Playing in the Shadows: What We Bring to Our Notions of Play

In this presentation, we will consider how our own histories, backgrounds, and personalities influence how we play and how we view the play of others. Using experiential group play and interactive discussion, we will consider how the use of ourselves involves the various ghosts, angels, shadows, and specters stemming from our own backgrounds, families, and cultures. Most importantly, we will discuss how these influences may impact our work with children as well as heighten our empathy and appreciation of their own types of play.

Henry Kronengold, PhD is a child psychologist in private practice in New York City. He is a clinical supervisor and adjunct professor at the Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, City University of New York. Dr. Kronengold is the author of Stories from Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy: A Curious Space.