The Theraplay Institute

Directions Website Contact the organization

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

Movement. Sensory experiences. Regulation. Engagement. OTs already know how powerful these things can be. Theraplay® can...
10/13/2026

Movement. Sensory experiences. Regulation. Engagement. OTs already know how powerful these things can be.

Theraplay® can add another layer: relationship.

Playful activities create opportunities for shared attention, co-regulation, turn-taking, following a caregiver's lead, and experiencing success together.

The goal isn't simply “Can this child do it?” It's also: “Can we do it together?”

OTs: How have you incorporated Theraplay into your work?

Want to learn more? Join us at a free "What is Theraplay?" webinar. Details: www.theraplay.org/training

, , , ,

The Theraplay Institute is at the Association of Play Therapy Conference in Minneapolis. Stop by, say hi, pick up your f...
10/13/2026

The Theraplay Institute is at the Association of Play Therapy Conference in Minneapolis. Stop by, say hi, pick up your free activity pack and ask us any questions you may have.

APT branch presidents, we have a special offer for you - come see us and learn how we can support your branch through in-person, fun experiential trainings.

Ready to take the next step in your Theraplay journey?Our next Level Two Theraplay® training begins October 22, 2026 — a...
10/11/2026

Ready to take the next step in your Theraplay journey?

Our next Level Two Theraplay® training begins October 22, 2026 — and it’s not too late to register.

Level Two training builds on your Level One foundation and supports practitioners in deepening their Theraplay skills through a more advanced, hands-on learning experience.

A reminder: Theraplay trainings should be taken in the country where you live and practice.

Continuing Education: 24 CE hours available. The Theraplay Institute is an Approved Continuing Education Provider with APT ( #95-008), ASWB ACEP ( #1318), and NBCC ACEP ( #6470).

If you’re Level One trained and ready for the next step, we’d love to have you join us.

Learn more and register at www.theraplay.org/training

What if movement could be more than movement?For physical therapists working with children, playful interaction can crea...
10/10/2026

What if movement could be more than movement?

For physical therapists working with children, playful interaction can create opportunities for engagement, confidence, shared attention, and connection while children are moving their bodies.

Theraplay® brings intentional relationship-building into those moments of movement and play. Because sometimes the most meaningful progress happens when a child feels: “We're doing this together.”

PTs: Where do you see relationship-based play fitting into your work?

Want to learn more? Join us at a free "What is Theraplay?" 30-minute webinar, Details www.theraplay.org/training

THERAPLAY + SOCIAL WORKERS Social workers know that relationships are at the heart of so much of their work.Theraplay® ...
10/06/2026

THERAPLAY + SOCIAL WORKERS

Social workers know that relationships are at the heart of so much of their work.

Theraplay® can offer social workers a playful, experiential way to help children and caregivers build connection, increase trust, strengthen attunement, and experience success together.

It can be especially meaningful when working with families navigating foster care, adoption, trauma, transitions, or changes in family relationships.

You bring the relationship. Theraplay gives you another way to work within it.

Social workers: How does Theraplay fit into your work?

Not Theraplay trained yet? Join us for a free "What is Theraplay?" 30-minute webinar. Register at www.theraplay.org/training

, , , , , , , , ,

Learn Together. Grow Your Theraplay Skills.Level One trained and looking to build your Theraplay® skills and confidence?...
10/01/2026

Learn Together. Grow Your Theraplay Skills.

Level One trained and looking to build your Theraplay® skills and confidence? Join Andrea Bushala, LCSW and Mandy Jones-Fischer, LCSW, RPT-S, JD for an upcoming Web Supervision session!

👀 Observe a real case
💡 Learn by seeing how other practitioners approach challenges
🌱 Build your own clinical skills and confidence
🤝 Gain a realistic model for evaluating and developing your Theraplay practice

Sometimes, one of the best ways to learn is simply to watch, wonder, and learn alongside other practitioners.

Join us online and learn from the successes, questions, and challenges of colleagues working toward Theraplay certification.

*After completing a Level One Theraplay & MIM training your first two sessions are free.

Register at www.theraplay.org/training.

Website UpdateWe’re currently experiencing some technical difficulties with the Theraplay® website and are working to ge...
09/30/2026

Website Update

We’re currently experiencing some technical difficulties with the Theraplay® website and are working to get everything back up and running as quickly as possible.

In the meantime, if you need assistance or have questions, please reach out to us at [email protected].

Thank you for your patience and understanding! We appreciate you.

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

, ,

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Theraplay Institute posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to The Theraplay Institute:

Shortcuts

Share