Do you need help with your over-reactive, aggressive, rigid, or withdrawn child? Do you need a solution that will tame the outbursts, physical aggression, or yelling matches. Do you desire more shared joy and positive interaction in your relationship with your child? If you answered yes, Theraplay is likely a great fit for you and your child.
Parents often feel worried, defeated, hopeless or like they have missed the mark in some way when they realize their child may need some additional support. The truth is, your child’s behavior is always communicating a need to you. Theraplay falls under the umbrella of play therapy. It is a relationship focused parent-child treatment model that is modeled on the natural patterns of healthy interaction between parent and child. Play creates joy and joy changes the brain!
So what is this going to look like in therapy? You and I (the parent or caregiver) are a team. I work closely with you teaching you new ways to engage your child that will focus on stimulating the emotional brain. The activities we do will create a sense of safety and co-regulation, build a positive inner working model, build confidence, and create moments of joy. Here are a a few, quick and fun activities you can try with your child today. All you have to do is focus on enjoying your child while you do it, no other requirements.
- Make up a special hand shake
- Give your child a piggy back ride around the house or yard
- Peanut butter and jelly – say “peanut butter” and have your child say “jelly” in the same way. Use silly voices and repeat 5 times using varying tones and loudness.
- Mirroring – sit facing the child and move your face, arms, and body parts and ask your child to move in the same way.
If you are worried that your child is too young, won’t be able to express himself, or may not open up to me in session, have no fear. Theraplay works with children of all ages, I don’t ask the child questions and if they are shy or withdrawn the activities are designed to work. I believe the healing takes place in relationship with those we love and care about. We will work together as a team to strengthen your relationship with your child and get the results you desire for yourself and your family. Call or email me today for a free 10 minute phone consultation. I also invite you to learn more about me here.
{Theraplay: Helping Parents and Children Build Better Relationships Through Attachment-Based Play by Phyllis B. Booth and Ann M. Jernberg}
Be Well,
Cathy