80,000+ Books in-stock in NZ 📚

Winter Reads Sale! Enjoy up to 20% off 1,700 books! 🚀

The Therapeutic Powers of Play

Comparing Theories and Practice
Brief Description
A Clear, Unified Guide to Integrating Play Therapy Theory and Practice Ideal for professors, supervisors, trainers, and practising play therapists, this book offers an accessible, up-to-date synthesis of the Therapeutic Powers of Play across seminal theoretical approaches. Each chapter—written by the co-editors and leading experts—uses the... Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$5499
AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 4-6 weeks

Found a better price? Request a price match

With contributions by the world’s leading play therapy experts, this sumptuous teaching and learning resource gathers the most commonly used research-based play therapy theories into a single resource, illustrated by using a common case study and chapter structure across all theoretical approaches.

With contributions by the world’s leading play therapy experts, this sumptuous teaching and learning resource gathers the most commonly used research-based play therapy theories into a single resource, illustrated by using a common case study and chapter structure across all theoretical approaches.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A Clear, Unified Guide to Integrating Play Therapy Theory and Practice

Ideal for professors, supervisors, trainers, and practising play therapists, this book offers an accessible, up-to-date synthesis of the Therapeutic Powers of Play across seminal theoretical approaches. Each chapter—written by the co-editors and leading experts—uses the same case study to show exactly how a given theory conceptualises the child and incorporates the therapeutic powers of play into treatment.

With its focused structure and practical comparisons, this book provides a unique, side-by-side look at how different theories understand and apply play’s healing mechanisms. It delivers the essentials: clear foundations, major theoretical frameworks, and practical guidance for integrating the Therapeutic Powers of Play in real clinical work.

A timely, much-needed resource, this book deepens understanding, strengthens clinical decision-making, and brings clarity to the art and science of play therapy.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9798216277606

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 22 January 2026

Country: United States

Imprint: Bloomsbury Academic

Illustration: 10 bw illus, 3 bw photos

Contributors:

  • Edited by Athena A. Drewes
  • Franc Hudspeth Edward

Audience: Tertiary education

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 32.0mm

Width: 176.0mm

Height: 254.0mm

Weight: 860g

Pages: 456

About the Author

Dr. Athena A. Drewes is a licensed psychologist, certified school psychologist and Registered Play Therapist and Supervisor. Formerly Director of Training and Director of the American Psychological Association Doctoral Psychology Internship at Astor Services for Children and Families in New York. She currently is semi-retired and lives in Ocala, FL. She has over 45 years of clinical and supervision experience with complex trauma, sexual abuse, foster care children and adolescents, in school, outpatient and inpatient settings. She is former Board of Director of the Association for Play Therapy and Founder and President Emeritus of the NY Association for Play Therapy. She is a frequently invited guest lecturer around the United States and internationally around the world, including Argentina, Australia, Canada, China, Denmark, England, Ireland, Italy, Mexico and Taiwan. She has is renowned writer on play therapy and has published numerous book chapters, journal articles and edited/co-edited twelve play therapy.
Edward Franc Hudspeth is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor, Registered Play Therapist and Supervisor, and Registered Pharmacist. He is Coordinator and Clinical Associate Professor of the Ed.S. in Counselor Education-Play Therapy Emphasis, in the School of Education, at the University of Mississippi. He served as Editor of International Journal of Play Therapy for 10 years and served on the Association for Play Therapy’s Foundation for Play Therapy Board of Directors for 10 years. He now serves on the Association for Play Therapy’s governing Board of Directors. He is a recipient of the Association for Play Therapy’s Service Award and President’s Award.

More from Philosophy & Psychology

View all

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 80,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.