Playful Approaches to Serious Problems: Narrative Therapy with Children and Their Families

by Jennifer Freeman, David Epston, Dean Lobovits

Book Overview

This book describes a basic theory of collaborative narrative play, as well as verbal and nonverbal techniques that clear the way for stories of hope, possibility, and change. Compelling case examples, drawn from the authors' work, will appeal to parents and educators as well as therapists.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0393702294
• ISBN13: 9780393702293
• Release Date: May 1997
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
• Length: 342 Pages
• Weight: 1.68 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 6.4" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Narrative at its best

If you are interested in narrative therapy, and especially working in a fun way, then this book is a must. Not only does it cover play therapy, but ways to include fun into any type of therapy when appropriate.

Practical, useful information

I became interested in Narrative Therapy at a conference for gifted children. I bought this book after it was recommended to me by one of the presenters who has used this therapy for several years. I have found it very clear to understand and have begun using the techniques that are described in the book. I would highly recommend this book to any therapist who is interested in exploring a different way to work with children, not only gifted but typical children as well.

Great tool for working with kids!

This is a great book for counselors and therapists who work with children. It has both a narrative and solution focused approach to helping children overcome their problems. I like the way it helps adults relate to children on their level - the level of play. A book all school counselors should have on their shelf.

Helpful and well writen

Provides original solutions to tough and common problems. I found that I was able to apply the concepts and suggestions, both personally, and in my practice, effortlessly. I bought it for every therapist I knew.

An easy to read book about new ideas for child therapy.

Playfull Approaches is an engaging book that makes the complex simple. A therapist parent or teacher will be spurred to creativity about even the most recalcitrant child. The authors work with children is presented in a literary form that puts the reader right inside their thinking and the world of childrens ideas. There is an excellent chapter on the use of expressive arts so its not just about talk therapy. The book shows how to put children in charge of their own healing and in touch with eachother. There are a number of extended case "stories" that are fascinating and educational.