Using case studies from his clinical experience and with numerous children's monster drawings, McCarthy lets the meaningful self-expression of the child take centre stage. He demonstrates that being allowed to play, move and draw impulsively and creatively in the supportive presence of the therapist is just the beginning of the therapeutic process.
This book served as a great introduction to play therapy as McCarthy has practiced it. The case studies are so illuminating. Because McCarthy is also a dance/movement therapist (as am I), I really appreciate all the points at which dance therapy theories apply. A short book, but very dense. Anyone who works with children should read this!!
This tiny book took me about three months to read--I think because reading about traumatized children was so hard. But what made it worth it was really seeing all the ways in which children heal themselves; how they know instinctively what they need; and how sand, clay, toys, symbols and art can all be used by children in almost a magical way to create change and healing.