The Therapeutic Powers of Play

This course explores the many therapeutic elements of play, across the developmental stages from early toddlerhood through latency. Definitions of pathology--that is, what it is that play must address--will be discussed as a basis to understand the healing attributes of play. This is done both developmentally and through the prism of Piagetian and Psychoanalytic/Object Relations theories. Lecture material, case presentations, role playing, and a videotape of a play session are used to provide both a theoretical and pragmatic context by which to root and expand skills in working with children. The course is designed for mental health professionals who have a solid background in theories of development, psychopathology and psychotherapy, and are working directly with children.