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Theraplay
What is Theraplay?
Theraplay is a relational Therapy that helps build attachment between parent or care giver and child. It is a child and family structured therapy for building and enhancing attachment, self-esteem, trust in others, and joyful engagement, thus supporting parents and children to feel more connected. It is based on Attachment Theory and follows the natural patterns of playful, healthy interaction between parent and child.
Theraplay activities focus on four essential qualities found in the parent-child relationships: Structure, Engagement, Nurture, and Challenge.
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Theraplay works by regulating the lower brain stem which supports a child’s emotional regulation. The promotion of touch in theraplay is unique and there is lots of evidence which shows how theraplay can really help children gain more emotional regulation.
What happens in a Theraplay session?
In the session, the Theraplay Practitioner guides and supports the parent and child through playful, fun games, challenging activities, and tender, nurturing activities. Engaging each other in this way helps the parent to regulate the child's behaviour and communicate love, joy, and safety to the child. It helps the child to feel secure, cared for, connected, valued and accepted.
Theraplay interactions focus on four essential qualities found in healthy parent-child relationships
Structure: The adult, the leader in the relationship, creates organisation and predictability for the child which communicates safety
Nurture: The adult provides caring that can calm and soothe the child in a manner that makes them feel good physically and emotionally
Engagement: The adult is present in a manner that the child experiences being seen, heard, felt, and accepted
Challenge: The adult supports the child in the acquisition and mastery of new skills, enhancing the child’s sense of competence and confidence
With the support of the Theraplay practitioner, parents learn to play with their child in a way that establishes felt safety, increases social engagement, expands arousal regulation, and supports the development of positive self-esteem for both the child and the parent.
How long are the sessions and how many of them?
The sessions are interactive, playful and last around 45 minutes. At the end of the session, the therapist may ask you to play some of the games at home.
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Every third session is a parent-only session, where you and the therapist will talk about progress and how to address any behaviour problems at home.
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Typically, the total number of sessions is: 25 (depending on resources available) plus an initial, mid point and end review and a written report.
These 25 sessions are made up of: 3 initial parent only sessions, MIM assessment session (videoed), MIM feedback session, 15 parent and child sessions, 5 parent only sessions and a goodbye session.
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Therapeutic progress will be explored throughout the intervention.
