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

Hello, from Emily and Wrigley (she’s the doggy in the picture), I'm a licensed family therapist with over 15 years of experience and Wrigley is my loyal sidekick creating a relaxing environment. I am passionate to help children and families overcome stressors and difficulties they are experiencing, such as: meltdowns/tantrums, sensory issues, ASD, anxiety, depression, fears/worries, and issues...
I have 20 years experience working with children ages 4 through 18, individuals, families and parents who are struggling with a variety of issues that are creating difficulty in their lives and relationships. It is my hope to create a safe and comfortable space for you and your family to work toward change and heal. I have extensive training with children and teens and their families struggling...
I specialize in working with children, using developmentally appropriate treatment methods. I have multiple years of experience working with children dealing with a variety of life issues including trauma, foster care/adoption, anger management, anxiety, self-esteem, and other behavioral issues. I provide parents with evidence-based parenting strategies to promote the parent-child attachment an...
Feeling stuck due to hard stuff in your past and present? Wondering what will help to get through these strong feelings? We all need to be heard and supported through hard things. We need to find joy and to feel more connected in our life. I will be your guide. I provide a safe comfortable space that meets you where you are. I can help to make those hard things smaller and more manageable. I we...
[I am currently not taking new clients, wishing you the best in your healing journeys] Often, we mistakenly ask the question, "what's wrong with me?" when the question to ask is, "what happened to me?" I work with children, adolescents, and adults - individually and in parent-child dynamics. Brain research shows that many of the symptoms we experience are often the results of our brains' effort...
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...

Sherry Fleydervish

Chicago

Illinois

Are you worried about changes in your child's behavior or mood? I am confident that together we can help your child find happiness, develop the ability to self-soothe, and regulate their emotions. I work collaboratively with parents and children to help them understand one another better and develop a deeper connection. Treatment starts where your child is at, addressing the individual needs of...
Life's challenges today are increasing levels of trauma, anxiety, depression, dramatic mood shifts and lowering self-esteem. I can offer a safe, sensitive, compassionate, relationship based solution. Together we will explore the impact of painful thoughts and emotions enabling us to develop a basis for clear insight and set the stage for hopeful growth and transformation. My experience includes...
Parenting is hard and full of unexpected challenges. If you are planning for a new addition to your family, experiencing strained relationships, dealing with behavioral problems, or are journeying with your child through trauma: I am here to help. I focused my career on working with parents, children, and adolescents who have experienced attachment challenges, trauma, sexual abuse, physical abu...

Laura Strohm

Austin

Texas

I am not accepting new clients at this time. I specialize in Children and teens with a history of trauma, explosive behaviors, or attachment difficulties. I connect well with Grumpy boys, Shy or struggling to fit in kiddos, and Creative/quirky types. Also, Confused parents wondering, How do I help? Together, we'll identify strengths and small progress that can be celebrated to increase self...
I believe everyone is doing the best they can with the knowledge they have. When we know better, we do better. I see my job as walking with client's through their personal healing journey as they learn new truths and new skills to improve their relationships with others and themselves. I am honored by the trust clients put in me to witness and assist in their healing. My ideal client is the one...
I truly believe that all children deserve the opportunity to reach their full potential. When a child is experiencing psychological stress it can have a significant impact on the child as well as on the entire family. Brief child-centered counseling can be the answer for growth, learning, and success. I help children and families develop the tools needed to reduce stress and address the child's...
Are fear and anxiety stealing your (or your child's) joy? Would you like to help yourself (or your child) learn how to relax? I would be honored to help! My passion is to empower children, adolescents, and adults through building on existing strengths and developing coping strategies to change thinking and behavioral patterns that contribute to excessive worry or anxiety. I specialize in treati...
I believe making the choice to enter therapy is brave, and I will support you in your journey. I will work with you, and your family if you desire, to be your best self. Whether you need help with relationships or healing from past trauma, I am here and ready to help. Additionally, I am a Certified Advanced Addictions Counselor, and can assist you as you begin the recovery process. This process...