THERAPLAY®
Theraplay is an immersive, joyful, relationship-oriented child and family therapy. It actively involves the parent in the therapy process, as it targets the harmonious parent-child relationship by increasing healthy interactions between the child and the parent. That is, the parent actively participates in the sessions. The aim is to activate positive internal working models of attachment (I am valued, loved, safe), increase self-regulation, and encourage joyful sharing about confidence. Theraplay also aims to empower the parent when they are on their own.
The parent-child relationship is the main focus of Theraplay. Theraplay has been developed on a strong theoretical ground. It has been shown in various studies that sensitive care and playful interaction support brain development, thus enabling the child to create a positive internal working model for himself, others and the outside world, and the effects of this situation can last a lifetime.
The aim of Theraplay applications is to create a regular, harmonious and pleasant relationship between the child and the parent and to make adjustments to direct this relationship. This situation causes a positive change in the child’s self-perception. The child, who sees that the parent focuses on the here and now and is in tune with himself, will also increase his capacity to regulate his emotions (regulation).
Appropriate amount of touch is used to assist the child in regulating stress in theraplay studies. Theraplay is nutritious and healthy to touch. Theraplay consists of four basic dimensions. The purpose of building activities is to organize and organize the child’s experiences. Adults set boundaries. It keeps the child safe and helps him complete the series of activities. The purpose of engagement activities is to establish and maintain a fun, positive bond with the child. A careful and intense focus is placed on the child, encouraging and encouraging him to enjoy new experiences. The purpose of the feeding activity is to reinforce the message that the child is worthy of attention and that the adults are ready to meet their needs by providing care and attention without the child’s request. This helps children to calm their anxiety, increase their self-esteem, and regulate their behavior. The aim of the struggle activities is to develop the child’s sense of competence and to encourage the child’s ability to take risks appropriate to his age. These activities often take place in collaboration with the therapist or parent with the child.
