Working with Parents in Play Therapy by Line, Ahou Vaziri;

Short description:

Working with Parents in Play Therapy is grounded in research and lays out best practices for parent consultation and communication in play therapy. Readers will come away from this book with a variety of strategies for engaging parents.

Long description:

Working with Parents in Play Therapy is grounded in research and lays out best practices for parent consultation and communication in play therapy. Readers will come away from this book with a variety of strategies for engaging parents, and in these pages, they’ll also find worksheets, resources, activity lesson plans, and a wealth of didactic material.

Working with Parents in Play Therapy includes a parent consultation framework, designed with best practices from literature, that provides step-by-step instructions for play therapists to use when planning for parent meetings. The book also includes a guide that outlines frequently asked questions from parents about play therapy. This resource is designed in such a way that play therapists can copy pages, either to hand out at intake meetings with parents or set out in waiting rooms and lobbies so parents can browse information prior to the meeting. Each didactic chapter is grounded in research and literature, and ends with self-reflection questions or case examples so readers can immediately put the material into practice. This is a must-have volume for play therapists in training, seasoned play therapists and supervisors alike.

“In this unique contribution to play therapy, Dr. Line offers a vulnerable, grounded, and well-researched guide to working with parents and caregivers. Dr. Line lays out a practical guide to parent/caregiver consultation that spans from intake to termination, with real-world examples and scripts for the play therapist. The activities, tools, and resources to increase the play therapist’s awareness and effectiveness in consultation are invaluable, as well as resources to provide directly to parents/caregivers. This is the book that all play therapists need to impact their practice and success with parent consultation!”

Dee C. Ray, PhD, LPC-S, NCC, RPT-S, Regents Emerita Professor and director emerita at Center for Play Therapy, University of North Texas, and co-owner of EmpathyWell, PLLC

“Dr. Line's wisdom and compassion shine throughout this exceptional guide. She masterfully blends research, clinical experience, and her own parenting journey to offer practical strategies and deep insights for culturally attuned parent consultations. Whether you're a seasoned play therapist or just beginning, this book will transform how you engage with parents and enrich your therapeutic practice.”

Regine K. Chung, PhD, LPC (TX), LMHC (WA), RP (ON, Canada), RPT, assistant professor, Texas State University

“Dr. Line’s groundbreaking book on parent/caregiver consultations is an essential resource that every play therapist must have on their shelf. Infused with her evident passion for empowering parents, this practical, hands-on guide masterfully equips mental health professionals with the tools to meaningfully engage parents in their child’s play therapy journey. Packed with actionable strategies, real-life examples, and ready-to-use resources, it seamlessly bridges the gap between therapist and parent, fostering collaboration from start to finish. Its clear, practical approach makes it an indispensable tool for enhancing parent consultation and transforming therapeutic outcomes.”

Misty Solt (she/her), PhD, LPC-S, NCC, clinical professor in the Department of Counseling at Southern Methodist University

Table of Contents:

1. The Unique Experiences of Parents  2. The Theory and History of Play Therapy  3. Research Outcomes Related to Parent Involvement  4. Engaging Parents in Play Therapy: Why Is It So Hard?  5. Best Practices for Engaging Parents  6. Multicultural Considerations for Engaging Parents  7. Parent Consultation Guide  8. Parents' Guide to Play Therapy  9. Activities for Play Therapists  10. Activities for Parents