This book provides an atheoretical orientation to basic concepts involved in play therapy and an introduction to different skills used in play therapy. The demand for mental professionals and school counselors who have training and expertise in using play as a therapeutic tool when working with children has increased tremendously. In response to this increased desire for training, colleges and universities have added introductory play therapy courses. This book is intended for students enrolled in such courses. It can also be helpful for clinicians who would like more knowledge and understanding of play therapy but do not have access to formal training. Chapters 1 through 3 explain basic concepts on rationale, history, and approaches to play therapy. Chapters 4 through 11 talk about setting up space for play therapy; how to choose toys; explaining the process to children and parents; assessing the children's behavior; and terminating the sessions. Chapters 12 through 14 describe advanced skills and concepts and how much of what is communicated in play therapy comes across in the form of metaphors. It contains descriptions of strategies and practice exercises for learning to understand possible meanings of children's metaphors. Appendixes include: Selected References on Different Theoretical Orientations to Play Therapy; An Explanation of Play Therapy: Handout for Parents; Information about Play Therapy Certification/Registration. (Contains over 290 references.) (JDM)