TheraPlay

TheraPlay is a subset of Play Therapy. Each subset has a different theory behind it and TheraPlay is founded on the attachment theory. The Attachment Theory is the belief that the relationship between a child and a parent strongly influences a child’s development and ability to form healthy relationships. 

TheraPlay is structured play, directed by the counselor and parent to help build a stronger attachment between child and parent. These activities help the child learn to tolerate structure, challenge, nurture, and engagement. TheraPlay also helps the parents learn how to implement these strategies with their child without a counselor. The hope is that the child begins to see their parent as a safe, sturdy leader whom they can trust.

If a child struggles with an insecure attachment, he/she may display some of the following behaviors: Anger, anxiety, defiance, high independence, highly emotional, unable to calm themselves down, high conflict with peers, shame, need for control, etc. 

This is not an exhaustive list but are a few of the top reasons why parents seek therapy. TheraPlay can help with these issues. Through the carefully chosen activities, the child is learning how to tolerate discomfort, not being in control, and how to trust his/her parent to be the leader. The child is then able to rely on his/her parent to help them regulate emotions because the ability to regulate always starts with co-regulation. From there, the child can find ways to regulate in situations of discomfort and communicate needs to parents. 

Each parent is involved in this type of therapy and will grow the skills and confidence to guide children through difficulties.