What is Theraplay?

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Theraplay is an approach to counseling for children that uses play in interactions with the adults in their life. Theraplay employs fun interactions to promote good behaviors and encourage the healthy expression of emotions.

Theraplay works with younger children up to 12 but could also be beneficial for children slightly older. Children who experience trauma or abuse early in life can benefit from the safety that is Theraplay’s goal.

Children learn to understand their world through play, so Theraplay encourages children and parents to engage in play that helps establish the safety of the relationship. If the connection between child and parent feels safe for the child, that child will flourish and thrive in their later relationships.

Theraplay can also increase self-esteem and creative expression within children, which can help protect their mental health as they grow up.

Therapists Who Specialize in Using Theraplay

Robin Shannon

Chicago

Illinois

My clients seek to understand and accept themselves and their life experiences. Together we will explore how your past is impacting your present, so you can ultimately move toward a better future. I work with individual and families from an attachment and systems perspective, knowing we experience many wounds through relationships but through our relationships we can also experience healing. It...
If phrases like "I don't know what's wrong," "I can't be happy," or "I am hopeless," taunt you or someone you love regularly, then you are ready to make a decision to create change. No matter your age, whether you are a parent or child, I empathize with where you are and commend you for making it to this point. I primarily counsel children and their families. My role is to help each person...
I help parents, children, families, and couples who are frustrated, angry, and hurting to heal and connect in a healthy way, rebuilding their relationships to bring harmony to themselves and their families. Through a family perspective, using the power of play, emotions, and at the moment experiences, I help kids from 0-18, families, and couples to address conflict, depression, anxiety, behavio...
Reaching out for help can be stressful and scary but it doesn't need to be. I will work collaboratively with you to provide a supportive therapeutic relationship, and guide you toward maximizing your potential. I specialize in helping children, adolescents, and adults with behavioral and emotional concerns, and getting to the root of the symptoms. I offer solutions to ADHD, depression,...

Rachael Griffin

Omaha

Nebraska

"Owning your story is the bravest thing you will ever do."- Brené Brown We all have stories, some that we have chosen to create and others that were created for us. Maybe your story is easy, maybe your story is hard, perhaps your story is embarrassing or maybe your story creates feelings of guilt or shame; Whatever the story, whatever chapter you may be in, whatever chapter you may be thinking...
Ask about video sessions. With the current evolving nature of COVID-19, we are now offering telemental health (TMH) sessions for all clients. It is an effective means of meeting your mental health needs when a trip to the office is not possible. ALSO OFFERING TELE-PLAY THERAPY- The premise of play therapy is to meet children where they are and to speak their language. Technology is the modern...
A sense of safety is critical for progress in psychotherapy, and I take care to provide that sense of safety for each person I serve. I appreciate the uniqueness of each person and family I encounter, and work in partnership with them to create their own unique healing process, based upon proven treatments, solid research, and recent advances in treatment protocol. I am a certified trauma...

Children’s Counseling Center

Greensboro

North Carolina

I specialize in working with children. I use developmentally appropriate methods to support children in healing from a variety of issues such as trauma, foster care/adoption, anxiety, depression, autism and behavioral issues. I help parents to support their children by teaching researched-based parenting strategies that allow parents to regain a sense of control while promoting the healthy...
“Does every family go through this?” “Why is this so hard?” “I need help!” Every family has a season of struggle. You are not alone! Meagan uses a family system approach, which allows for the entire family to benefit and heal from the therapeutic process. Together we will create a plan that best suits your family’s needs. Meagan’s focus is working with children from hard places; children who ha...
**Accepting new clients ** Your experiences have forged strengths and skills that are often hard to see for yourself, especially if you are overwhelmed. Some experiences may have been filled with trauma, identity issues, anxiety or loss. I work with you to process through the negatives, recognize your strengths and build further skills needed to meet your goals. We will capitalize on your...
"Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, expecting different results." ADDICTION is a result of an unconscious refusal to move through the pain of withdrawal (from a chemical, thought-process and behavior, other person, etc.). The behavior, therefore, gets repeated, accompanied by the cycle of BROKEN PROMISES, SHAME, and MORE UNHEALTHY COPING. Having experienced this same cycle (m...

Gina Metcalf

San Diego

California

I am here to support and accompany you on your path to healing. I understand the importance of creating a non-judgmental and non-shaming space to allow all of you to be seen, heard, and validated. I am very gentle in my approach and believe in enhancing the mind-body connection through the use of Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, and parts work. Let's work together to create movement towards a health...
Children and families are the focus of my life’s work. I love the energy that children and teenagers bring to the world. They are sensitive, kind souls. Struggling families may lose sight of the beauty of their children. It’s difficult when your child is acting out or dealing with a mental illness. You may be overwhelmed by the impact of abuse, neglect or the ramifications of divorce. Your chil...
I specialize in helping children, families, and parents harness their strengths and work towards meaningful change. Whether your child or family is struggling with behavioral concerns, emotion management, trauma, anxiety, depression, transitions, or attachment difficulties, my goal is to help you resolve emotional conflict, cultivate confidence, and create a sense of healing. I utilize play-bas...
I have witnessed how trauma can uniquely impact individuals on multiple domains of functioning. When trauma goes unaddressed, it can manifest into anxiety, self-esteem issues, depression, attachment-related concerns, and self-injurious behaviors. These intense emotional and behavioral responses can become overwhelming and confusing for everyone involved. Especially with all of the current...