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Theraplay
Theraplay is a parent-child therapy that is based on attachment theory and the belief that specific types of parent-child play can improve a child’s ability to self-regulate and build resilience.
Through Theraplay, caregivers are taught specific strategies to improve attunement through reading and responding to their child’s nonverbal signals. Rather than focus on individual work with the child, Theraplay approaches change as taking place within the family context as opposed to transpiring between the child and therapist.
Theraplay aims to improve caregiver responses to the child’s physical and emotional cues, as well as to increase positive affect and joy during play. Such interactions build co-regulation, a foundational aspect for the child’s self-regulation. Additionally, Theraplay activities involve challenging activities that offer opportunities for success while also building the child’s ability to manage frustration and anxiety. Children are supported to build confidence in stepping outside of their comfort zone, thus building their sense of self-efficacy. There is emerging evidence that Theraplay can be effective in improving a child’s social and emotion regulation skills, mood and anxiety related issues., and behavior at home.
A goal of Theraplay is also for the parent to experience empathy and attunement on the part of the therapist, which serves as a model for the relationship between parent and child. Theraplay seeks to help parents make sense of their own attachment histories, which has the potential to improve the parent’s ability to respond to challenging behaviors in their child.
Dimensions of Theraplay
Engagement: Focuses on how the adult responds to the child’s s physical and emotional cues, as well as on ways to elicit delight in the child.
Nurture: Helps the child to experience the world as safe and predictable, and leads to the worldview that “good things will happen to me.”
Challenge: Builds the child’s ability to tolerate frustration, and to experience the self as a compentent individual.
Structure: Serves as the basis for predictability, safety, and co-regulated interactions between caregiver and child.
When should I consider Theraplay?
Your child has difficulty accepting boundaries.
Your child refuses to try hard tasks.
Your child has a history of trauma in their important relationships.
Your child has difficulty accepting comfort from caregivers.
Can Theraplay be offered to children with autism?
There is evidence that Theraplay can result in improved social interaction skills, communication, and emotional functioning among children with autism or other developmental issues.
For what ages is Theraplay appropriate?
Theraplay activities are generally geared for early to mid-childhood (about ages 3 to 10).
Who provides Theraplay?
Practitioners of Theraplay are required to be certified through specialized training. Jessica Crowley, LMHC, one of our team members at CATS, is an experienced and Foundationally Certified Theraplay practitioner.
You can learn more about Theraplay on the Theraplay website.