Theraplay Practitioner​

Theraplay focuses on active play to create a deeper emotional connection, supporting your relationship with your child. While the science behind it is complex, drawing on attachment theory and brain development, the practice itself is simple, powerful and fun. One of our dedicated clinical psychologists will guide you through tailored activities designed to build trust and confidence. You will build a foundation of positive shared memories and by practicing these interactions in a guided setting, both you and your child learn new ways to communicate and support one another. Theraplay will focus on four areas. Firstly, structure; creating a safe, predictable environment where your child feels secure. Secondly, engagement; using playful games to help your child feel “seen” and connected. Thirdly, nurture via gentle, soothing activities that provide comfort and warmth. Finally challenge; building self-esteem through fun, achievable successes.

Theraplay is a versatile, relationship-based approach that meets children exactly where they are. It focuses on the universal language of play, so it is effective for a wide range of families looking to deepen their connection. Theraplay is particularly transformative for children who have experienced big life changes or early childhood adversity. This includes adopted and fostered children, children navigating trauma and children who find it difficult to connect with others or who feel overwhelmed by social interactions. 

We believe every child communicates differently. Theraplay is highly adaptable and provides a supportive ‘roadmap’ for neurodivergent children, including those on the Autism spectrum or with ADHD. We focus on social engagement strategies and sensory-friendly activities, that feel natural and comfortable for them.

Theraplay activities are designed to be both fun and therapeutic, instilling confidence joy while encouraging the child’s ability to regulate emotions. These playful activities are chosen based on stages involved in the child’s own development and the essential principles of the approach.

By using efficient exercises and embedding theory into each interaction, practitioners create a play environment that supports children function more effectively. Every session promotes positive shared memories while nurturing self-esteem and connection.

While every session is tailored to your child’s unique personality, we use a consistent ‘recipe’ to make sure the environment feels safe and predictable. Before starting regular sessions, we usually begin with a simple, filmed observation of you and your child playing together, working through a series of easy tasks, which is called a Marschak Interaction Method (MIM). It helps us see your relationship’s unique strengths and identify which areas of play (Structure, Engagement, Nurture, or Challenge) will be most helpful for you. Each weekly appointment follows a rhythmic pattern:

• Check-in & warm-up: we start with ‘upbeat’ playful games to get everyone tuned in to each other. This lowers stress and builds a sense of ‘we’re in this together’. 
• Heart of the session: Your clinical psychologist will lead you through activities that meet specific goals. 
• Cooling down: we finish with calming activities that leave your child feeling regulated, safe and emotionally ‘full’. 

Theraplay often involves the parent directly. Your Clinical Psychologist acts as a coach, helping you lead the play so that the ‘magic’ of the session transfers from our therapy room to your home.

Yes, absolutely. One of the greatest strengths of Theraplay is its flexibility. Because it is based on the pre-verbal, sensory ways that infants and parents first connect, it doesn’t rely on complex language or ‘typical’ developmental milestones.

Whether a child is neurodivergent, experiences sensory processing differences, has specific learning disabilities or has physical disabilities, we adapt every activity to ensure they feel successful and safe. We do not ask the child to fit the therapy; we fit the therapy to the child. We celebrate every child’s individual ‘blueprint’ and work with you to find the playful moments that resonate most with them.

Absolutely. In fact, Theraplay is often considered the “gold standard” for post-adoption support helping families build trust and attachment bonds. 

When a child joins a new family, they bring with them a unique history. Sometimes, traditional parenting or ‘talk therapy’ isn’t enough to reach the deep-seated survival instincts a child may have developed. Theraplay bypasses the need for logic and words, working directly on the emotional and physical bond between the child and their new parents.