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 child

ren. 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

Take your Theraplay® practice to the next level—wherever you are in the world!Ready to deepen your Theraplay® knowledge...
09/01/2026

Take your Theraplay® practice to the next level—wherever you are in the world!

Ready to deepen your Theraplay® knowledge and strengthen your clinical practice? Level 2 trainings are happening around the world, offering opportunities to continue your learning alongside Theraplay practitioners in your region and beyond.

For those in the United States, two virtual Level 2 trainings are coming up, making it easier to participate from wherever you live and practice.

Before registering, be sure to check the registration page for prerequisite requirements and other important details. www.theraplay.org/training

📍 Important: Theraplay® Level 2 training must be completed in the country where you live and practice.

¡Muchas felicidades por este importante logro! Tu compromiso con la formación y la excelencia profesional será de gran v...
08/30/2026

¡Muchas felicidades por este importante logro! Tu compromiso con la formación y la excelencia profesional será de gran valor para tus clientes y seguirá fortaleciendo la comunidad de Theraplay en México.

Ale, many congratulations on this achievement! Your dedication to training and professional excellence will serve your clients and the Theraplay community in Mexico.

Please join us on congratulating Ale on this achievement!
mexico

As school starts back up across much of the Northern Hemisphere our Play Days of Summer series comes to an end. Thanks f...
08/28/2026

As school starts back up across much of the Northern Hemisphere our Play Days of Summer series comes to an end. Thanks for joining us every week throughout our Summer of playful connection.

Play Days of Summer: Sunshine Compliment Toss

A ball can carry more than just a toss—it can carry a little sunshine. 💛

Grab a ball and take turns tossing it back and forth. Each time you catch it, share a compliment, a kind word, or something you appreciate about the other person.

🌟 “I love your silly jokes!”
🌟 “You are a great helper!”
🌟 “I like playing with you!”

Simple moments of encouragement help children feel seen, valued, and connected. The best part? You can play this anywhere—backyard, beach, or living room! Don't have a ball handy? Use a balled up pair of socks, a soft toy - anything that you can safely toss back and forth.

Ale, nos llena de alegría contar contigo como líder dentro de nuestra comunidad global de Theraplay. Gracias por tu comp...
08/27/2026

Ale, nos llena de alegría contar contigo como líder dentro de nuestra comunidad global de Theraplay. Gracias por tu compromiso y dedicación para fortalecer y hacer crecer la comunidad de Theraplay en Chile.

Ale, we are so glad to have you as a leader within our global Theraplay community. Thank you for your dedication to supporting a robust community in Chile!

Ale shared a few words with us regarding this important achievement!
"It is a true honor for me to have had the opportunity to train as a Theraplay trainer.

I thoroughly enjoy working with children; every day, they teach me that life is an adventure filled with gifts 💙.

It is a privilege to be able to train other therapists in this model and thus bring Theraplay to so many families in Chile who would benefit from it so greatly.

A special thank you to my supervisor, Nicole Charney, to whom I owe everything I have learned and who has so generously shared her knowledge with me."

Please join us in congratulating Ale!
chile

Join Supervisor Gloria Cockerill for an opportunity to explore a complex family dynamic involving caregiving across fami...
08/25/2026

Join Supervisor Gloria Cockerill for an opportunity to explore a complex family dynamic involving caregiving across family relationships and young children. The session will focus on using Theraplay to support the family’s unique needs, with time for feedback, discussion, and guidance for ongoing treatment.

Virtual | Pre-Requisite: Level One/Group Theraplay | *Limited Membership $15 | Unlimited Membership FREE

To register visit www.theraplay.org/training

Melek, Theraplay’i çocuklar ve ailelerle etkili bir şekilde uygulamaya kendini adamış uluslararası uygulayıcı topluluğum...
08/22/2026

Melek, Theraplay’i çocuklar ve ailelerle etkili bir şekilde uygulamaya kendini adamış uluslararası uygulayıcı topluluğumuzun bir parçası olmandan büyük mutluluk duyuyoruz.

Melek, we are so glad to have you in our international community of practitioners dedicated to implementing Theraplay effectively for children and families.

Please join us in congratulating Melek!

Play Days of Summer: Pool Noodle High-Five Tunnel A pool noodle can become a connection tool. Create a tunnel and invite...
08/21/2026

Play Days of Summer: Pool Noodle High-Five Tunnel

A pool noodle can become a connection tool.

Create a tunnel and invite your child to come through again and again. Each time they pass:
✋ High-five
🤚 Fist bump
👏 Silly cheer

The repetition is part of the magic. Children thrive on playful moments they can count on—moments filled with attention, encouragement, and connection.

Simple play. Big connection.

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

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