About Theraplay
Developed in the late 1960s by Ann Jernberg, Theraplay is a child and family therapy, based on attachment theory, that aims to address behavioral, emotional, and developmental issues. It is endorsed by the Association for Play Therapy as a historically significant play therapy approach. At its core, Theraplay endorses healthy attachments between caregivers and children for them to develop a healthy sense of self. To achieve this, Theraplay has the practitioner, along with the caregiver, facilitate fun, nurturing, and involved activities to build a healthy relationship with the child, allowing them to experience a positive and safe world as they explore their emotional states. It can be adapted for all ages.
Core Concepts
Theraplay uses practitioner guidance to create playful and caring child-adult interactions that foster joyful shared experiences. These activities build attunement and understanding of each other – replicating early relationship experiences that are proven to lead to secure attachment. The sessions are personal, physical and fun – a natural way for everyone to experience the healing power of being together. Theraplay sessions focus on four essential qualities found in healthy parent-child relationships: structure, engagement, nurture, and challenge.
