The Theraplay Institute

The Theraplay Institute The very act of engaging each other in this way helps the parent regulate the child's behavior and communicate love, joy, and safety to the child.

The Theraplay Institute is a global not-for-profit organization that trains mental health professionals to use Theraplay to help families experience joyful connection. Theraplay is an evidence-based dyadic child and family therapy that has been recognized by the Association of Play Therapy as one of the seminal and historically significant play therapy approaches for children. Developed over 50 years ago, and practiced around the world, Theraplay was developed for any professional working to support healthy child/caregiver attachment. Strong attachment between the child and the important adults in their life has long been believed to be the basis of lifelong good mental health as well as the mainstay of resilience in the face of adversity. In treatment, the Theraplay Practitioner guides the parent and child through playful, fun games, developmentally challenging activities, and tender, nurturing activities. It helps the child feel secure, cared for, connected and worthy. To find out more about us please visit our website. More information about our upcoming trainings can be found here - https://community.theraplay.org/events/event_list.asp

10/09/2025
Please join us in congratulating Brittney and Crystal who have both earned certification as Theraplay practitioners!
10/05/2025

Please join us in congratulating Brittney and Crystal who have both earned certification as Theraplay practitioners!

Headed to Houston for the APT Conference next week? Come find us at The Theraplay Institute booth!  Say hi to Jessica & ...
10/02/2025

Headed to Houston for the APT Conference next week?
Come find us at The Theraplay Institute booth! Say hi to Jessica & Jodi and grab one of our fun new stickers while you’re there.

Please join us in congratulating Marguerite on earning certification as a Theraplay Supervisor. Marguerite, you have put...
09/30/2025

Please join us in congratulating Marguerite on earning certification as a Theraplay Supervisor. Marguerite, you have put in a lot hard work and commitment to your growth within Theraplay - congratulations!

Some thoughts from Marguerite on reaching this milestone.

"Thank you so much for welcoming me into this community!

It feels a little strange to introduce myself as a supervisor when I’m just starting out—even though I’ve already had the chance to guide many students. My goal is to keep developing as a supervisor while gradually stepping back from direct fieldwork to make space for new practitioners. I really enjoy supporting others in their reflections and thinking together about what can best help families.

A bit about me… I’m a clinical developmental psychologist. I started my career working with adoptive families and, since 2012, have been based in a residential institution focused on parenting support—especially early parent-child relationships (both pre- and post-natal). Most of my work is with parents, young and adult, who have lived through adverse childhood experiences.This is where Theraplay came in—it felt like a natural, powerful way to support families in building positive, connected relationships. With the guidance of Dafna Lender in the U.S. and Virginie Vandenbroucke in France, I also grew interested in supervision. Now, alongside my work as a Theraplay and Nurture & Play therapist, I spend part of my week supporting beginner practitioners who are passionate about helping to create secure relationships."

09/27/2025

A Theraplay Group is an adult-directed, structured play group incorporating playful, cooperative and nurturing activities to enhance the emotional well-being of children. Unlike other play 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. Positive messages from the group interaction gradually become a part of the child’s internal sense of self.

Group Theraplay training is for professionals who want to use Theraplay with family groups, therapeutic groups, in school settings, residential settings, and more.

*Prerequisite: Level 1 Theraplay & MIM.

For more information or to register go to www.theraplay.org and click on calendar

It's one month until our Level One Theraplay & MIM training starts in Arizona and it's not too late to register! Therapl...
09/22/2025

It's one month until our Level One Theraplay & MIM training starts in Arizona and it's not too late to register!

Theraplay® helps families build strong bonds through simple, playful activities that spark joy, connection, and trust.

Our Level One Theraplay & MIM training will build your skills in understanding strengths and needs in the caregiver-child relationship, and will teach you to plan sessions full of connecting activities.

You will also learn how to support caregivers in understanding what is behind their child's behaviors.

When children have healthy, connected relationships with their caregivers, they can thrive!

To register or for more information - just visit www.theraplay.org and click on calendar





The Theraplay® Institute is pleased to announce Early Bird Pricing on our Level One Theraplay & MIM trainings scheduled ...
09/21/2025

The Theraplay® Institute is pleased to announce Early Bird Pricing on our Level One Theraplay & MIM trainings scheduled in 2026 and beyond. Sign up early to receive $100 off the cost of these practice-changing trainings.

To look for a Level One training happening near you visit the upcoming training link in our bio or visit www.theraplay.org and click on calendar. *Early Bird pricing can not be combined with any other discounts and is for US Level One trainings only.

Not ready to say goodbye to summer? Theraplay is here for you. With upcoming Level One Theraplay & MIM trainings taking ...
09/16/2025

Not ready to say goodbye to summer? Theraplay is here for you. With upcoming Level One Theraplay & MIM trainings taking place in Arizona, Southern California, Las Vegas and Hawaii you can stay warm while learning skills to create joyful connections in the families you work with.

A full list of our upcoming trainings can be found at our website www.theraplay.org - just click on the calendar link in the top toolbar.

Take a training in the country in which you live and work

Address

736 N Western Avenue #142
Lake Forest, IL
60045

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 8pm
Tuesday 9am - 8pm
Wednesday 9am - 8pm
Thursday 9am - 8pm
Friday 9am - 8pm

Website

https://community.theraplay.org/events/event_list.asp, https://community.theraplay.org/store/

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