Child-Centered Play Therapy

Nancy H. Cochran, MA, CAS, LMHC is an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Counseling, Human Development, and Family Science at the University of Tennessee where she teaches child-centered play therapy. William J. Nordling, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist and professor in the PsyD program at the Institute for the Psychological Sciences (IPS) at Divine Mercy University where he teaches coursework on play and Filial therapy.Jeff L. Cochran, PhD, is a professor in the Department of Counseling, Human Development, and Family Science at the University of Tennessee where he teaches, researches, and supervises child-centered play therapy.

• Part I: Background to Understanding the "What and Why" of CCPT 1. Introduction: What CCPT Is, Brief Notes of Who We Are, and How to Use this Book 2. CCPT and Key Concepts from Child Development and Principles of Human Change 3. Research and Literature Supporting CCPT: Effectiveness, Multicultural Applicability, and Neuroscience Connections 4. The Ideal Therapist Qualities: Deep Empathy, Unconditional Positive Regard, and Genuineness 5. The Eight Principles of Child-Centered Play Therapy Part II: The CCPT In-Session Skill Sets 6. Peparing Your Setting for Providing Child-Centered Play Therapy 7. The Two Core Therapist Skills: Tracking and Empathic Responding 8. Creating an Optimum Environment for Therapy Through Structuring and Limit Setting 9. Responding to Questions, Requests for Help, and Commands 10. Role-Play: The Thereapeutic Value of Taking Part in Dramatic or Pretend Play During Child-Centered Play Therapy Sessions Part III: The CCPT Out-of-Session Skill Sets 11. Recognizing Stages: Understanding the Therapy Process and Evaluating Children's Internal Progress 12. Helping Parents, Teachers, and Principals Support the Child's Work in Play Therapy 13. Goals, Treatment Planning, and Evaluating Progress 14. Filial Therapy: Involving Parents and Caregivers in Child-Centered Play Sessions with Their Children 15. Helping Children Capitalize on Gains 16. Reaching Diverse Clients with the Child-Centered Approach Part IV: Integrity in Practice 17. Legal and Ethical Issues from a Child-Centered Perspective 18. Your Ongoing Development

"The breadth of coverage provided in this book will help the beginner learn the basic concepts, principles, and skills of CCPT. At the same time, the book’s depth of insightful detail will enrich experienced CCPT practitioners."Louise F. Guerney, PhD, RPT-S, professor emerita, Pennsylvania State University£A fully comprehensive manual on CCPT for trainers, students, and practitioners! The authors provide not only a treasure of information on the CCPT approach but also myriad case examples, learning activities, and practical exercises within each chapter. For trainers, this serves to expand and solidify the essential CCPT skill sets for their students, uniquely ensuring this approach is practical and fully applicable."Judi Jacobsen, MNZAC, founding director of ChildPlayWorks, New Zealand"This book is concisely written to include the latest research, key components, special vignettes for practical application, and exercises that advance your understanding of CCPT methods and insights as a CCPT practitioner. Easy to understand, inspirational, and well organized, this book is my “go-to” when I feel stuck with a particular challenge in the playroom or simply need to revive my existing skills."Barbara Benyo-Habash, LCSW-C, LISW, CCPT and Filial Family Therapy practitioner"While encouraging students to be natural and authentic in their interactions with children, I find the provided “scripts” of how to respond provide the structure for them to be themselves as effective therapists. In a course you never can teach everything you think your students need. This text provides an ongoing resource for students, and me, in our work with children. From chapters on filial therapy, legal and ethical issues and therapists’ own development to the added chapters on thoroughly updated literature, a section on cultural sensitivity and neuroscience, the book is a go to text for me."Harvey Payne, PsyD, associate professor, dean and vice president for Academic Affairs for Digital Learning at the Institute for the Psychological Sciences, Divine Mercy University"Like previous editions, Child-Centered Play Therapy: A Practical Guide to Therapeutic Relationships with Children 3rd edition is written in clear and easy to understand language. Key concepts are covered in diverse ways to meet different learning styles. For instance, the client-centered core conditions are discussed in narrative form as well as using ample excerpts from writings of original theorists and modern contributors. Case illustrations are used regularly to bring concepts such as the eight principles of child-centered play therapy to light."Joanne Cohen, PhD, professor of Counseling Education and Student Affairs, Kutztown University