CEs Available: 9.5      |     Prerequisite: Module 5     |     Two Day Training      |     Virtual and 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. Theraplay involves the parents in play therapy an immediate and positive way.  The involvement gives them experiences of success and pride in their children so they can feel motivated to support them through the play therapy process. Through work with the parents, including helping them develop empathy for their child, conveying practitioner empathy for them, and building their confidence in their parenting capacities, practitioners can support long-term change in the family system.  This four-hour training is designed to teach participants the fundamentals of working with a wide range of parents and caregivers using the Theraplay model. For more information and learning objectives for Theraplay Module 6: Theraplay Application and Role Play visit this page.

Additional Information

Schedule

This is a two day training split between one virtual day and one in-person days. The virtual day is June 9, 2022 from 9:00am – 1:30pm Central Time (CDT). The in-person day is June 24, 2022 from 9:00am-4:00pm (CDT) in Chicago, IL. View this module’s detailed agenda.

Trainers

Jessica Weidel, M.Ed., LMHC is a Certified Theraplay Therapist, Trainer, and Supervisor. She has been using Theraplay in her practice since 2009. Jessica worked as an adoption preservation therapist in Chicago, IL where she served families who were struggling with their adoption or guardianship. She also worked as a therapist at the Theraplay Institute in Evanston, IL, and as an infant mental health consultant in the Healthy Families program. Jessica specializes in building healthy attachment (trainer for the virtual day).

Andrea Bushala (for 6b)

Andrea Bushala, M.S.W., L.C.S.W., R.P.T. has an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Miami University with an emphasis in child development. She obtained her Master of Social Work degree from Loyola University Chicago with a dual specialization in School Social Work and Children and Families.  In addition to Theraplay, Andrea is trained in Dyadic Developmental Psychology, narrative work and art therapy techniques. Andrea is a Certified Theraplay Practitioner, Group Theraplay Trainer and Supervisor-in-Training (trainer for the in-person day).

Summary

• This training provides an overview of why Theraplay telehealth can be a powerful intervention for families
  • This training provides an extensive experience and application of the theory presented in previous models including how to deliver activities that support:
    • Structure and the creation of felt safety
    • Engagement and using the power of co-regulation to optimize a child’s functioning in relationship
    • Nurture and meeting the need for physical comfort and connection
    • Challenge and the ability to support growth and resilience
  • The training provides explicit direction and practice on how to provide support to the parent within the limitations traditionally faced with remote work
  • This training outlines how to identify when Theraplay Telehealth is not clinically indicated as an appropriate intervention
  • This training provides direction on what a practitioner should do when met with resistance, dysregulation, and other concerning behavior remotely and in-person.

Learning Objectives

1. 1. Identify and deliver play therapy activities based on all four Theraplay dimensions
   2. Judge if a family is appropriate for Theraplay delivered via telehealth play therapy
   3. Name four ways to prepare yourself and the family for Theraplay Telehealth sessions
   4. Indicate ability to create a complete play therapy session plan based on specific clients
   5. List at least three play therapy activities that support the four dimensions (Structure/Engagement/Nurture/Challenge) in Theraplay Telehealth sessions
   6. Name at least three play therapy activities that support Structure in Theraplay In-Person sessions
   7. Recite at least three play therapy activities that support Engagement in Theraplay In-Person sessions
   8. Identify at least three play therapy activities that support Nurture in Theraplay In-Person sessions
   9. State at least three play therapy activities that support Challenge in Theraplay In-Person sessions
   10. Demonstrate ability to guide parents through the four dimensions in an In-Person session
   11. Integrate the ability to plan and lead a full Theraplay In-Person session

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

Notes

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.

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