therapy
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A Clear, Unified Guide to Integrating Play Therapy Theory and Practice. Ideal for professors, supervisors, trainers, and practicing play therapists, this book offers an accessible, up-to-date synthesis of the Therapeutic Powers of Play across seminal theoretical approaches. Each chapter-written by the co-editors and leading experts-uses the same case study to show exactly how a given theory conceptualizes the child and incorporates the therapeutic powers of play into treatment.
With its focused structure and practical comparisons, this book provides a unique, side-by-side look at how different theories understand and apply play's healing mechanisms. It delivers the essentials: clear foundations, major theoretical frameworks, and practical guidance for integrating the Therapeutic Powers of Play in real clinical work.
A timely, much-needed resource, this book deepens understanding, strengthens clinical decision-making, and brings clarity to the art and science of play therapy.
Table of Contents
List of Contributors (Biographic Information)
About the Editors
Dedication
In Memorium
Foreword by Judi Parson
Preface by Athena Drewes & Edward Franc Hudspeth
Part I: Understanding the Therapeutic Powers of Play
1. What Is a Therapeutic Power of Play – Athena Drewes
2. The Therapeutic Powers of Play: Overview – Julie Nash
3. Developing a Theoretical Orientation and Play Therapy Identity – Bridgette Mitchell Sanders
4. The Neuroscience of Theories, Play, and Therapeutic Powers of Play – Edward Franc Hudspeth and Karli Zaban
5. Bringing the Therapeutic Powers of Play into Focus: Using the Play Therapy Dimensions Model – Lori Yasenik and Ken Gardner
6. Cases: Conceptualization from a Theoretical and Therapeutic Powers of Play Lens – Mary Anne Peabody
7. Research and empirical support – Dennis Yung Wei Lin and Anqi Yu
8. Play Therapy Supervision in Flux: Navigating Supervisee Change and Growth through the Transtheoretical Model of Clinical Supervision – Staci Born
Part II: Comparing Theoretical Approaches through the Lens of the Therapeutic Powers of Play
1. Psychoanalytic Play Therapy: The Power of the Creative Force to Unlock the Unconscious– Dana Wyss and Athena Drewes
2. Child-Centered Play Therapy – Kristi Perryman
3. Gestalt Play Therapy: Embodied Play – Renee Turner
Attachment, Theraplay, and the Therapeutic Powers of Play – Gloria Cockerill Jungian Analytical Play Therapy– J.P. Lilly and Rachel McRoberts Using the Therapeutic Powers of Play in Adlerian Play Therapy – Terry Kottman and Sherri Cauthen Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy– Lisa Remey 8. Solution-Focused Play Therapy: Using Therapeutic Powers of Play to Help Children Succeed - Elizabeth Kjellstrand Hartwick
Part III: Integrative Approaches and Applications
1. Prescriptive Play Therapy – Athena Drewes
2. AutPlay Therapy: Play Therapy Through a Neurodiversity Affirming Lens – Robert Jason Grant and Sarah Moran
3. FirstPlay – Janet Courtney
4. TraumaPlay -Paris Goodyear- Brown
5. The Therapeutic Powers of Play in Digital Play TherapyTM – Jessica Stone6. EMDR and Play Therapy Integration – Anne Beckley-Forest and Annie Monaco
7. Attachment Centered Play Therapy – Clair Mellenthin
Part IV: Closing Thoughts: Practical Use of the Text – Edward Franc Hudspeth
Index
About the Editor(s)
Athena A. Drewes is a licensed psychologist, certified school psychologist and Registered Play Therapist and Supervisor. Formerly Director of Training and Director of the American Psychological Association Doctoral Psychology Internship at Astor Services for Children and Families in New York. She currently is semi-retired and lives in Ocala, FL. She has over 45 years of clinical and supervision experience with complex trauma, sexual abuse, foster care children and adolescents, in school, outpatient and inpatient settings. She is a former Board of Director of the Association for Play Therapy and Founder and President Emeritus of the NY Association for Play Therapy. She is a frequently invited guest lecturer around the United States and internationally around the world, including Argentina, Australia, Canada, China, Denmark, England, Ireland, Italy, Mexico and Taiwan. She is a renowned writer on play therapy and has published numerous book chapters, journal articles and edited/co-edited twelve play therapy books.
More titles by Athena A. Drewes
Edward Franc Hudspeth is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor, Registered Play Therapist and Supervisor, and Registered Pharmacist. He is Coordinator and Clinical Associate Professor of the Ed.S. in Counselor Education-Play Therapy Emphasis, in the School of Education, at the University of Mississippi. He served as Editor of International Journal of Play Therapy for 10 years and served on the Association for Play Therapy’s Foundation for Play Therapy Board of Directors for 10 years. He now serves on the Association for Play Therapy’s governing Board of Directors. He is a recipient of the Association for Play Therapy’s Service Award and President’s Award.
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