The Story So Far: Play Therapy Narratives

by Ann Cattanach (Editor)

Identity is formed through the narration of experience, and children who experience difficult life events may need help in forming and expressing their own narratives. Play therapy can be a very appropriate way of facilitating this kind of expression. This book describes the work of nine play therapists through the narratives of children - and some adults - whose stories emerge during their play therapy sessions.


These stories are not direct accounts of real happenings but are imaginative, metaphorical, complex and multi-layered. The life events they relate to include fostering, long-term illness, and the traumatic death of a close adult. One chapter examines attachment in families and another describes the Biography Laboratory project exploring story creation through action research. This is a book in which professionals from many disciplines will find much to further their understanding of children's experiences and understanding of the world.

238 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2002

Reviews

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some interesting perspectives and stories. I like an edited book as there are lots of differing ideas rather than just one person's perspective. This gave me things to think about in my own practice and how I use stories with clients.

[Sara Staggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought-provoking variety of perspectives. I found this to be a helpful introduction to play therapy, but I think veterans might also find some fresh ideas here.