Nature-Based Play Therapy

"""Grounded in prescriptive play therapy, Dr. Nash’s clinical wisdom invites us to join her in the connective nexus between nature and play. Readers discover historical, cultural, and ethical insights mixed with relevant case examples that redefine the traditional ‘playroom space.’ What differentiates this text is Nash’s sequential model of case conceptualization, clinical reasoning, and decision making. The model challenges us to understand the client's needs, characteristics of play, and the matching of theoretical orientations to both the therapeutic powers of nature and play—all before ever considering the utilization of any technique. Integrative and inspiring!"" Mary Anne Peabody, EdD, LCSW, RPT-S, associate professor of social and behavioral sciences, University of Southern Maine ""Grounded in thorough research yet written for practical application, Nature-Based Play Therapy is a fusion of the core tenets of play therapy and nature. This text will complement play therapists' knowledge, perspective, further growth, and will benefit those they teach and/or serve."" Franc Hudspeth,PhD, LPC-S, NCC, ACS, RPT-S, RPh, chair of counselor education at Sacred Heart University ""This book is so needed in our field! Julie Nash grounds the growing interest in nature play therapy in theory and research. She sets the context with a brief review of the role of nature in history and religion. Then, very insightful and detailed chapters intersect nature with the seminal play therapy theories and the therapeutic powers of play. A very practical chapter of case studies reveals how to conceptualize and implement nature-based play therapy. Throughout, Julie interweaves her family’s experience in nature. This is an enjoyable, solid, must-read book for those who want to be well-grounded in nature-based play therapy!"" Linda E. Homeyer, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S, Distinguished Professor Emerita, Texas State University, and director emeritus, Association for Play Therapy"