Handbook of Medical Play Therapy and Child Life ― Interventions in Clinical and Medical Settings

The Handbook of Medical Play Therapy and Child Life brings together the voices and clinical experiences of dedicated clinical practitioners in the fields of play therapy and child life. This volume offers fresh insights and up to date research in the use of play with children, adolescents, and families in medical and healthcare settings. Chapters take a strength-based approach to clinical interventions across a wide range of health-related issues, including autism, trauma, routine medical care, pending surgeries both large and small, injury, immune deficiency, and more. Through its focus on the resiliency of the child, the power of play, and creative approaches to healing, this handbook makes visible the growing overlap and collaboration between the disciplines of play therapy and child life.

Lawrence C. Rubin, PhD, is a professor of counselor education at St. Thomas University in Miami, Florida, where he directs the Mental Health Counseling program. He is also an online lecturer for the counseling programs at the University of Massachusetts, Boston. Dr. Rubin is a practicing psychologist in Fort Lauderdale, where he specializes with children, teens, and their families and is the past board chair of the Association for Play Therapy.