Clinic Groups and Programs

The Theraplay Clinic offers more than just one on one work with children and families. These Theraplay-based, non-therapeutic groups offer support to children and adults who can benefit from an opportunity to connect with their peers. Virtual, in-person, and hybrid programming is available. We can also create a customized program to meet your needs! Are you interested in a program that could support the families you work with? Please feel free to reach out to staff clinician Kirsten Rieck at [email protected] for more details.

Camp Theraplay

This summer give your child lifelong resilience by registering them for Camp Theraplay. This week-long day camp will build your child’s social skills and expand their capacity for emotional regulation. 

Make and Play with Theraplay

Child and caregiver pairs will have the opportunity to connect with each other and peers in a combination play and art group. Each session will include Group Theraplay activities, a story, and an art activity. 

Everyday Theraplay

This course is designed to give parents and caregivers tools to reduce unwanted behaviors from their children by building a strong connection with them.

This virtual course is designed to give parents and caregivers tools to reduce unwanted behaviors from their children by building a strong connection with them. Participants will learn and practice methods and activities designed to engage, nurture, challenge, and provide structure to their children.

Be prepared to learn and play! This program includes presentation of information, group discussion, and an opportunity to practice Theraplay activities with other participants. Each participant will leave with resource materials to help support their family.

This course will be most directly applicable to parents and caregivers with children under the age of 12, but insights from the course and modifications to activities can be applied to older children as well.

Scheduled Sessions

February 1, 8, 15, 22 from 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm Central via Zoom
Register Now

Dates: July 22-26, 2024
Time: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm Central (aftercare option available until 5:00 pm)
Who: Open to children ages 5-10, max 16 participants

Camp Theraplay is a full-day, week-long, structured Theraplay day camp 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 behavior, 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.

Discounts are available for multiple sibling registration.
Scholarships are available.

In this camp children will have the opportunity to:

  • Learn and practice cooperation between peers
  • Learn and practice self-control
  • Enhance trust of others through concrete, personal and positive experiences
  • Experience warm relationships between themselves and adults and friendships among peers
  • Experience an atmosphere that is warm, nurturing, engaging and challenging
  • Have their basic needs met so they can be freed emotionally to explore their world
  • Receive support with regulatory disorders and tactile issues
  • Improve their cognitive, social and emotional development

Registration for Camp Theraplay is open! Learn more

Kid Connections groups can be brought to your organization/school or are held at The Theraplay Clinic/The Theraplay Institute at 1224 W. Belmont Ave. Fl 1, Chicago, IL 60657.

Kid Connections Theraplay Groups are adult-directed, structured play groups that incorporate 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 behavior, 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.

In these groups children will have the opportunity to:

  • Learn and practice cooperation between peers
  • Learn and practice self-control
  • Enhance trust of others through concrete, personal and positive experiences
  • Experience warm relationships between themselves and adults and friendships among peers
  • Experience an atmosphere that is warm, nurturing, engaging and challenging
  • Have their basic needs met so they can be freed emotionally to explore their world
  • Receive support with regulatory disorders and tactile issues
  • Improve their cognitive, social and emotional development

Sessions are 4-8 weeks long for one hour per week.

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