The Healing Power of Play: Working with Abused Children

by Eliana Gil

This book describes how therapists can both facilitate constructive play therapy and intervene in posttraumatic play to help children who have been traumatized by abuse or neglect achieve a positive resolution. Traditional techniques of play therapy are reviewed for their application to this population. Throughout, numerous therapeutic aids are described to enhance the child's capacity to communicate verbally or symbolically. To help clinicians translate theory into daily practice, the book presents six detailed clinical vignettes that offer step-by-step guidelines for assessment and intervention in different situations of abuse or neglect.

Genres: Psychology, Counselling, Social Work, Childrens, Parenting, Nonfiction, Education

210 pages, Paperback

First published March 15, 1991

Reviews

[Kellie Kuempel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great book with lots of case examples!

[Gabby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dated but a good resource on play for traumatized children.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though a little outdated, this book was really insightful and well written! The case studies were fascinating to read and I feel much more equipped to utilize play in my practice now. Reading this got me really excited to set up my own playroom and learn more about play therapy. :)

[Kim Zarins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not a therapist, but anyone who cares about kids will appreciate this book. Play therapy sounds like such a humane way for kids to explore feelings that are too much for words, at least initially. I think what I'll come away with is (1) that kids do communicate what is going on in their lives, but they do so with actions (behavior, play) rather than words, and (2) that play alone is not enough for a child to work through a trauma, but rather (3) that it's the job of the therapist to pay attention to what kid's are doing, and then intervene by putting language out there for the kids, and then, when the child is ready, do some of the hard work of connecting play to intolerable emotions/experiences. I was so blown away and saddened by what had happened to these young children, and so amazed that they chose toys that spoke to their particular needs, and amazed too how the therapist was able to help them see how they can find a resolution and move forward. Really heavy but important material.

[Greta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eliana Gil does a thorough exploration of play therapy with children in her book, The Healing Power of Play. The stories are hard to read and easy to cry over, but sound true when the play therapy is described in detail a a remedy. There is hope of comfort for children who have experienced intense pain.

[Deborah Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book to re-read. Always relevant.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book on working with traumatized children.

[Syd · Rating 5 out of 5]

the case studies are so helpful and inspiring. learned a lot from this book and definitely recommend to any therapist working with kids

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Information at the beginning somewhat out of date. Would be very interested if authors made changes with research since Body Keeps the Score. Powerful case studies applicable at any time

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first read this book as an undergrad when I was writing my Senior Thesis on working with children of Domestic Violence. I recently read it again, or, parts of it, when I started my work as a school based therapist. This book is great at helping to understand the meaning and the metaphor behind kids' play and drawings, a must for anyone working with children therapeutically. It current sits on my desk at work for a quick reference.

[Laurelina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gil is a pioneer in Play Therapy techniques especially dealing with the non-directives forms of therapy. I thought this book was interesting especially for those that are looking to learn more about play and how it could help traumatized children project thier true potential.

[Mindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me months to finish this because I got bored halfway through. For someone who is familiar with play therapy, the first part is too general and unhelpful. I regained interest in the second half for the case studies.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great refresher in play therapy strategies. Nicely organized research, good play tips, materials suggestions and some case studies that elucidate possibilities while in session with kids who have suffered complex trauma.

[krissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful. Good case studies.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good. Read it for class. Has some basic info about play therapy with abused children, then several case studies. Most of these were pretty depressing, yet hopeful.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really great for anyone working with kids. Especially Social Workers. Clinical examples are very real,but really great learning opportunities.

[Joan Friedrich]

Highly recommended for counselors/social workers/psychologists intending to provide play therapy for children.

[emmaxleslie · Rating 1 out of 5]

there’s no point in reading this book nowadays. though the intention is there, the information is incredibly outdated. this book came out when the current DSM was the third edition

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a GREAT book - it's been years since I read it, and it's time for a refresher!

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an amazing and eye opening book!