Principles of Theraplay

1. Building Attachment: Theraplay was developed around 1967 by Ann Jernberg, and later expanded by Phyllis Booth, with the understanding that a strong attachment between a child and caregiver is foundational for the basis of lifelong mental health and resilience in the face of adversity.

2. Engaging Through Play: Play is a child's primary language. Through structured play activities, children can express their feelings, fears, and experiences, often more effectively than through verbal communication alone.

3. Empowerment and Challenge: The activities used in Theraplay not only nurture and connect but also challenge the child, helping them develop resilience, self-confidence, and problem-solving skills.

Core Elements of Theraplay

Theraplay is characterized by several key elements:

1. Structure: Theraplay sessions provide a safe and predictable environment where the child knows what to expect, helping them feel more secure and receptive to connection.

2. Engagement: The adult is present and attentive in a way that the child experiences feeling seen, heard, felt, and accepted.

3. Nurture: The caregiver can calm and soothe the child in a way that provides the child with physical and emotional regulation, reinforcing the child's sense of worth and belonging.

4. Challenge: The child is gently pushed out of their comfort zone, promoting growth, development, and mastery of new skills.

The Theraplay Process

A typical Theraplay session might look like this:

1. Assessment: The therapist observes and interacts with the child and parent, identifying areas where the relationship can be strengthened.

2. Direct Engagement: The therapist guides the parent and child through playful, fun, and developmentally appropriate activities that target the goals identified in the assessment.

3. Feedback and Reflection: After the activities, the therapist provides feedback, offering insights into the child's needs and emotional state. The goal is to equip parents with the tools and understanding they need to create positive interactions outside of therapy.

Who Can Benefit from Theraplay?

While initially designed to treat children with attachment difficulties or those who have experienced trauma, the benefits of Theraplay have been recognized for a broad spectrum of challenges:

• Children and families undergoing significant transitions, such as adoption or divorce.

• Children with developmental needs that impact the parent-child relationship or that require significant parental support.

• Families wishing to strengthen their parent-child attachment.

• Children exhibiting behavioral issues, anxiety, or withdrawal.