The Healing Power of Play Working with Abused Children [Hardcover]

This book describes how therapists can both facilitate constructive play therapy and intervene in posttraumatic play to help children who have been traumatized by abuse or neglect achieve a positive resolution. Traditional techniques of play therapy are reviewed for their application to this population. Throughout, numerous therapeutic aids are described to enhance the child's capacity to communicate verbally or symbolically. To help clinicians translate theory into daily practice, the book presents six detailed clinical vignettes that offer step-by-step guidelines for assessment and intervention in different situations of abuse or neglect.

Eliana Gil occupies an unparalleled position among professionals in the child abuse field. No one has worked longer, more faithfully, and more responsibly with such a diverse array of abusive interactions. --Roland C. Summit, M.D.

After readingThe Healing Power of Play, child therapists from every professional background will feel better equipped to confront the enormous challenge of treating the abused child....Dr. Gil's readable guide should inspire the field and thereby benefit all of our patients. --Spencer Eth, MD

Eliana Gil, PhD, is founding partner of the Gil Institute for Trauma Recovery and Education, a private group practice in Fairfax, Virginia. She is also Director of Starbright Training Institute for Child and Family Play Therapy. Dr. Gil has worked in the field of child abuse prevention and treatment since 1973. A licensed marriage, family, and child counselor; an approved marriage and family therapy supervisor; a registered art therapist; and a registered play therapy supervisor, she is a former President of the Association for Play Therapy, which honored her with its Lifetime Achievement Award. She is the author ofThe Healing Power of Play,Helping Abused and Traumatized Children, andPlay in Family Therapy, Second Edition, among many other publl3Ð