Theraplay®
Theraplay® is a more directive child and family therapy for building and enhancing attachment, self-esteem, trust in others, and joyful engagement. It is based on the natural patterns of playful, healthy interaction between parent and child and is personal, physical, and fun.
In a session, the therapist utilises Theraplay principles to guide the parent and child through playful games, challenging activities, and nurturing interactions. Theraplay® helps the child experience previously difficult interactions in new ways, helps overcome fear/ shame, increase trust, and create a positive change in the child’s sense of self. Theraplay® helps the parent be attuned to the child, understand the motives of the child’s behaviour and the underlying needs, manage environmental stimuli, and carefully challenge their child in a safe place. While other therapies may work primarily with the child alone or work with parents on managing the child’s behaviours, Theraplay® has shown that the parent-child relationship is the most powerful and influential element for change.
Theraplay® is known to help a variety of referrals including but not limited to:
Children with developmental trauma
Shy, withdrawn children
Overactive, controlling or aggressive children
Foster/adoptive children with attachment difficulties
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder & Pervasive Development Disorder
Children with physical disabilities, developmental delays or those who are non-verbal
Children who live in group settings
For more information refer to the Theraplay website at https://www.theraplayaustralia.com.au/parents-and-caregivers