GROUP THERAPLAY®

Group Theraplay training is for professionals who want to use Theraplay in classrooms, day care, residential settings or with family groups. This one-day workshop is for those who have taken Level One Theraplay & MIM.

A Theraplay Group is an adult-directed, structured play group that incorporates playful, cooperative and nurturing activities that enhance the emotional well-being of children. Unlike other play group approaches, Theraplay learning takes place on a non-verbal level. Instead of talking about positive social behaviour, the group leaders and children DO positive social interaction. Positive messages from the group interaction gradually become a part of the child’s internal sense of self. 

Course outline:

• Principles of attachment theory on an intellectual and experiential level

• The Four Dimensions of Theraplay for child development

• How to quickly assess which of the dimensions a particular child might need

• Strategies for incorporating Theraplay in daily interactions with children

• The importance of touch for children’s well-being and regulation

• The effects of complex trauma on a child’s brain and behavior

• Applying Theraplay principles to children’s groups

• Adapting Theraplay Groups to different populations

• Leadership skills for implementing a Theraplay Group

• Experiential practices of both being a participant and a leader

• Strategies for successful implement

Learning objectives:

• Apply Theraplay principles to group treatment in a school setting
• Describe how touch helps a child to feel more calm and organized and can result in an increased ability to self regulate in the classroom
• Describe the four dimensions of Theraplay, a modality of play therapy
• List a variety of materials and activities that are appropriate for this Group Theraplay model
• Develop skills in using the group rules and group techniques in practice
• Describe three techniques for managing resistance and problem situations in groups
• List three strategies for incorporating Theraplay in daily interactions with children
• Describe how feeling safe shapes a child’s social/emotional development and executive functioning
• Describe how a child’s feelings of safety are shaped by the following:
  • Attachment
  • Neurosequential development
  • Polyvagel system
• Demonstrate how to engage children in activities that promote felt-safety in-person and virtually

Participants must attend all hours of the course to receive the certificate.

Audience: for mental health professionals and education professionals at all levels & any professional that applies behavioural, developmental and relational science to their practice.

Mental Health Professionals: All mental health professionals including, but not limited to Social Workers, Psychologists, Nurses, Occupational Therapists, Youth Workers, Mental Health Workers, Family Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists, Residential Care Workers and Foster Support Worker, Play Therapists, and all other mental health professionals looking to enhance their therapeutic skill with families.

Education Professionals: Professionals who work with children or youth including, but not limited to K–12 School Counsellors, School Paraprofessionals and all other professionals who support behavioural challenges and complex learning needs.