Full Description
This unique and accessible book unites leading-edge trauma approaches with the power of playful practice to treat traumatized clients of all ages.
Abundant case examples and exercises show new and established therapists how to relationally engage a playful mindset—not play therapy—to accelerate trauma healing and transformation. The book grows up the wisdom embedded in child-based playfulness and grows down complex, adult-focused trauma theory. Readers will discover how to playfully integrate scientifically supported healing principles of Polyvagal Theory, Interpersonal Neurobiology, Coherence Therapy, Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and Internal Family Systems, along with broaden-and-build theory, affective neuroscience, structural dissociation, mindfulness, spirituality and more.
Most importantly, this book will empower therapists working at the heart of trauma treatment to compassionately hold space for the depth of trauma's painful, isolating effects while embodying play's life-affirming, joyful, and transformational qualities to make trauma healing more fun, creative, engaging, and effective.
Contents
A Playful Introduction to Trauma Treatment Part 1: Trauma 1. What is Trauma? 2. The Disturbance of Trauma: Dysregulation, Disintegration, and Disconnection Part 2: Play 3. Play - The Who, What, When, Where, Why and How of Play 4. The Incredible Powers of Plays Part 3: How Play Meets Trauma and Trauma Welcomes Play 5. Play's Relationship to Trauma 6. How Trauma Symptoms Welcome Playfulness: From Enemies to Allies Part 4: Infusing a Play Spirit into Trauma Treatment 7. Creating a Playful Therapy Setting: A Safe, Sensorimotor-Sensitive Space for Exploration and Healing 8. Growing Our Playfully Spirited Therapist Self Part 5: Integration and Synthesis: Playing with the Elements Needed to Promote Change in Trauma Treatment 9. Playing with Change 10. Playing with Safety: Navigating Waves of Affect 11. Playing with Dialectics: Multiplicity and Contradictions 12. Playing with Connection Through Boundaries 13. Playing with Telling the Trauma Story Are We Done Yet?—A Playful Conclusion to Trauma Treatment Index
