Trainer
Jo Williams, Theraplay® Trainer, Practitioner and Supervisor.
Description of course
Theraplay is an attachment based, trauma-informed method of interacting with children. Theraplay is adult-directed, structured play that incorporates playful, cooperative and nurturing activities that enhance the emotional well-being of children.
Theraplay is beneficial to all children, not just those with behavioural, emotional or developmental problems. Workers with children create an atmosphere of fun, caring, acceptance and encouragement which allows the child to grow socially, emotionally and intellectually. Theraplay has been accepted by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration as an evidence-based practice and can be done with an individual child and her caregiver or a worker, in families or with groups of children in pre- schools, and Primary and Secondary schools.
Unlike other play group approaches, Theraplay learning takes place on a non-verbal level. Instead of talking about positive social behaviour, the group leaders and children EXPERIENCE positive social interaction. Gradually, positive messages from the groups become a part of the child’s internal sense of himself.
The Theraplay approach can very quickly and dramatically improve the quality of the classroom or other group setting and provide teachers, counsellors and therapists with resources to maintain an emotionally positive and cognitively enriched environment.
Objectives and Outcomes from the course
Apply Theraplay play principles, including the four dimensions, to group treatment
Integrate play therapy skills in using the group rules and group techniques through planning and practice of Group Theraplay activities
Demonstrate how to adapt the use of group Theraplay in play therapy with various populations
Describe how nurturing and co-regulating physical connection can assist children to feel calm and more organized in a play therapy group setting
Name three techniques for managing resistance and problem situations in play therapy groups
List three essential strategies for successful implementation
Who should attend
Training is aimed at:
Teachers, learning support assistants
Special education teachers
Additional support needs workers
People working with children/young people in a group home setting
Pre-requisite
This day is open to anyone who has completed the 4 Day Level One Training.
