Theraplay is a method based on attachment theory. We had the opportunity to discover this practice during a course at the university and it made us want to deepen our knowledge on the subject. This work seemed to us to be an opportunity to do so.
- Basic principles
Firstly, Theraplay is a method based on attachment theory, used for children from 18 months to 12 years generally, and their family. The main goal is to tune the parent-child relationship, that is to say to create a secure relationship between them : During the sessions they are led to have playful, tuned and responsive interactions that characterize a secure relationship. These interactions will establish a trusting emotional relationship between child and parents, resulting in a positive change in the child’s internal operating model of self and parents.
Theraplay shows parents in concrete terms how to use play to communicate love and authority and to guide their child in interactions that will develop skills, self-esteem and confidence. There are many reasons to start Theraplay treatment; these can be mild problems, where a few sessions are enough to get parent and child back on track, but Theraplay is also used for more serious problems, such as a disrupted attachment relationship as a result of traumatic experiences, a difficult start as a baby, or in foster and adoptive families.
- The course of the sessions
A classic Theraplay therapy consists of 18 to 24 sessions. It includes an evaluation period (3 or 4 sessions), then the actual treatment and finally a follow-up period of 4 to 6 sessions spaced out over 1 year. The sessions last 30 to 45 minutes once a week.
The evaluation procedure is first carried out by a standardized questionnaire on the child’s behavior and the parents’ attitudes (generally completed by the parents), then by an anamnesis and finally by an evaluation of the child’s relationship with each parent using a structured observation technique. After this assessment, a feedback session is scheduled with the parents.
The sessions are designed to be enjoyable and fun. The first session allows the therapist and baby to get to know each other. Although each child reacts differently to the idea of playing with the therapist, the same processes can be seen to take place: an initial phase of hesitant acceptance, then a phase of resistance and finally enthusiastic participation. The parents initially only observe the play sessions between the therapist and their child. When it’s possible, two therapists are present, one with the child and one describing the interactions to the parents. If there is only one therapist, he interacts with the child firstly, then he explains what happened to the parents.
In the last sessions they enter to interact with their child under the guidance of the therapist. Therapists then provide parents with tips for interactions at home, while waiting to see them again.At the end, parents complete the evaluation questionnaires again to assess the results of the therapy. Check-up sessions are planned afterwards to make sure that everything is going well.
In conclusion, Theraplay is a combination of playful and caring interactions between parent and child that lead to a secure attachment. These interactions are actively guided by the practitioner. This therapy aims to help parents to better interpret their child’s signals in order to develop their reflexive function and to develop new caring strategies.
Axelle Dosdemain (E209642X) and Alix Penicaud (E210532P)