Introduction to play therapy research theme issue.

Play therapy is at a point in its history where outside forces are demanding that we look at ourselves and demonstrate that what we do has empirical value. Many of these outside forces have either ignored play therapy or have questioned, even denied, the capacity of play therapy to produce positive outcomes in therapy and counseling of children. It is from this perspective that the need for a special research theme issue was born. Detractors and supporters of play therapy need to know what the state of the art is in play therapy research, along with ways we can help move play therapy research exposure and credibility forward. Sandra Frick-Helms was invited to guest edit this first in a series of theme issues for the International Journal of Play Therapy. She in turn asked Athena Drewes to join her in coediting this issue because of her wide range of knowledge, skill, and contacts in the therapy and counseling fields. Together, they have compiled an impressive grouping of authors and researchers who offer the reader food for thought and practical tips for research application. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)