The Theraplay Institute

The Theraplay Institute has been the international guardian for Theraplay since 1971, and a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation since 1995.

We are all about building healthy relationships- family relationships through Theraplay treatment, classroom relationships through Sunshine Circles, community relationships through our professional networking and educational services program, international relationships through our global affiliate partnerships.

The Theraplay Institute is:

• An international training institute, providing training for mental health professionals, parents and teachers, both locally and off-site around the world
• A provider of top-notch clinical supervision for Theraplay trainees
• The only organization that certifies Theraplay practitioners, trainers, and supervisors
• A Theraplay research clearinghouse and technical support resource
• An information resource center with an on-line therapist referral directory, library of publications and media resource center of books and videos

The Theraplay Institute’s trainers and supervisors are leading experts in the fields of attachment, parent-child relationships and trauma-informed practice.  We practice and teach others how to provide best practice therapy for problems resulting from sensory needs, trauma/abuse, developmental & neurological differences, medical trauma, adoption, and others.  We also help families with otherwise asymptomatic children who exhibit angry, disruptive, defiant behavior or shy, withdrawn or clingy behavior.

Initially earning our reputation for work with very young children, we have in recent years continued to innovate by combining Theraplay with other effective treatments such as Dyadic EMDR and Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP), enabling us to treat a wider range of children, including adolescents.  Theraplay has also been used with groups of Alzheimer’s patients, teen mothers, couples, mothers in substance abuse recovery programs and others.

The Theraplay Institute continues to publish books and videos for both clinicians and parents. We are also frequently asked to speak at major national and international conferences such as the World Association for Infant Mental Health Congress, the Association for Play Therapy, the Association for Social Work Boards and the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

We are approved continuing education providers for the American Psychological Association, the National Board of Certified Counselors, the Association for Play Therapy, and Association of Social Work Boards.

Mission Statement

Mission of The Theraplay® Institute

The Theraplay® Institute facilitates child and family emotional well-being by maintaining global standards for the practice of Theraplay through professional certification and development, engagement, and education in Theraplay.