Play Therapy for Very Young Children

Research has shown that a child's social and academic success can be greatly influenced by experiences from infancy and toddlerhood. Despite this knowledge, the importance of infant mental health has only recently been recognized. This book is one of the first to present the major models of play interventions with very young children and their families. In this collection of essays by child development experts, the editors provide a comprehensive guide of the most beneficial effects of play therapy and play for the very young. Regardless of the theoretical orientation of the play therapist, this book will help the clinician to conceptualize the worlds of infants and toddlers, and explain the specific play therapy interventions that can be effectively utilized. Contributors address specific therapies from cultures around the world, including caregiver-toddler play therapy, filial play therapy, mother-infant play, and play based interventions with young children with disabilities and autism. This book is essential for students and professionals who work with very young children.

Charles E. Schaefer is professor of psychology at Fairleigh Dickinson University. He is co-founder and Director Emeritus of the Association for Play Therapy

Sophronia Kelly-Zion is a Licensed Clinical Social Work Supervisor and a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor. Currently she is employed with Judson Independent School District in San Antonio, TX where she works with elementary age at-risk students.

Judy McCormick is a Play Therapist for the Health Services Executive in Limerick, Ireland. She is the past president of the Illinois Association for Play Therapy and is co-editor of theInternational Handbook of Play Therapy with Dr. Schaefer and Dr. Ohnogi.

Akiko J. Ohnogi is a clinical psychologist and play therapist in private practice in Tokyo who specializes in treating children, adolescents, families, parent education, and multicultural issues. Dr. Ohnogi is also adjunct faculty of International Christian University.