PLAY is your child's most natural form of expression
Theraplay®
A child and family therapy for building and enhancing attachment, self-esteem, trust in others and joyful engagement.
Theraplay® is based on the natural patterns of playful, healthy interaction between caregivers and children. It is an active, relational approach that is personal, physical and engaging.
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Theraplay interactions focus on four essential qualities found in healthy caregiver–child relationships: Structure, Engagement, Nurture and Challenge. Through these experiences, children are supported to feel safe, valued and connected, and to develop a more positive view of themselves and relationships.
Who is Theraplay suitable for?​
Theraplay is suitable for a wide range of children, particularly those who benefit from additional support with emotional regulation, relationships and connection.
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This may include children who:
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have experienced early stress or trauma, including medical experiences, neglect or disrupted caregiving
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have developmental delays or neurodivergent profiles (including autism and ADHD)
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experience big emotions, difficulty with regulation, or challenges in relationships
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appear withdrawn, anxious, highly reactive, or struggle to feel safe and connected
A formal diagnosis is not required to benefit from Theraplay.
What are the benefits of Theraplay?​
Here are the key benefits:
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Building Closer Relationships: Theraplay fosters a deeper emotional connection between the child and the caregiver. The activities are designed to create a sense of closeness and bonding through engaging and nurturing play.
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Enhancing Emotional Regulation: The structured nature of Theraplay helps children regulate their emotions more effectively. Children learn to manage their states of arousal and emotions in a safe, supportive environment.
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Improving Social Skills: Children who engage in Theraplay are more likely to feel comfortable around adults and peers, which can improve their ability to interact socially and engage in positive relationships.
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Encouraging Emotional Expression: By participating in play that involves challenge, nurturing, and structure, children can more spontaneously express their feelings in healthy, adaptive ways.
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Caregiver Support: Caregivers are guided on how to be more attuned to their child's emotional state and how to respond in ways that help the child regulate their emotions. This strengthens the overall relationship and helps parents become more effective in supporting their child's development.
Essentially, Theraplay supports children in learning how to connect with others, manage emotions, and engage in positive, expressive interactions—all within a safe and structured environment that promotes growth
What is involved in Theraplay?​
Families typically participate in Theraplay through a structured block of sessions. Initially, activities are guided by the therapist to support safety, regulation and connection. Over time, caregivers are supported to take a more active role in leading activities, with guidance and reflection.
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The sessions are designed to be fun, physical, personal, and interactive and replicate the natural, healthy interactions between parents and young children.
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Sessions are video recorded so that parent and therapist can review together during parent reviews, reflecting and celebrating goals achieved and progress made.
Through guided play children are supported to see relationships with their caregiver as safe, predictable, warm and secure. It also assists children to stay regulated as activities are aimed within a child's window of tolerance. Theraplay structured activities involve healthy levels of challenge, nurture and engagement tailored to support a child's social and emotional development.
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