Theraplay(r) - The Practitioner's Guide, Paperback

The Definitive Guide to Theraplay(R) for Practitioners, officially endorsed by the Theraplay(R) Institute

Theraplay is an intervention that focuses on enhancing the connection, trust and joy between a child and a parent. It involves interactive, playful activities using simple face-to-face reciprocal interactions, and involves using all of the senses, including rhythm, movement and touch.

This comprehensive guide outlines the theory, reflection, and skill development of the practitioner - the true power house of Theraplay. By maintaining a focus on practice throughout, embedding theory into practice examples, it brings the spirit of Theraplay to life. Part 1 covers the key principles of the intervention; Part 2 addresses Theraplay in Practice: how to use the Marschak Interaction Method (MIM), how to set up a room and choose activities and considerations for working with different client groups; Part 3 encourages the reader to engage in their own development and the stages involved; and Parts 4 and 5 provide a wealth of useful resources, checklists, handouts, sample sessions and an up-to-date list of Theraplay activities.

Whether you are a Theraplay practitioner, or simply want to find out how this remarkable intervention works, this book is essential reading.

Dr Vivien Norris is the Director of The Family Place, Hay-on-Wye, UK. She is a consultant clinical psychologist and music therapist and certified as a trainer and supervisor in both Theraplay and Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP).

Dafna Lender, LCSW, is the Director of International Programming for The Theraplay(R) Institute in Evanston, IL. Dafna is a licensed clinical social worker and certified as a trainer and supervisor in both Theraplay and Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP).