Mindfulness-Based Play-Family Therapy: Theory and Practice - Hardcover

"Therapists will benefit from this book's creative and comprehensive integration of play therapy, child development, mindfulness, and contextual family theory. Dottie Higgins-Klein provides a candid overview of the therapeutic characteristics of Mindfulness-Based Play-Family Therapy, segueing into the nuances of treating children with both commonly occurring as well as traumatic experiences. A unique contribution to the literature, this book explores the applications of mindfulness through symbolic play and sandtray therapy. A case study concludes the book, beautifully illustrating MBPFT's practical considerations and theoretical concepts." -- B. Janet Hibbs, PhD, author of Try to See It My Way: Being Fair in Love and Marriage "Through a creative blending of mindfulness and play-family therapy, Dottie Higgins-Klein demonstrates, in detail, how to work through trauma by combining deep individual play therapy with steady parental involvement-an often challenging task for therapists. This book provides practical answers and innovative techniques to help therapists work with children and their parents." -- Rie Rogers Mitchell, PhD, President, International Society for Sandplay Therapy; co-author of Sandplay: Past, Present and Future

When a child is offered a space to relax the "busy mind," his experience is comparable to mindfulness meditation. Therapists can help children remain in this calm state-in the state of the present moment-if they have the right tools and techniques to do so. During this stillness, a child can reach a level of consciousness that is parallel to the deepened awareness that occurs during mindfulness meditation. Conducting play sessions in this stage allows for healing and progress. Not only can the symptoms of children's pain be reduced in intensity and duration, but their self-esteem can be enhanced. This book presents a new and comprehensive framework for helping children through play therapy within the context of the family and incorporating ideas from the practice of mindfulness. This experience-based therapeutic model respectfully derives from the best roots of traditional family therapy and play therapy modalities. Additionally, it draws from child development theory, interpersonal neurobiology, and mindfulness. Either spontaneous play or directed play can be used according to the need.