What is Theraplay®?

Theraplay® is a lively, fun,  playful method that produces remarkable changes in the lives of children and their families and is based on attachment-based theories and research. Family Theraplay® follows a directive play  approach, whereby the Theraplay Specialist and parents, are joyfully engaged with the child.

Interactions focus on four essential qualities found in healthy parent-child relationships-structure, challenge, engagement and nurturance. Theraplay activities chosen for each session are those which are fun, spontaneous, interactive and require physical contact. 

Sessions create an active and affective parent-child connection. Amidst the laughter and hugs, through the playful, positive interactions that Theraplay provides, children begin to develop a new view of themselves, the world and how people in their world can respond to them. Theraplay helps children with many different issues (emotional, developmental, and behavioural).

Individual Social Skills & Coping Skills Coaching

For children and their parents to learn strategies for friendship skills, emotional regulation, anger reduction and more. Individual approaches include Theraplay, Nurtured Heart, Attachment Parenting to promote emotional healing, growth and connection.

Social Skills Theraplay®  Groups

Parents & Children (age 6 - 11)  and Parents & Teens (age12-15)

Our 8 week social skills groups for  children & teens,  are for those experiencing difficulties with mild behaviour, social and developmental skills. These fun, interactive small groups promote effective prosocial skills, desired behaviour, new friendships, and enhance parent- child relationships. 

Targeted skills include: eye contact, active listening, reading faces & body language, compromising, accepting "no", anger management, respecting boundaries, dealing with teasing & bullying and more.

Sessions consist of playful, fun, activities, role play of skills with props, lively discussions and homework assignments. Amidst the laughter and hugs, youth and parents acquire new scripts and buzz words to promote success and social competency.

Classroom Theraplay® Social Skills Groups

(Students & their Teachers)

Children go to school for years and each class advances yearly with the same students. What better environment for a social skill intervention. This "classroom family" format provides an effective, safe milieu in which members acquire prosocial and friendship skills.

Targeted skills include, eye contact, active listening, waiting turns, asking permission, accepting 'no", reading faces & body language, respecting boundaries, dealing with teasing & bullying, anger management and more.

Teachers play a key role acquiring buzz words and strategies, then utilizing them during structured and unstructured times of the school day. Group process provides a powerful tool allowing impetus for change and the attainment of individual and group goals.

Benefits of Theraplay®