The Guide to Play Therapy Documentation and Parent Consultation

Abstract

Creating thorough documentation and conducting effective parental consultations in the context of play therapy can be challenging for practitioners and play therapists. However, this book provides invaluable assistance by offering practical, clear, and comprehensive guidance for implementation. The authors, a US university professor and associate professor respectively, are highly esteemed authorities in the field of play therapy, both serving as professional counsellor supervisors and registered play therapists, with combined extensive experience in scholarly writing, clinical supervision and contributing to the global discourse on both play and sand tray therapy. The book, designed to support practitioners and play therapists enhance their effectiveness and efficiency during play therapy sessions, particularly in documenting notes and engaging in parental consultations, is not only practical but also theoretical. It encompasses easy-to-use practices rooted in comprehensive play therapy theories, such as psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioural therapy, humanistic, postmodern, and systemic approaches (p.5). This book therefore benefits from the authors’ extensive expertise, offering a blend of practicality and theoretical foundation, presenting user-friendly techniques grounded in a comprehensive theory. Divided into two parts, comprising a total of twelve chapters, the first part is dedicated to the essential topics of documentation and parental consultation. The authors effectively present well-defined intervention/treatment plans, useful templates, and detailed step-by-step guidance for documenting notes and conducting consultations with parents, culminating in the termination phase. In the second part, the authors offer insightful perspectives and real-life case examples that assist readers in anticipating potential challenges and addressing issues relevant to parental involvement. Each chapter is meticulously organised; logically, systematically, and comprehensively, ensuring a coherent flow of information. Thought-provoking conclusions are provided at the end of each chapter, while the inclusion of visual aids, such as graphs and images, serves to enhance the reader’s grasp of the book’s