by Kristi Miller, MS, LPC-MH, Certified Theraplay®Therapist

Last week, we explored play therapy in part 1 of this article, including the unique nature of play therapy and its appropriate use for children's mental health treatment. I discussed toys, therapist credentials, play therapy modalities, and therapist roles. Play therapy is an age-appropriate, intentional, and developmentally relevant treatment for children. Part 2 focuses on another treatment option for children called Theraplay®

Since I am a Certified Theraplay® Therapist, I often incorporate this type of therapy with children. Theraplay sessions initiated from an enthusiastic, playful, directive adult can enhance the child’s trust, positive sense of self, and self-regulation. 

The Theraplay®Institute (theraplay.org) provides supervision, training, and credentialing to practitioners worldwide desiring to implement this modality in their therapy practice with children/families. It defines Theraplay as:

“Theraplay is a dyadic child and family therapy that has been recognized by the Association of Play Therapy as one of seven seminal psychotherapies for children. Developed over 50 years ago, and practiced around the world, Theraplay was developed for any professional working to support healthy child/caregiver attachment. Strong attachment between the child and the important adults in their life has long been believed to be the basis of lifelong good mental health and the mainstay of resilience in the face of adversity. Modern brain research and the field of neuroscience have shown that attachment is the way in which children come to understand, trust and thrive in their world”.

In treatment, the Theraplay Practitioner guides the parent and child through playful, fun games, developmentally challenging activities, and tender, nurturing activities. The very act of engaging each other in this way helps the parent regulate the child’s behavior and communicate love, joy, and safety to the child. It helps the child feel secure, cared for, connected and worthy.

Theraplay (Jernberg and Booth) is an attachment-based, short-term, therapeutic, structured treatment implementing ordinary healthy activities parents and children engage. During treatment, the attuned Theraplay therapist leads the parent and child through developmentally appropriate games incorporating four “Dimensions” gentle “Nurture,” joyful “Engagement," “Challenge,” and “Structure” (all essential qualities in a healthy parent/child relationship) during sessions. Theraplay can positively impact healthy brain development, parent/child relationship, and co-regulation (Theraplay Institute).  Various activities are picked depending on which dimension most benefits the child. For example, the therapist may choose a lotion game for a child needing additional “Nurturing.” Balloon toss is often helpful for “Engagement.” The therapist attunes to any “hurts” the child presents. Only a few props are used.  

Some examples are:

pointing out unique physical characteristics (such as freckles, pretty eyes)

drawing handprints, 

hiding or feeding fruit snacks to eat

blowing bubbles 

lotion and other appropriate touch activities.  

Balloon toss

Movement and singing activities

Sensory experiences

Theraplay sessions treat children experiencing emotional/behavioral difficulties such as clinginess, withdrawal, overactivity, separation/loss, attachment issues, and disruptive behaviors. Since it is attachment-based, Theraplay is appropriate for children 0 (including pregnant mothers) and up.

Some Theraplay therapists implement a more eclectic style and incorporate various modalities in sessions, including play therapy techniques, depending on client needs (directive and nondirective activities). Play therapy and Theraplay effectively adapt for use in Telehealth. Since the pandemic, child therapists can provide therapeutic, skilled, and developmentally appropriate sessions online. 

If Theraplay could benefit your child River Counseling and Sioux Falls Psychological Services meet you where you are, offering hope.  You may schedule an appointment with the Platte office at 605-337-3444, or meet with one of our Sioux Falls Psychological Services therapists from your own computer or smartphone.  To schedule an appointment please call 605-334-2696.