Learning & Development:

Theraplay is an engaging, relationship-focused method of working with children that is interactive, personal, playful and fun. Principles are based on attachment theory and its model is the healthy, attuned relationship between parents/carers and their children - the kind of interaction that leads to secure attachment and improved mental health.

Theraplay activities enhance attachment between child and parent directly by bringing them together and encouraging and practicing playful, attuned, responsive interactions that build more secure relationships.

This course is not instruction on how to be a therapist but how to use Theraplay activities within the home for strengthening well-being and relationships.

Training Overview:

- Overview of Theraplay

- Theraplay and attachment theory

- Child development and effects of trauma

- Shame and guilt

- Issues affecting children in care

- Touch in Theraplay

- Dimensions of Theraplay

- Contraindications of Theraplay

- Activities for children and teenagers

- Family activities

- Theraplay language to use with children

Developmental Objectives:

On successful completion of this module participants will:

- Understand  Theraplay principals

- Gained knowledge on trauma and the effects on children

- Understand the Theraplay dimension

- Understand the reasons for activity selection

Skills:

On successful completion of this module participants will be able to:

- A collection of engaging activities to play with their families with an understanding of the benefits of these activities

- The carers playfulness and attuned responsiveness will have been enhanced

- The capacity for carers to  understand and empathise with the child’s experience will be enhanced