About the Author

Theresa A. Kestly, PhD, is a psychologist, educator, consultant, and a registered play therapist/supervisor with the Association for Play Therapy. She maintains a private practice in Corrales, New Mexico for children, adults, families, and couples, and she specializes in play therapy and sand tray therapy. Theresa is past president of the New Mexico Association for Play Therapy and the founder and director of the Sand Tray Training Institute of New Mexico. For more information, visit her website at sandtraytraining.com.

Reviews

"[A] must for anyone who works with children or young people. Therapists with an adult clientele will benefit from reading it too: our clients were all children once. . . . It can be used as a text book for teaching students of therapy and there is a section of hand-outs that could be copied and given out to students. . . . The vignettes are entertaining and we are shown how to put the theory into practice."
*Contemporary Psychotherapy*

"This is one of the most exciting and fascinating books on play therapy in recent years. Drawing on the groundbreaking work of two neuroscientists, Panksepp and Porges, Kestly explains in accessible language the neurobiology and healing power of play. Every play therapist, parent, and teacher will want to read this book."
*David A. Crenshaw, PhD, ABPP, RPT-S, Clinical Director, Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie; Co-Editor of Creative Arts and Play Therapy for Attachment Problems*

"The Interpersonal Neurobiology of Play should be required reading for all play therapists. It presents in a clear and understandable manner key neurobiology information needed by play therapists to correctly understand and treat the children they are working to help."
*Helen E. Benedict, PhD, Child Clinical Psychologist, Baylor University, Waco, Texas*

"In this beautifully written and highly accessible text, Theresa Kestly draws on her vast clinical experience and the latest research in neuroscience to articulate the critical role of play and relationships in children’s growth and healing. Dr. Kestly provides a clear explanation of the neurobiology behind play and play therapy, illustrating concepts meaningfully through personal case examples. This groundbreaking text is a must read for play therapists and anyone working with children. I could not put it down!"
*Sue C. Bratton, PhD, Professor & Director, Center for Play Therapy, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas*