Theraplay Events

The Theraplay Institute provides the following description of Theraplay:

“Theraplay is a child and family therapy for building and enhancing attachment, self-esteem, trust in others, and joyful engagement. It is based on the natural patterns of playful, healthy interaction between parent and child and is personal, physical, and fun. 

Theraplay interactions focus on four essential qualities found in parent-child relationships: Structure, Engagement, Nurture, and Challenge.

Theraplay sessions create an active, emotional connection between the child and parent or caregiver, resulting in a changed view of the self as worthy and lovable and of relationships as positive and rewarding.  In treatment, the Theraplay therapist guides the parent and child through playful, fun games, developmentally challenging activities, and tender, nurturing activities.

The very act of engaging each other in this way helps the parent regulate the child’s behaviour and communicate love, joy, and safety to the child. It helps the child feel secure, cared for, connected, and worthy. We call this “building relationships from the inside out”.

Theraplay has been used successfully with: Children who are trauma survivors, shy or withdrawn children, overactive, controlling, or aggressive children, Foster/Adopted Children with attachment difficulties, children who live in group settings.

Level 1 Theraplay training is a four-day training for professionals and practitioners with a background in child development, adoption, and permanency or psychology.

This may include Psychologists, Teachers, Play therapists, Social Workers, Counsellors, Psychiatrists, Occupational Therapists, early childhood specialists, Family Therapists, etc.

Group Theraplay training is for professionals who want to use Theraplay in classrooms, daycare, residential settings, or with family groups. There is a one-day option for those who have taken Level One Theraplay and MIM and a two-day option for those who have not.

A Theraplay Group is an adult-directed, structured playgroup that incorporates playful, cooperative, and nurturing activities that enhance the emotional well-being of children.

Unlike other playgroup approaches, Theraplay learning takes place on a non-verbal level. Instead of talking about positive social behavior, the group leaders and children DO positive social interaction. Positive messages from the group interaction gradually become a part of the child’s internal sense of self.