Play comes in many forms, such as solitary play, imaginary play, social play, construction play, and many more. To understand the evolution of play, Can We Play Now? introduces five forms of play: sensory play, attachment play, construction play, fantasy play, and competitive play. It then links these five forms of play with Maslow’s well-known hierarchy of needs. This allows the use of a common language to gain evidence-based insight into the physical and emotional development of a human being. In this way, play becomes a roadmap to understanding the emotional world and identity formation of a child, young person, or adult, and addresses the specific needs of each developmental stage. The book also discusses how socioeconomic and cultural influences, such as the use of technology, social media, loss, developmental trauma, intergenerational trauma, and the Covid-19 pandemic, are impacting young people in the context of play development.
Can We Play Now? aims to bring a unique contribution to the field of child and adolescent psychotherapy that links key theoretical influences on the role of play within developmental milestones. It aligns findings from neuroscience, object relations, and psychodynamic theories with the various stages and challenges of emotional growth from childhood to adulthood. Clinical examples are integrated to bring the theoretical background of each chapter to life, showing the effectiveness of this approach. The ability to share these insights with child psychotherapists and other professionals who work with children, as well as parents, facilitates the creation of the best environment possible for each child to face the challenges of today’s world. It is also ideal reading for adult psychotherapists who want to understand the continuing importance of play in their clients’ lives.
Dr Graham Music, author and consultant psychotherapist, Tavistock Centre, London –
‘Play is under-rated, something of a lost art, and this rich book shows just why we must value it more, for its healing therapeutic potential, for working through trauma, for living a richer life, and, of course, for fun! This book is full of insight, rigorously utilising a range of theoretical ideas, but the heart of the book is in the clinical examples that bring the theory to life. A book for any new and experienced therapists who need reminding of why play is so crucial.’
Nick Midgley, Professor of Psychological Therapies with Children and Young People, University College London and Anna Freud, London –
‘As Nadja Julia Rolli reminds us, in this book full of wisdom and clinical insight, when a child in therapy says “Can we play now?”, they are not simply saying they want to start a game, but are also telling us they are ready to start an emotional journey. Rolli herself takes the reader on just such a journey, drawing out the many different ways in which play shapes our development as children, and its vital role in supporting the “work” of therapy. The wisdom of this book will not only help those who work with children; it is also an essential reminder of the importance of play in grown-up life, and in adult therapy.’
Dr Sue Jennings, Professor of Play, EFD, Senior Research Fellow, Shakespeare Institute, University of Birmingham –
‘This new book in the field of child psychotherapy provides a clear, all-round general introduction to children’s play from a developmental perspective, with a firm foundation on the theories of Maslow and Piaget. It is important, as it links children’s active play in therapy as a field to be explored and understood, and it links with my own innovations in neuro-dramatic-play. This book is long overdue in the field of child psychotherapy, and I congratulate the author on moving this practice forward.’
Jon Blend, MA, Director, Gazebo Training School for Child and Adolescent Arts-based Psychotherapy –
‘Nadja Julia Rolli’s comprehensively researched book will interest scholars, students, and parents alike. With a fresh look at Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, Rolli links the importance of safe play with current thinking on attachment. She suggests that regular, high-quality, embodied play with family and friends enables us to continue developing our creativity and imagination, finding agency and stretching further our potential for growthful living.’