Cultural Issues in Play Therapy
edited by Eliana Gil and Athena A. Drewes
- Hardcover:
- 216 pages
- Publisher:
- The Guilford Press (October 4, 2004)
- Language:
- English
- ISBN:
- 1593850123
- Dimensions:
- 9.2 x 6.4 x 0.9 inches
- Weight:
- 15.7 ounces.
- Price:
- $25.00
Helping therapists hone their skills for working with diverse children and families, this unique volume looks at play therapy through a multicultural lens. Experienced practitioners examine how cultural traditions, values, shared experiences, and expectations may influence the ways children express themselves through play, the ideas and feelings they associate with different activities, and the responses of children and parents to particular interventions. Filled with evocative clinical material, chapters highlight specific issues to consider when working with African American, Hispanic, Native American, and Asian American children. Also provided are suggestions for setting up a therapeutic playroom that is engaging and welcoming to all, including details on where to obtain multicultural toys, games, and art materials.
“This book is an invaluable resource for play therapists and trainees as well as other professionals who work with children and families whose cultural backgrounds are different from their own. Designed to acquaint the reader with a variety of ethnic groups, the book also demonstrates the variations that exist within the groups themselves. The highly knowledgeable authors encourage therapists to learn as much as possible about the populations they serve in order to provide effective help for those who may be struggling with acculturation, language skills, prejudice, and other issues. Numerous resources are listed that can further inform and sensitize us to cultural concerns in clinical practice. This is a landmark book for therapists and for students entering the field, and should be on hand at every play therapy training site.” Lois Carey, CSW, BCD, RPT-S, President, New York Association for Play Therapy