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Dr. David Crenshaw
Let's Explore Dr. Crenshaw’s Work and Wisdom Together
Thank you to Dr. David A. Crenshaw for sharing not only his expertise but also his heart. Your wisdom, humility, and lifelong dedication to the well-being of children have left a lasting imprint on our field — and on each of us. It is a true honor to learn from you.
Learn More About Dr. Crenshaw
Below you’ll find his bio, links to his work, and ways to stay connected with the incredible legacy he continues to build.
David A. Crenshaw, PhD, ABPP, RPT-S, recently retired from his role as Chief of Clinical Services at the Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie, where he served with deep compassion and clinical excellence. A Board Certified Clinical Psychologist through the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP), Dr. Crenshaw is also a Fellow of the American Psychological Association and the APA Division of Child and Adolescent Psychology.
Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Crenshaw taught play therapy courses at esteemed institutions including Johns Hopkins and Columbia University and served as past President of the New York Association for Play Therapy. He is the author, co-author, editor, or co-editor of 24 influential books—several of which have been translated into seven languages—making a lasting contribution to the global field of child and play therapy.
In 2021, Dr. Crenshaw was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association for Play Therapy, a reflection of the deep respect and gratitude the field holds for him. Though recently retired, his legacy continues to inspire generations of therapists dedicated to the healing and protection of children.
📚 Books by Dr. David A. Crenshaw
1. Play Therapy: A Comprehensive Guide to Theory and Practice
Co-edited with Anne L. Stewart, this foundational text offers a wide-ranging look at play therapy theories and techniques.
2. Creative Arts and Play Therapy for Attachment Problems
Co-edited with Cathy A. Malchiodi, this book integrates creative arts into attachment-focused therapy.
3. Termination Challenges in Child Psychotherapy
Co-authored with Eliana Gil, this book addresses the complexities of ending therapy with children.
4. Evocative Strategies in Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy
This book presents over 150 practical strategies for engaging challenging children and adolescents in therapy.
5. Bereavement: Counseling the Grieving Throughout the Life Cycle
This text provides comprehensive guidance on counseling individuals through various stages of grief.ThriftBooks
6. Reflections, Insights & Hope for the Child Therapist
A collection of reflections and insights aimed at inspiring and supporting child therapists.
7. Engaging Resistant Children in Therapy: Projective Drawing and Storytelling Techniques
Available as a free download, this book offers creative techniques for engaging resistant children in therapy.
Let's Explore Dr. Crenshaw’s Work and Wisdom Together
Thank you to Dr. David A. Crenshaw for sharing not only his expertise but also his heart. Your wisdom, humility, and lifelong dedication to the well-being of children have left a lasting imprint on our field — and on each of us. It is a true honor to learn from you.
Learn More About Dr. Crenshaw
Below you’ll find his bio, links to his work, and ways to stay connected with the incredible legacy he continues to build.
David A. Crenshaw, PhD, ABPP, RPT-S, recently retired from his role as Chief of Clinical Services at the Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie, where he served with deep compassion and clinical excellence. A Board Certified Clinical Psychologist through the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP), Dr. Crenshaw is also a Fellow of the American Psychological Association and the APA Division of Child and Adolescent Psychology.
Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Crenshaw taught play therapy courses at esteemed institutions including Johns Hopkins and Columbia University and served as past President of the New York Association for Play Therapy. He is the author, co-author, editor, or co-editor of 24 influential books—several of which have been translated into seven languages—making a lasting contribution to the global field of child and play therapy.
In 2021, Dr. Crenshaw was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association for Play Therapy, a reflection of the deep respect and gratitude the field holds for him. Though recently retired, his legacy continues to inspire generations of therapists dedicated to the healing and protection of children.
📚 Books by Dr. David A. Crenshaw
1. Play Therapy: A Comprehensive Guide to Theory and Practice
Co-edited with Anne L. Stewart, this foundational text offers a wide-ranging look at play therapy theories and techniques.
2. Creative Arts and Play Therapy for Attachment Problems
Co-edited with Cathy A. Malchiodi, this book integrates creative arts into attachment-focused therapy.
3. Termination Challenges in Child Psychotherapy
Co-authored with Eliana Gil, this book addresses the complexities of ending therapy with children.
4. Evocative Strategies in Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy
This book presents over 150 practical strategies for engaging challenging children and adolescents in therapy.
5. Bereavement: Counseling the Grieving Throughout the Life Cycle
This text provides comprehensive guidance on counseling individuals through various stages of grief.ThriftBooks
6. Reflections, Insights & Hope for the Child Therapist
A collection of reflections and insights aimed at inspiring and supporting child therapists.
7. Engaging Resistant Children in Therapy: Projective Drawing and Storytelling Techniques
Available as a free download, this book offers creative techniques for engaging resistant children in therapy.