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 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

10/31/2025

The perfect Theraplay activity for Halloween - Mummy bust out! This activity falls within the structure dimension and is suitable for all ages. Wrap the child in toilet paper or crepe paper - wrap arms and legs for the full mummy effect. On a signal have the child break out of the wrapping like a mummy coming alive. Perfectly spooky for Halloween!

10/31/2025

Are you ready to deepen your Theraplay® practice?

Level Two Theraplay Training is designed for clinicians who’ve been using the Theraplay model for at least six months and are ready to go further. This experiential, discussion-based training is your opportunity to grow your skills, reflect on your work, and connect with other Theraplay practitioners.

Together, we’ll explore real case examples, analyze an MIM, strengthen Theraplay-based work with parents, and discuss how our own attachment histories, cultural lenses, and trauma adaptations shape the playroom experience.

You’ll also have the chance to share one of your own sessions and receive supportive feedback and fresh ideas from peers and trainers.

✨ Deepen your understanding.
💛 Expand your skills.
🌟 Reconnect with the heart of Theraplay.

Registration is now open for Level Two Theraplay & MIM in April 2026. Register today to take advantage of Early Bird discounts!
🔗 Register at www.theraplay.org (click on the calendar tab and select Level Two from the drop down)

10/30/2025

Thank you to our amazing trainers Jeremy and Nancy in Oklahoma City last week. Such a fun training for everyone!

Check out this trainee expertly leading a special handshake! In our trainings, we make sure you get the experience you need to apply Theraplay right away!

Find our upcoming trainings at the linktree in our about us section.

Intrigued?  Attend a free "What is Theraplay" webinar. Linktree in "about us"
10/26/2025

Intrigued? Attend a free "What is Theraplay" webinar.
Linktree in "about us"

"I went home after the first day of training and really "saw" my own child in a way I haven't in a long time, it was ver...
10/24/2025

"I went home after the first day of training and really "saw" my own child in a way I haven't in a long time, it was very moving"

Register for Level One Theraplay & MIM training to get a fresh perspective. Find our upcoming trainings at the link in our bio.

10/22/2025
10/19/2025

Level One Theraplay® & MIM training is coming to Hawaii with special, limited discounts for registrants living and working in Hawaii.

Theraplay° helps families build strong bonds through simple, playful activities that spark joy, connection, and trust.

Our Level One Theraplay & MIM training will build your skills in understanding strengths and needs in the caregiver-child relationship, and will teach you to plan sessions full of connecting activities.

You will also learn how to support caregivers in understanding what is behind their child's behaviors.

When children have healthy, connected relationships with their caregivers, they can thrive!

Registration information for our Maui, Hawaii training and many more can be found by visiting our website www.theraplay.org and clicking on calendar in the top tool bar. Or check out our event listings on Facebook.

As a small nonprofit, we appreciate your help in communicating our training opportunities to your local professional community!

"Nurturing activities can help calm and regulate the anxious child and enhance feelings of self worth." - Theraplay: The...
10/19/2025

"Nurturing activities can help calm and regulate the anxious child and enhance feelings of self worth." - Theraplay: The Practitioner's Guide Norris; V. & Lender, D.

Theraplay® helps children and caregivers connect through joyful, nurturing activities that build trust, confidence, and lasting relationships. Whether you’re a play therapist, counselor, or work in schools or family services—Theraplay can bring more connection into your practice. Curious to learn more? Explore our upcoming trainings and see how Theraplay can support the children and families you work with.

Look for our upcoming trainings at the link in our bio or visit www.theraplay.org and click on calendar

Join us for a Hybrid Level One Theraplay & MIM training happening across the United States.  Hybrid trainings take place...
10/17/2025

Join us for a Hybrid Level One Theraplay & MIM training happening across the United States.

Hybrid trainings take place in-person and online. Theraplay° helps families build strong bonds through simple, playful activities that spark joy, connection, and trust. Our Level One Theraplay & MIM training will build your skills in understanding strengths and needs in the caregiver-child relationship, and will teach you to plan sessions full of connecting activities. You will also learn how to support caregivers in understanding what is behind their child's behaviors. When children have healthy, connected relationships with their caregivers, they can thrive!

Register today at the upcoming training link in the bio or visit our website www.theraplay.org and click on calendar in the top tool bar.

*Register for a training in the country in which you live and work.*

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

https://community.theraplay.org/events/event_list.asp, https://linktr.ee/thetheraplayinstitut

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