Theraplay
Strengthening the connection between children and their caregivers.
What is Theraplay?
Theraplay is designed for children and their parents / foster parents / caregivers experiencing challenges in their relationships together. It is a cooperative and engaging approach to building a strong connection with the child
Theraplay is a powerful tool for therapists, but it can (and should) also be used by parents at home to help their kids learn how to regulate emotions and develop healthy coping skills.
Learn about Theraplay directly from key members of the Theraplay Institute
The benefits of Theraplay
The benefits of Theraplay are numerous: from boosting self-esteem, building empathy, improving communication skills, strengthening relationships, reducing stress levels, and more!
Theraplay is a counselling method that works to enhance the connection between children and their parents, or other caregivers. It offers playful, interactive activities with simple face-to-face interactions that work on all five senses, rhythm, and movement.
Who can benefit from Theraplay?
We've worked with lots of children who have grown in a positive way from Theraplay: from active, angry children who are prone to acting out, to shy withdrawn children, to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It works well for children from young ages all the way up 12-13 year olds, depending on their disposition and character.
Truly, all children can benefit from the play- and social-based treatment that Theraplay offers, which builds on 4 important dimensions of healthy relationships: structure, engagement, nurture and challenge. The games are fun and interactive, simple, yet powerful, and help to create deeper bonds between children and their caregivers.
"Play is your child’s most natural form of expression"
- Unknown
How is Theraplay offered?
Theraplay can be accessed as a single service at our practice or added on to family support services. It is a structured process that is guided by the therapist, which includes an Intake Session followed by observation to determine an appropriate treatment plan.
We find that it is also very valuable for parents / caregivers to continue to engage in Theraplay-based activities at home, between counsellor-assisted sessions in the office, as this helps to create a strong sense of connection and security with the child. Many parents have found Theraplay to be a great way to connect with their children outside of their sessions, and as an effective means of communicating with them at home.
We invite you to meet with us to learn more & see how we can help.
If you feel like your child could benefit from structured play to support their growth, and the strengthening of their relationships with you or other caregivers, get in touch!
No waiting for a reply! Book online, directly into our calendar, or call 587-318-0018
We offer multiple ways to meet, for sessions or Coffee & Chat introduction meetings. Meet us in person (at our Calgary office in Bowness), by phone, or through video chat (Zoom / Skype / Google Meet / FaceTime). Learn more about our COVID-19 Policies.