A Practical Guide to Play Therapy in the Outdoors responds to the significant and growing interest in the play therapy community of working in nature. Alison Chown provides practical ideas about why we might decide to take play therapy practice into outdoor settings and how we might do this safely and ethically.
This book discusses how nature provides a second intermediate playground and can be seen as a co-therapist in play therapy. It explores the relevance of different environments to the play therapy process by considering the elements of earth, air, fire, water and wood. It looks at the way we can connect with nature to find a sense of place and details some activities to do with children in play therapy to get started.
The book provides an important guide for the practitioner and talks them through the crucial guidelines that are necessary for outdoor play therapy and gives a philosophical perspective to working in nature. It will be engaging and essential reading for play therapists in training and practice.
Author(s): Alison Chown
Publisher: Routledge
Year: 2017
Language: English
Pages: 158
City: London
Cover
Half Title
Title Page
Copyright Page
Dedication
Epigraph
Table of contents
Figures
Foreword
Disclaimer
Author’s notes
Acknowledgements
Introduction
References
Chapter 1 A brief history of play therapy
Early beginnings
A client centred non-directive approach
Developments in the UK
A word about Winnicott
Thinking outside the box (of the playroom!)
References
Chapter 2 Considering the concept and purpose of play
Early developmental play
What neuroscience tells us
The ‘where’ and ‘how’ of play
Embodied developmental trauma
Lost for words
Issues of transference
References
Chapter 3 Play in a broader context
Inclusive play
Shifting attitudes
Playing out
Play as a political football…
…kicked out of touch
The importance of ‘risky’ play
References
Chapter 4 Play therapy in nature – meanings and metaphors
At one with ourselves
Dislocation
Working in nature and with nature
A relationship with ‘place’
References
Chapter 5 Getting started – practical, ethical and philosophical considerations
What resources will I need?
Where or how do I start?
How long do I work with a child before moving outside?
Towards a more equal relationship
A joint decision
Should I expect to work outdoors with every client?
How do I decide if I am ready?
What is meant by a ‘democratic’ relationship?
Transference issues
How do I manage interruptions?
What if my client invites another child to join us?
Is running off a risk?
Transitions – using rituals and routines
Parental consent
…and finally
References
Chapter 6 Places to go, spaces to use – meeting the elements
But… before you step out
Are you ready to leave the playroom?
Getting to know the place – the ‘sit spot’
‘Take only pictures, leave only footprints, kill only time’
We can go outside…
Shelter spot
The ‘nest’ – a secure base
Picture ‘map’ books
Species identification books
A word about litter
Halfway houses
Water – beaches and inland watercourses
On the beach
Getting to know the place
Health and safety pointers
Building a nest
Activities
Streams, rivers and other watercourses
Activities
Wood – forests, woodlands, copses and clumps
Getting to know the place
Health and safety pointers
Building a nest
Activities
Earth and air – play parks, school grounds and gardens
Getting to know the place
Health and safety pointers
Building a nest
Activities
Fire
Health and safety pointers
Small spaces and other places
References
Appendix 1 The issue of competency
Appendix 2 Health and safety – practical considerations
Appendix 3 Risk assessment
Appendix 4 Resources
Appendix 5 Can you spot … hear or smell?
Appendix 6 Can you spot … hear … smell … touch?
Appendix 7 Checklist for general preparation
Appendix 8 Some useful websites
Index
