THERAPLAY.

What is Theraplay?

Theraplay is a short-term, attachment based play therapy.

If your child has experienced trauma, such as abuse, neglect, loss of a loved one, serious illness or bullying to name a few, the counseling will focus on your child’s natural healing abilities which are most effectively accessed through play. This evidence based therapy allows both parents and children to participant in the healing process and is specifically targeted to support traumatized families. In a structured yet non-threating environment, heathy boundaries, trust, connections and playfulness are restored.  

These techniques have been successfully used with children who were adopted, are in pre-adoption stages or with foster parents who look for effective ways to connect with their foster children.

Why Theraplay?

Theraplay helps to restore healthy connections, boundaries, trust, and playfulness. 

Parents learn how to be co-therapists and apply therapeutic techniques in a form of games  first in the office and then at home. Children learn how to co-regulate themselves through the therapist and their parents and ultimately see the world as a safe place again: place full of opportunities to learn, grow and satisfy their curious minds in appropriate ways.  

Who is Theraplay for ?

          The Theraplay approach is good for youth and  families who have experienced: 

  • adoption                                    
  • trauma
  • severe stress
  • divorce
  • grief
  • neglect /abuse
  • illness

How do the sessions look like?

Each session lasts between 45-55 minutes.  They are composed of stimulating and regulating therapeutic games. The games focus on 4 different areas: nurture, structure, challenge and engagement. There is room for fun but also important talks and behavior modification when needed. The sessions are structured to promote safety and self-regulation of the child. 

The first initial session is with parents only. Then, the parent-child interaction is evaluated using Marshak Interaction Method. Parents meet with the therapist for the third session to discuss the results of the evaluation and to create an individualized treatment plan. The next 3-4 sessions will be with one of the parents and the child. Parent feedback sessions are recommended after 3-4 meetings. The total amount of the parent-child play sessions is determined on individual bases. 

Please call or e-mail for a free and confidential consultation.

CONTACT