Parents and Caregivers
How does Theraplay work?
Treatment from your Theraplay Practitioner consists of guiding the caregiver and child through fun and playful activities that foster engagement and connection. The act of engagement is what allows the caregiver and child to form a secure attachment. With that healthy relationship, the caregiver is able to regulate their child’s behavior while communicating love, joy, and safety to the child. Theraplay helps the child feel secure, connected, cared for, and worthy. Learn more about the fundamentals of Theraplay here.
What can Theraplay
help treat?
Theraplay can be used to treat a number of behavioral and mental health challenges and are often paired alongside other therapeutic modalities by the practitioner. Among other concerns, Theraplay supports treatment of trauma, attachment issues due to adoption or foster care, attention challenges like ADHD and autism, and behavioral struggles.
What does a typical session look like?
Theraplay is a type of play therapy focused on a caregiver-led process. Sessions include the practitioner guiding caregivers through playful challenges and nurturing activities with their child. Regular caregiver feedback sessions are incorporated throughout the treatment process. The goal is to develop a secure attachment between the caregiver and child. Theraplay is not talk therapy.
What does it mean to work with a Theraplay Practitioner?
Practitioners complete a rigorous practicum program to become a Theraplay Practitioner. There are three levels of certification. Foundational Theraplay Practitioners have completed Level One Theraplay & MIM training, required supervised and unsupervised Theraplay sessions, and are reviewed/approved for certification by a Certified Theraplay Supervisor. Intermediate Theraplay Practitioners have completed additional required supervised and unsupervised Theraplay sessions, and are reviewed/approved for certification by a Certified Theraplay Supervisor. Certified Theraplay Practitioners have completed all required supervised and unsupervised Theraplay sessions, Level Two Theraplay & MIM training, and are reviewed/approved for certification by a Certified Theraplay Supervisor.