Table of Contents

Introduction

Part 1: Why Empathy?

• Reflecting Feelings 
• Empathizing Versus Giving Solutions

Part 2: The Child-Centered Approach

• Child-Centered Play Therapy Versus Other Approaches
• The Eight Basic Principles
• Childhood as Culture
• Blending the Culture of Childhood and the Eight Basic Principles

Part 3: Skills and Guidelines

• Tracking 
• Responding to Children’s Questions and Directions 
• Setting Limits 
• Closing the Play Therapy Session 
• No-Nos 
• Toys and Settings

Part 4: Ready for Practice (and Play)

• Structuring the Play Therapy Session 
• Themes 
• Firsts 
• Stages of Therapy 
• Ready for Termination? 
• Commonly Asked Questions 
• Evaluating the Therapist’s Responses
• Treatment Goals
• The Gift of Child-Centered Play Therapy

Part 5: What the Future Will Bring

• What Do You Believe?
• A Letter to Play Therapy

Appendixes

• Sample Answers 
• Forms and Checklists 
• Pathways to Advanced Training and Credentialing