A Manual of Dynamic Play Therapy

Foreword. Introduction. 1. Invoking the Spirit of Play. 1.1. Paradox - The Essence of Play Therapy. 1.2. The Roles of the Therapist - Witnessing,Containing, Provoking, Envisioning. 1.3. Synchrony and Mirroring. 2. Imaginative Play. 2.1. The Meaning and Necessity of Symbol. 2.2. Symbols as Vehiclesof Emotion. 2.3. Sand as Vehicle for Symbols. 3. Aggressive Play. 3.1. The Function and Necessity of Aggression. 3.2. Aggression and Connection toSelf…Monsters. 3.3. Aggression and Connection to Others. 3.4. Play Materials that Facilitate Healthy Aggression. 4. Helping Things Fall Apart. 4.1. TheMythological Perspective. 4.2. The Natural World as Evidence. Epilogue.

In the company of monsters and Goddesses, with armies of dragons, snakes and heroines struggling with volcanoes, earthquakes, labyrinths, floods, storms and death rays, you will find (and lose and find) real children's worlds endlessly falling apart and coming together again. In these paradoxical worlds that encompass utter despair and unbridled joy, you will find real change and growth. If you are looking for an honest description of how it feels to witness the transformative and healing power of play, read this book.