Theraplay®

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 to promote 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 as well as 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.

Theraplay is interactive and playful. With the guidance of the Theraplay practitioner, the clients experience playful and caring child-adult interactions. These activities build attunement and understanding of each other and help create a secure attachment.

Theraplay interactions focus on four essential qualities found in healthy parent-child relationships

·         Structure: The adult, the leader in the relationship, creates organization and predictability for the child which communicates safety

·         Nurture: The adult provides caring that can calm and soothe the child in a manner that makes them feel good physically and emotionally

·         Engagement: The adult is present in a manner that the child experiences being seen, heard, felt, and accepted

·         Challenge: The adult supports the child in the acquisition and mastery of new skills, enhancing the child’s sense of competence and confidence

With the support of the Theraplay practitioner, parents learn to play with their child in a way that establishes felt safety, increases social engagement, expands arousal regulation, and supports the development of positive self-esteem for both the child and the parent.

For more info: www.theraplay.com or Theraplay Italia (Facebook)