THERAPLAY® with Theraplay Institute

Theraplay^® is an evidenced-based, attachment-focused intervention utilising non-symbolic, interactional play to re-create experiences of secure attachment formation between parent and child. Therapist-guided short-term, dyadic therapy focuses on improving the child’s behavioural and emotional challenges through the parent-child relationship. In a session, the therapist guides the parent and child through playful games, challenging activities, and nurturing interactions. Theraplay^® helps the child experience previously difficult interactions in new ways, helps overcome fear/ shame, increase trust, and create a positive change in the child’s sense of self. Theraplay^® helps the parent be attuned to the child, understand the motives of the child’s behaviour and the underlying needs, manage environmental stimuli, and carefully challenge their child in a safe place. While other therapies may work primarily with the child alone or work with parents on managing the child’s behaviours, Theraplay^® has shown that the parent-child relationship is the most powerful and influential element for change. It is also a complimentary approach to Dyadic Developmental Practice (developed by Dan Hughes).

Theraplay^® has been used successfully to help:

• Children with developmental trauma
• Shy, withdrawn children
• Overactive, controlling or aggressive children
• Foster/adoptive children with attachment difficulties
• Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Pervasive Development Disorder
• Children with physical disabilities, developmental delays or those who are non-verbal
• Children who live in group settings
• Early childhood students and others who receive services in group settings

You will learn:

• History, core concepts and evidence base of Theraplay^®
• The four dimensions of Theraplay^®. Structure, Engagement, Nurture and Challenge. And see activities for each of the dimensions
• What the Marshack Interaction Method (MIM) is and how it is used for assessment and treatment planning
• How to determine when Theraplay^® is appropriate for treatment
• How Theraplay^® sessions are planned to meet the individual child’s needs
• Explore the methods for involving parents in treatment
• How Theraplay^® is adapted for different client populations

This one-day introduction is designed for anyone wanting to know the basic concepts of Theraplay^® or considering adding Theraplay^® to their practice, refer for treatment, or work with others using Theraplay^®.  For those practitioners wanting to use Theraplay^® Informed Practice in their work, the four-day Level One Theraplay^® & MIM course in May is recommended.  Attendees of the one-day course who go on to register for Level One course may qualify for a discount (please contact us for details)