Theraplay
Theraplay is a playful, attachment-based therapy that strengthens parent–child bonds through fun, interactive sessions.
Theraplay
Theraplay is a relationship based therapy which uses play to provide an interactive, fun and physical treatment method. It utilises attachment theory to encourage healthy and attuned interactions between parents and children. Parents are actively involved in the sessions through a variety of play based activities.
What is Theraplay?
- Interactive and relationship based
- A direct here and now experience
- Responsive, attuned, empathic and reflective
- Geared to the pre-verbal, social, right-brain level of development
- Multi-sensory including the use of touch
- Playful
What does Theraplay involve?
Theraplay involves four domains: Structure, Engagement, Nurture and Challenge:
- Structure. Parents are trustworthy and predictable, and provide safety, organisation and regulation.
- Engagement. Parents provide attuned playful experiences that create a strong connection, an optimal level of arousal and shared joy.
- Nurture. Parents respond empathically to a child’s attachment and regulatory needs by being warm, tender, calming and comforting. They provide a safe haven and create feelings of self-worth.
- Challenge. While providing a secure base, parents encourage the child to strive a bit, take risks, to explore, to feel confident and to enjoy mastery.
Theraplay involves a detailed assessment. This starts with a parent/carer interview where we would look at:
- The reason for referral
- The developmental history
- Parents expectations, experiences and relationships
Where it appears Theraplay is indicated we would move to the next stage, which is to assess the interactions between the parents/carers and the child using the Marshak Interaction Method (MIM). This involves a structured set of tasks designed to analyse the relationship with regards to the four Theraplay dimensions. The MIM is video recorded to enable analysis and to feedback findings to parents. From there goals for Theraplay would be established and the treatment phase is planned. An average length of treatment is 18 sessions with feedback sessions at regular intervals throughout the treatment phase.
At Serendipity Psychology Services, we have dedicated rooms for Theraplay, offering a safe, contained, and consistent space. We also have certified Theraplay therapists on our team, such as Richard.
Reference: Booth, P and Jernberg, A. “Theraplay: Helping Parents and Children Build Better Relationships Through Attachment-Based Play,” Jossey- Bass 2010
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