Theraplay at Restoration Counseling: Building Stronger Family Connections

Erica Edenfield
May 29
3 min read

At Restoration Counseling, we believe every child deserves to experience secure, loving, and joyful relationships. Theraplay offers a unique therapeutic approach to building stronger attachments and enhancing emotional bonds through playful and nurturing interactions. This method is ideal for families looking to improve their connection, trust, and communication in a supportive and interactive environment.

What is Theraplay?

Theraplay is an attachment-based therapy designed to strengthen parent-child relationships through structured play. Originating in the late 1960s by Ann Jernberg, Theraplay has become internationally recognized for its effectiveness in fostering secure attachment, improving self-esteem, and promoting emotional well-being in children and families.

Key Components of Theraplay

Theraplay sessions focus on four essential dimensions:

Structure: Creating predictable and clear boundaries to help children feel secure and safe.
Engagement: Encouraging joyful, playful interactions to strengthen emotional bonds.
Nurture: Providing caring, compassionate interactions that communicate love and empathy.
Challenge: Offering playful tasks to help children build resilience, confidence, and competence.

What to Expect in a Theraplay Session

Theraplay sessions typically last 30-45 minutes and involve both caregivers and children participating in playful activities. Each session includes:

A welcoming ritual to establish emotional safety.
Structured activities to promote secure attachment and emotional trust.
Parental involvement, with therapist-guided coaching and support.
A closing ritual that reinforces positive experiences and connection.

Theraplay Treatment Process

Theraplay includes four phases tailored to each family's specific needs:

Assessment and Planning: Initial observation and assessment (using methods like the Marschak Interaction Method) to create a personalized treatment plan.
Parent-Child Sessions: Interactive sessions focused on building trust, attachment, and emotional safety.
Parent Coaching: Empowering caregivers with practical techniques for continued progress at home.
Follow-Up: Ensuring long-term benefits through ongoing support and periodic check-ins.

Who Can Benefit from Theraplay?

Theraplay is particularly effective for:

Adopted or foster children experiencing attachment difficulties.
Families navigating developmental trauma or attachment disruptions.
Children struggling with anxiety, emotional regulation, or behavioral challenges.
Parents eager to strengthen emotional connections and family dynamics.

Is Theraplay Right for Your Family?

While Theraplay is beneficial for many, it may not be the best fit for families seeking purely cognitive-focused therapies or short-term interventions without active parental involvement. Families dealing with severe mental health issues that limit parent participation may also require alternative therapeutic options.

Theraplay and Faith-Based Families

Theraplay aligns naturally with values commonly held by faith-based families, including love, nurturing care, and relational restoration. Families desiring integration of spiritual principles into their therapy sessions will find Theraplay a meaningful approach to healing and connection.

Duration of Treatment

Most Theraplay interventions span between 15-30 sessions, with duration varying based on family needs, attachment complexities, and consistent parental engagement.

Start Your Theraplay Journey

If Theraplay sounds like the right approach for your family, Restoration Counseling invites you to reach out for a consultation. We're committed to guiding your family towards stronger connections and emotional healing through the transformative power of Theraplay.

Resources

Booth, P. B., & Jernberg, A. M. (2010). Theraplay: Helping parents and children build better relationships through attachment-based play (3rd ed.). Jossey-Bass.
Munns, E. (Ed.). (2009). Applications of family and group Theraplay. Jason Aronson.
Siu, A. F. Y. (2009). Theraplay in the Chinese world: An intervention program for Hong Kong children with internalizing problems. International Journal of Play Therapy, 18(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0013976
The Theraplay Institute. (2023). What is Theraplay? Retrieved from https://theraplay.org/theraplay/what-is-theraplay/
Weir, K. N., Lee, S., Canosa, P., Rodrigues, N., McWilliams, M., & Parker, L. (2013). Whole family Theraplay: Integrating family systems theory and Theraplay to treat adoptive families. Adoption Quarterly, 16(3-4), 175-200. https://doi.org/10.1080/10926755.2013.844214