Counseling With Theraplay
It seems like mentioning Theraplay in casual conversation is a great way to get people to look at me like I have something in my teeth. For the record, I’m not mispronouncing “therapy,” or slurring as I try to say “play therapy.” Theraplay is an actual thing, and it happens to be a fantastic therapeutic method to heal and strengthen attachment for children and families.
What is Theraplay?
Theraplay is based on the idea that healthy, connected engagement between parents and children leads to secure attachment and lifelong mental health. It is playful, interactive, and relationship-focused. Because of the focus on relationship, parents are actively involved in Theraplay sessions. And while most counseling sessions using these techniques might look like goofing around and playing games, everything you do in the room is based on attachment theory to strengthen your relationship with the child; that is what makes Theraplay so effective.
Who can benefit from Theraplay?
Theraplay can be an effective intervention for children with emotional and social struggles, as well as children with behavioral or developmental challenges. It can also help those who are dealing with divorce, death, and expanding or blending their families. Children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect at any point in their lives, may struggle to feel safe- even if they are currently surrounded by safe people. Counseling sessions using Theraplay techniques provide the setting and strategies to help children feel nurtured, treasured, and safe with their caregivers. This can be essential for children who have experienced loss, neglect, and abuse: Felt safety is so important to start the healing (and attaching) process. For children in families that have not experienced big trauma or other adverse experiences, Theraplay provides opportunities to increase interpersonal connection and creative strategies to bring harmony, strengthen family bonds, and delight in each other.
What does it look like?
Theraplay begins, as most therapy does, with information-gathering about your child, family, history, and goals for counseling. The intake process also includes assessing the parent-child relationship, which guides our parent feedback sessions and treatment goals. Once the ‘play’ part of Theraplay begins, parents are encouraged to participate- whether by observing each session or being invited into the sessions to be part of the fun. You will have the opportunity to meet for additional feedback and learn specific techniques you can use at home, to continue helping your child and strengthen your family attachments. We will meet weekly until we determine that goals have been met and you and your child are ready for tapering off via monthly check-up sessions, until we celebrate your family’s completion of treatment.
That was the best “in a nutshell” version I could do for this wonderful therapeutic method! It is such a unique, empowering way to help heal children and families, while involving the parent(s) every step of the way. If you would like to know more, or are eager to get started, I’d love to hear from you.