Theraplay
What is Theraplay?
Theraplay® is a play therapy method widely used in over 36 countries based on the work of Phyllis Booth and Ann Jernberg. It draws on the natural and playful way in which interactions between children and parents take place to offer support to families in difficulty and help them develop the responsiveness and structure essential for the child's development.
This method shows parents concretely how to use play to communicate love and authority and to guide their child in interactions that will develop their skills, self-esteem and confidence.
The therapy focuses on the “here and now” and can produce results that cannot be achieved with traditional, non-directive talk or play therapies.
Theraplay can help in the following areas:
- Difficulty in transitions
- Frustration management
- Regulation of emotions
- Lack of confidence and self-esteem in the child
- A disturbed attachment relationship following traumatic experiences, a difficult start as a baby, or in foster and adoptive families.
Theraplay provides a rich foundation for higher level functioning.
How does a Theraplay Session Look Like?
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.
His ability to learn, concentrate and pay attention also improves, as well as his social interactions.