by Sandra Webb (published in The Theraplay Institute Newsletter, Summer 2011)
Article on Theraplay by Sandra Webb
Theraplay® is a short-term, therapist-directed play therapy for children and their parents. It is designed to enhance attachment, raise self-esteem, improve trust in others and create joyful engagement. 
Theraplay® is based on the natural patterns of healthy interaction between parent and child, and is personal, physical and fun. Interactions focus on five essential qualities found in parent-child relationships: Structure, Engagement, Nurture, Challenge and Playfulness. Theraplay® sessions create an active and empathic connection between the child and the parents, resulting in a changed view of the self as worthy and lovable and of relationships as positive and rewarding. Parents are actively involved in the treatment and empowered to continue on their own the health promoting interactions of the treatment sessions.
History
Theraplay® and The Theraplay® Institute were developed by clinical psychologist Ann M. Jernberg, Ph.D. Theraplay® has been used extensively since 1967 in Head Start and day care centers, special education classrooms, early intervention and parenting programs, residential and out-patient treatment centers and private family practice. Because of its relationship enhancing aspects, Theraplay® is used effectively with children diagnosed as having autism or pervasive developmental disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders, attachment disorders, adjustment disorders, anxiety disorders, behavioral problems and depression.
Professional Training
Psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, counselors, family therapists, educators, speech/language and occupational therapists and child care workers in the U.S. and abroad have been trained in Theraplay®. Some trainees go on to become Certified Theraplay® Therapists and Certified Theraplay® Trainers.
The Theraplay® Institute
The Theraplay® Institute is a not-for-profit treatment and training organization with offices in Chicago and Wilmette, Illinois. The Theraplay® Newsletter, published by the Institute, communicates the latest information about Theraplay® research, clinical experience and educational offerings.
Articles
Recent Publications
- Evaluating the Effectiveness of Theraplay in treating shy, socially withdrawn children.
by Wettig, Herbert H. G.; Coleman, A. Rand; Geider, Franz J. International Journal of Play Therapy, Vol 20(1), Jan 2011, 26-37. - Read an article from Good Housekeeping magazine (February 2011) about how
Theraplay helped an adoptive family overcome serious problems and become
healthy and happy together. Theraplay in Good Housekeeping magazine, February 2011 - Read a new article about Theraplay in the UK from the Adoption Today journal, October 2010