Theraplay
What is Theraplay®?
Theraplay® is a child and family modality of play therapy for building and enhancing attachment, self-esteem, trust in others and joyful engagement. Rated as effective by the SAMHSA National Registry for Evidence-Based Programs and Practices, it is based on the natural patterns of playful, healthy interaction between parent and child and is personal, physical and fun.
Theraplay® play therapy interactions focus on four essential qualities found in parent-child relationships: Structure, Engagement, Nurture, and Challenge. The 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 view of relationships as positive and rewarding.
How does it work?
Theraplay® helps create a playful atmosphere where children are happy to come to therapy and become quickly and fully engaged in the therapeutic process. Theraplay also involves parents or caregivers in an immediate and positive way. With the child, the parent and the therapist, all on the same team, Theraplay creates a winning combination for positive and lasting change.
There are several types of play (art, sand tray, games, crafts, imaginary play, etc.), and the therapist will tailor the approach to meet the client’s cognitive, emotional and developmental stage. Through this form of therapy, a child can ‘play out’ their thoughts, feelings and experiences, allowing for their inner world to be processed and expressed outwardly. This approach has shown to help with trauma resolution, anxiety, social skills, behavioural issues, emotion regulation and much more.