The Theory and History of Play Therapy

This chapter outlines the history of play therapy and includes a clear definition of what play therapy is and is not. The chapter also discusses the nine seminal theories identified by the Association for Play Therapy, as well as how each theory approaches parent engagement. The nine theories are as follows: child-centered play therapy, Adlerian play therapy, cognitive behavioral play therapy, Gestalt play therapy, Jungian analytical play therapy, psychoanalytic play therapy, ecosystemic play therapy, Theraplay, and filial therapy. This chapter also discusses the varied approaches to parent involvement, including individual treatment with children, involvement via consultation, and parent-based interventions targeting child outcomes. The purpose of this chapter is to introduce the variety of parent engagement strategies available and the importance of theoretical alignment in parent work.