CEs Available: 13     |     Two Day Training      |     In-person

Theraplay® is a child and family modality of play therapy for building and enhancing attachment, self-esteem, trust in others, and joyful engagement. Group Theraplay adapts this play-based modality from a dyadic parent child intervention to a group format focused on the development of healthy peer relationships. A Theraplay Group is an adult-directed, stuctured play group that incorporates playful, cooperative and nurting activities that enhance the emotional well-being of children. Unlike other play therapy 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. Gradually, positive messages from the groups become a part of the child’s internal sense of himself. This training is for professionals who want to use Theraplay in classrooms, day care, residential settings or with family groups. 

Register

Additional Information

Schedule

This is a two day training taking place February 7-8, 2024 from 8:30am-4:30pm Central Time. View this training’s detailed agenda.

Trainer

Kristen Borgmeyer, MS, MSW, LCSW, is a certified Theraplay® Practitioner, Group Theraplay Practitioner, and Group Theraplay Trainer. She is also a Registered Play Therapist. Kristen earned a Masters in Child Development from the Erikson Institute and a Masters in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago. Read full bio.

Summary

• Create an atmosphere that is warm, nurturing, engaging, and challenging
• Promote warm relationships between children and adults and friendships among peers
• Engage hard-to-reach children
• Place emphasis on cooperation between children
• Encourage children to learn and practice self- control
• Help children with regulatory disorders and tactile issues

Learning Objectives

1. Describe the four dimensions of Theraplay, a modality of play therapy
2. Apply Theraplay play principles to group treatment
3. Develop play therapy skills in using the group rules and group techniques through practice
4. Demonstrate how to adapt the use of group Theraplay in play therapy with various populations
5. Describe how nurturing and regulating physical connection can assist a child to feel calm and more organized in a play therapy group setting
6. List three effects of complex trauma on a child’s brain and behavior
7. Describe three techniques for managing resistance and problem situations in play therapy groups
8. List a variety of materials and activities that are appropriate for the group Theraplay model
9. List three essential strategies for successful implementation

Who Should Attend?

People who work with children and families in many different capacities will benefit from training programs offered by The Theraplay Institute. Visit our Who Should Attend page for more information. This course’s Content Level is Intermediate.

Bibliography

View this training’s bibliography for books and other materials referenced in the development of the content for this program.

Notes

If you’ve attended Level One Theraplay & MIM or Modules 1-3, you are welcome to join us for Day 2 of this program for 50% off the registration rate! Please note that CEs are not available for the one day option. Attendance of the entirety of a program (in-person or virtual) is required in order to receive continuing education or a letter of completion.

For information about our CE process, cancellation policy, and how to contact us with questions and concerns visit our FAQ page.

There is no conflict of interest or commercial support for this program.

Registration Terms and Conditions