About this course
Description:
Theraplay® is a structured, attachment-based play therapy modality designed to enhance the parent–child relationship through playful, attuned, and therapist-guided interactions. Rooted in attachment theory and informed by neurodevelopmental principles, Theraplay® focuses on four essential dimensions—Structure, Engagement, Nurture, and Challenge—to support emotional regulation, relational safety, and healthy social development. Unlike nondirective approaches, Theraplay® involves active therapist direction and caregiver participation, making it particularly effective for children with attachment disruptions, trauma histories, and difficulties with emotional and behavioral regulation. This introductory training provides new play therapists with a foundational understanding of the Theraplay® model, its theoretical underpinnings, and its application in clinical practice.
Learning Objectives:
1. Participants will be able to describe the theoretical foundations of Theraplay®, including its roots in attachment theory and neurodevelopmental principles.
2. Participants will identify and explain the four core dimensions of Theraplay® (Structure, Engagement, Nurture, and Challenge) and their role in promoting healthy parent–child interactions.
3. Participants will be able to differentiate Theraplay® from nondirective play therapy approaches by describing the therapist’s active role and the importance of caregiver involvement in treatment.