Play and Art in Child Psychotherapy

Introduction. Part 1. Theoretical Foundations. 1.1. Art Therapy, Child Psychotherapy and Expressive Arts Therapy: A Professional Autobiography. 1.2. Working with Children and Parents: The Architecture of a Session. Part 2. Clinical Practice and Arts-Based Research. 2.1. Playing with Sadness – The Beauty that Sustains. 2.2. Playing with War – The Round Nest. 2.3. Playing with Anger and Control – Playmates. 2.4. Playing as Food – Taking Risks and Crossing Boundaries. 2.5. Playing with the House – Keep Moving, Keep Playing. Conclusion. Appendix: The Developmental Profile and Treatment Progress Report. References.

Drawing on her many years of psychotherapy practice with children and their families as well as her teaching in the field of expressive arts therapy, Ellen Levine offers a clear and accessible text that integrates child psychotherapy with art therapy and expressive arts therapy... A unique aspect of these case studies is that Levine uses the expressive arts model of intermodal decentering along with dialogue as a framework for peer supervision with her husband, Dr. Stephen K. Levine, incorporating decentering as a collaborative arts-based research methodology to reflect upon her clinical work with each of her clients.... This well-written book inspires imaginative ways of working based on solid theoretical grounding. It offers to professionals and to students ways to adapt expressive arts work to the needs and challenges of children and their parents. It is a significant contribution to the emerging literatures in child psychotherapy, in expressive arts therapy and in arts-based research. Levine offers valuable insight and inspiration for practitioners working with children and families in the fields of psychotherapy, psychology, psychiatry, social work and art therapy to approach clinical work with openness for surprises and a playful and deeply respectful attitude.