Play Therapy - Comprehensive Child-Centered Play Therapy

In this review of Play Therapy by Garry L. Landreth, the bottom line is clear: this edition is essential for clinicians and students who want a thorough, contemporary account of child-centered play therapy. The author preserves the core message of earlier editions while adding a substantial review of modern research and practical rules that clarify how therapeutic change occurs. Readers looking for practical guidance in building therapeutic relationships with children will find the book both readable and rich in clinical insight.

Key Features

• Comprehensive model: Presents a full description of the CCPT approach so practitioners can understand the theory that shapes session work and relationship-building with children.
• Updated research review: Summarizes rigorous, contemporary studies that support the evidence base for CCPT across cultural groups and presenting issues.
• Model of change: Introduces a clear model of the change process in CCPT to help clinicians conceptualize client progress and therapeutic goals.
• Practical rules of thumb: Adds 13 new Rules of Thumb that translate theory into concrete guidance for the therapeutic relationship and session practice.
• Readable writing style: Written in an accessible voice that balances depth and clarity, making it suitable for classroom use and clinical reference.

Who It's For

Play Therapy is aimed at graduate students, training therapists, and practicing clinicians who use or want to learn child-centered play therapy as their primary modality. Its mix of theoretical framing, empirical review, and practice-oriented rules makes it useful as a course textbook and as a reference for ongoing clinical work.

It is less appropriate for casual readers seeking brief tips or for professionals who need a heavily technical manual on alternate play-based models; those seeking highly prescriptive intervention protocols or quick how-to lists may want a supplementary workbook alongside this text.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Thorough presentation of the CCPT model that preserves the core message of earlier editions.
• Strong review of contemporary research that supports the approach across diverse groups.
• Practical additions, such as the model of change and 13 Rules of Thumb, aid clinical application.

Cons

• The book is primarily descriptive and conceptual, so clinicians seeking step-by-step treatment protocols may need additional resources.

Specifications

Our Verdict

Play Therapy is a high-value, authoritative resource for therapists and students committed to child-centered play therapy. Its updated research review and practical Rules of Thumb make it both academically credible and clinically useful, although those needing prescriptive treatment manuals should pair it with skills-oriented workbooks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this book suitable for beginners?
Yes. The writing style is accessible and it provides foundational theory and practical guidance useful to trainees.

Does it include research evidence?
Yes. The edition includes a comprehensive review of contemporary research supporting CCPT across cultural groups.

Will it teach step-by-step techniques?
It offers practical rules and a model of change but is more conceptual than a prescriptive skills manual, so additional practice-focused resources may help.