Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

Child abuse cases and problems created by breakdowns in family relationships have highlighted the need for sound techniques for communicating with children. As a result, there is renewed interest in the therapeutic use of play to help prevent or repair emotional damage in both children and their families.
The Handbook of Play Therapyis a comprehensive introduction to the theory and practice of play therapy. It provides a practical guide to the basic skills necessary to begin tapping the healing potential of play and gives many examples of good practice.

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

• Introduction: The State of Play
• The Development of Play
• Approaches to Therapeutic Play
• Preparing to Use Therapeutic Play with Children
• Play in Under-fives and Family Work
• Play Therapy for Children Living in Unhappy Families
• Play for Children with Illness, Disabilities and Learning Difficulties
• Play for Children in Bereavement or Divorce
• The Use of Play in Helping Sexually Abused Children
• The Use of Play in Work with Children in Care
• Training for Play
• Appendix 1-3
• Bibliography