Theraplay®: A Playful Approach to Healing and Attachment
“Okay, ready?” the therapist asked, smiling at the boy. His mother leaned in, took a playful breath, and “whoosh!” The boy toppled over dramatically, giggling.
“That was a strong wind!” he exclaimed. They played the game again, but even when the mother’s blow was soft and gentle, the boy still fell over exaggeratedly.
Gradually, with the therapist’s gentle cues—“Let’s try standing still this time; feel the soft wind”—the boy began to respond more appropriately. His reactions became less chaotic, and his mother’s quiet laughter encouraged him to stay calm and regulate his emotions.
This is how Theraplay® works: creating attuned, joyful experiences that build emotional regulation and strengthen attachment bonds.
What is Theraplay®?
Theraplay® is an engaging, playful, relationship-focused treatment method that is interactive, physical, and fun. Its principles are based on attachment theory, emphasizing the kind of interaction that leads to secure attachment and lifelong mental health. This intensive approach actively involves parents in sessions with their children to create or fine-tune the parent-child relationship. 1 With over 60 years of history and research, Theraplay® is recognized as a highly effective modality for children and families.
Who Can Benefit from Theraplay®?
Theraplay® is beneficial for children from infancy through adolescence but is most commonly used with children aged 18 months to 12 years old. It effectively addresses challenges like attachment issues, emotional dysregulation, autism spectrum disorder, behavioural issues or developmental delays. It supports families facing stressors such as divorce, separation or mismatched temperaments and has proven effective in foster, adoptive, and high-stress family settings.
Four Dimensions of Theraplay® and Game Examples
Theraplay® sessions are based on four essential dimensions, which are important to include when we are raising a child.
Structure (S): Providing a predictable and organized environment where the child feels safe and understands boundaries. It forms the foundation for all the other dimensions. Game examples, Peanut Butter and Jelly, Red Light/ Green Light, etc.
Engagement (E): Fostering joyful and attuned interactions to build trust and connection between the child and parents. Game examples, mirroring, Row Your Boat, etc.
Nurture (N): Offering care and comfort to address the child’s emotional needs and promote a sense of security. This dimension emphasizes the importance of physical touch. Game examples, applying lotions game, feeding each other, etc.
Challenge (C): Encouraging the child to strive a bit and take risks, to explore, be more independent to build competence and confidence. Game examples, balancing activities, Tug-of-war, etc.
What will be like in the Theraplay® sessions?
A typical Theraplay treatment involves several key steps:
Intake Assessment for Parents: Involves the parent interview to evaluate the family’s needs as well as the appropriateness of the family for treatment.
Marschak Interaction Method (MIM): A structured observation which is videotaped, where the therapist analyzes and assesses the parent-child interaction by completing activities together to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
Parent Feedback and Practice Sessions: Discussing the findings from the MIM with parents, providing insights, and practicing specific techniques to enhance their interactions with their child.
Weekly Treatment and Parent Support Sessions: Conducting regular Theraplay® sessions with the child and parent, supplemented by ongoing support and guidance for parents to reinforce progress at home.
In today’s fast-paced world, Theraplay® provides a much-needed opportunity for parents and children to engage in meaningful, attachment-based play. It is more than just playing games; each activity is thoughtfully designed to promote self-regulation, strengthen relationships, and address emotional needs. By fostering these vital connections, Theraplay® supports children in their overall well-being and helps families thrive together.
Meet Michelle Yung, a therapist using Theraplay® principles with Level 1 training.
Learn more about Michelle here: https://www.present-mind.ca/michelle-yung
