Theraplay® for Babies, Infants, Children & Teenagers using Theraplay® principles and techniques

Currently, we are accepting new clients who would like Theraplay® principles and techniques treatment, to understand attachment and how to nurture a closer relationship with their child.

Professionals can contact the practice directly via Medical objects (Highgate Hill location under Jennifer Langdon), email or phone (0414448719). Due to current increased demand, calls may take 72 hours to return.

What is Theraplay®?

Theraplay® is a way for adults and children to be together which deepens the relationship between them. It is a proactive, intensive, relationship focused therapy based on natural patterns of healthy interactions between parents/caregivers and their child. Parents/caregivers are actively involved during this therapy process. The psychologist and parents work together, and the treatment involves respectful, emotionally attuned interactive physical play.

Theraplay® is based on a number of theories and research, including Attachment Theory, Affect Regulation Theory, Polyvagal Theory, Interpersonal Neurobiology, Neuroaffective Developmental Psychotherapy, Neurosequential developmental of the brain, Development of Emotional Circuits, & Intersubjectivity.

Through attachment, the development of a healthy emotional bond typically develops through adult to child interactions, providing a safe haven in distress, a secure base for exploration, and social and emotional development into adulthood.

There are four main themes that can be seen in every day parenting - Structure, Engagement, Nurture, and Challenge. These themes lead to a child/teens’s healthy development. Theaplay® builds on these four themes using a series of play based activities, approaches and experiences which helps the child/teen brain develop. Key to this development are the stages of Therapy®, the parents involvement, and a safe and secure therapy environment.

Theraplay® focuses on forming emotional connections between the adult and child, by concentrating on the earliest stage of relationship play, which is ‘here and now’ and to do with ‘me and you’ together. It understands the attachment style of your child and gently challenges negative and stuck patterns through play, while the parents and psychologist support the child/teen to help them gain control over their body, impulses and feelings (regulation).

WHAT IS INVOLVED?

Intake - An Intake appointment with one or both parents/caregivers where your child’s developmental history, questions for parental self reflection, problem identification, goal setting, and assessments are completed. (90-120 minutes in length)

Parent/Caregiver and Child Intake/Assessment (1 x parent/caregiver at a time) - A play based appointment with your child where you will complete a series of tasks to see how you both currently interact. The session is videoed so the Psychologist can review it with you, and provide you with helpful feedback at a parent/caregiver feedback session. (45-90 minutes)

Parent Feedback Session and Treatment Planning - A parent/caregiver only feedback session to review the areas for treatment. (90-120 minutes)

Theraplay® Demonstration Appointment - An appointment where parents/caregivers are demonstrated Theraplay®. (60 minutes)

Weekly Treatment - Weekly or Fortnightly treatment then commences with you and your child/teenager. The number of sessions will range depending on your child’s individual needs. All treatment appointments are video recorded to track treatment progress. The number of sessions will depend on: age of child, if you and your child complete the between session homework activities. (Session lengths 20-60 minutes depending on age and need of your child)

Parent Review Sessions - Depending on individual need, there will be regular parent only feedback appointments to track progress and to help support you. (60-120 minute)

End of Treatment - As the end of treatment nears, we will celebrate your success in some special way. It is an important part of the process to attend the final session, so you and your child have a plan moving forward. (60-120 minute)

Additional/future sessions - Should you require additional support or sessions, you can contact your Psychologist for these. Please note, attachment is not something that can be rushed. We understand parents often come to our sessions wanting the changes immediately, and kindly request you give your child and the process time to ensure a successful outcome.

Price/Costing - Please see our Services page https://www.psychologistsandcounsellors.com.au/services for fee schedule.

Recommended reading for Parents/Caregivers: Rodwell, H., & Norris, V. (2017). Parenting with Theraplay®: Understanding Attachment and How to Nurture a Closer Relationship with Your Child. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.