Theraplay: A Path to Connection

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Description: 
This interactive workshop will provide a brief introduction to the SAMSHA evidenced-based intervention of Theraplay.   The goal of Theraplay is to help the parent/caregiver become more attuned to the child and responsive to the child’s needs and for the child to be accepting of a more secure attachment experience. With the support of the Theraplay practitioner, parents/caregivers learn to play with their child in a way that establishes felt safety, increases social engagement, expands arousal regulation, and supports the development of positive self-esteem for both the child and the parent.

Category of Education: D1.3 Practice/Education/Research

Intended Audience: 

• Students 
• Psychologists 
• Counselors, Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, Addiction Counselors

Content Learning Level: Intermediate

Learning Objectives:

• Demonstrate basic knowledge of the Theraplay model, a modality of play therapy, and its roots in Attachment Theory.
• Describe how the Theraplay dimensions of Structure, Engagement, Nurture, and Challenge are used to meet children’s needs and address behavior problems in play therapy.
• Demonstrate 1 or more play therapy activities from each Theraplay dimension.