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

Theraplay® trainings are experiential, reflective and immediately useful in clinical work. Theraplay training would be u...
04/04/2026

Theraplay® trainings are experiential, reflective and immediately useful in clinical work. Theraplay training would be useful for professionals seeking more tools to effectively work with children and families.

Want to know more? Join us at a free, 30-minute "What is Theraplay?" webinar.

Register at www.theraplay.org - click on Calendar in the top toolbar and use the drop down to view upcoming sessions.

Thinking of registering for the SF Bay Area Level One Theraplay® & MIM training taking place June 2026? The early bird r...
04/02/2026

Thinking of registering for the SF Bay Area Level One Theraplay® & MIM training taking place June 2026? The early bird registration discounts are ending soon!!

Register today at www.theraplay.org - click on calendar in the top toolbar

Know someone who would love to bring Theraplay to their practice? Share this offer with them.



DDP & Theraplay® Online Workshop - April 14, 2026Learn how two powerful therapeutic approaches can work together with ex...
04/01/2026

DDP & Theraplay® Online Workshop - April 14, 2026

Learn how two powerful therapeutic approaches can work together with expert Vivien Norris in this online workshop "Combining DDP and Theraplay®: Opportunities, Challenges and Applications."

Book your place today: https://buff.ly/CUIf3QM

April 14, 2026
8:30-11:30am EDT
Online, worldwide

In this workshop, Vivien will guide you through how Dyadic Developmental Practice (DDP) and Theraplay® can complement each other in your work. You’ll explore:

• The shared foundations and differences between DDP & Theraplay®
• Insight into real-world applications of combining approaches
• Guidance on opportunities and risks to consider when integrating methods
• Examples like the By Your Side transitions model in practice

Vivien brings extensive expertise as a DDP Trainer, Consultant, and Practitioner, as well as a Certified Theraplay® Trainer, Supervisor, and Practitioner. She is also the author of key Theraplay® texts and clinical resources supporting family transitions.

This session is ideal for clinicians who have completed DDP Level One (Theraplay® Level 1 recommended) and want to deepen their practice supporting children with developmental trauma.

Book now: https://buff.ly/CUIf3QM

✨ DDP & Theraplay® Online Workshop - April 14 ✨

Learn how two powerful therapeutic approaches can work together with expert Vivien Norris in this online workshop “Combining DDP and Theraplay®: Opportunities, Challenges & Applications.”

Book your place today: https://buff.ly/CUIf3QM

📅 April 14 , 2026
🕒 8:30-11:30am EDT | 1:30-4:30pm BST | 2:30-5:30pm CEST
📍 Online, worldwide

In this workshop, Vivien will guide you through how Dyadic Developmental Practice (DDP) and Theraplay® can complement each other in your work. You’ll explore:

• The shared foundations and differences between DDP & Theraplay®
• Insight into real-world applications of combining approaches
• Guidance on opportunities and risks to consider when integrating methods
• Examples like the By Your Side transitions model in practice

Vivien brings extensive expertise as a DDP Trainer, Consultant, and Practitioner, as well as a Certified Theraplay® Trainer, Supervisor, and Practitioner. She is also the author of key Theraplay® texts and clinical resources supporting family transitions.

This session is ideal for clinicians who have completed DDP Level One (Theraplay® Level 1 recommended) and want to deepen their practice supporting children with developmental trauma.

👉 Book now: https://buff.ly/CUIf3QM

03/31/2026

Watching the experts isn’t just inspiring—it’s where deeper learning happens.

Every interaction is intentional.
Every moment builds connection.

This is the heart of Theraplay in practice. Register today for an upcoming session at our calendar on www.theraplay.org

Prerequisite: Level One Theraplay & MIM

This is what learning Theraplay looks like—engaging, experiential, and full of connection.Ready to see what it’s all abo...
03/28/2026

This is what learning Theraplay looks like—engaging, experiential, and full of connection.

Ready to see what it’s all about?
Join our free 30-minute “What is Theraplay?” webinar.

Register at the calendar tab at www.theraplay.org - select "What is Theraplay?" in the drop down menu.

03/26/2026

Join us at a Level One Theraplay & MIM training and bring joy and connection to the families you work with. Our trainings are in-person, experiential, reflective and immediately useful in clinical work.

Want to know more? Find more details on our calendar page at www.theraplay.org

Have questions before you register? Join us at a fun, free 30-minute "What is Theraplay?" webinar. Details at the link in our bio. New dates coming soon.

Theraplay training should be taken in the country in which you live and practice. Don't see your country listed here? Reach out to your in-country affiliate for training opportunities near you.

Take your Theraplay skills to the next level with Level Two Theraplay® & MIM training. We have trainings taking place ar...
03/24/2026

Take your Theraplay skills to the next level with Level Two Theraplay® & MIM training. We have trainings taking place around the world. Visit www.theraplay.org and click on calendar to register and to find out more.

*Trainings should be taken in the country where you live and practice.

Level One Theraplay® & MIM and One Day Group Theraplay is coming to Vancouver WA in August 2026!This training will build...
03/21/2026

Level One Theraplay® & MIM and One Day Group Theraplay is coming to Vancouver WA in August 2026!

This 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 parents in understanding what is behind their child’s behaviors. When children have healthy, connected relationships with their caregivers, they can thrive!

Registration and more information can be found under upcoming trainings at the linktree in our about us section here on Facebook or by visiting www.theraplay.org and click on calendar in the top toolbar.

Early bird registration discounts are available until May 3, 2026.

Have questions? Join us for a fun, free 30-minute "What is Theraplay?" webinar - it's easy to register just visit the "What is Theraplay?" link in our linktree or follow the link on this trainings registration page.

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



Join us in June at either our Level One Theraplay® & MIM or our One Day Group Theraplay® training in Houston, TX. CE's a...
03/19/2026

Join us in June at either our Level One Theraplay® & MIM or our One Day Group Theraplay® training in Houston, TX.

CE's are available for both trainings.

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 parents in understanding what is behind their child’s behaviors. When children have healthy, connected relationships with their caregivers, they can thrive!

**EARLY BIRD DISCOUNTS FOR LEVEL ONE THERAPLAY EXPIRE MARCH 23, 2026- REGISTER TODAY!!**

A Theraplay Group is an adult-directed, structured play group incorporating playful, cooperative and nurturing activities to enhance the emotional well-being of children. Unlike other play group approaches, Theraplay learning takes place on a non-verbal level. Instead of talking about positive social behavior, the group leaders and children DO positive social interaction. Positive messages from the group interaction gradually become a part of the child’s internal sense of self. Group Theraplay training is for professionals who want to use Theraplay with family groups, therapeutic groups, in school settings, residential settings, and more. *Prerequisite: Level 1 Theraplay & MIM.

Registration and more information can be found at our website www.theraplay.org - click on calendar in the top toolbar.

Have questions? Join us for a fun, free 30-minute "What is Theraplay?" webinar - it's easy to register just select "What is Theraplay?" from the dropdown in our calendar at www.theraplay.org.

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



Level One Theraplay® & MIM is coming to California!This training will build your skills in understanding strengths and n...
03/17/2026

Level One Theraplay® & MIM is coming to California!

This 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 parents in understanding what is behind their child’s behaviors. When children have healthy, connected relationships with their caregivers, they can thrive!

Registration and more information can be found under upcoming trainings at the linktree in our about us section here on Facebook or by visiting www.theraplay.org and click on calendar in the top toolbar.

Early bird registration discounts are available until April 8, 2026.

Have questions? Join us for a fun, free 30-minute "What is Theraplay?" webinar - it's easy to register just visit the "What is Theraplay?" link in our linktree or follow the link on this trainings registration page.

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



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Today we celebrate an extraordinary milestone—100 years of Phyllis Booth 🎉 Phyllis, a founder of Theraplay®, transformed...
03/15/2026

Today we celebrate an extraordinary milestone—100 years of Phyllis Booth 🎉

Phyllis, a founder of Theraplay®, transformed the field of child and family therapy through her pioneering work in attachment, playful engagement, and the healing power of connection. Because of her vision, children and caregivers around the world experience relationships that help them feel safe, seen, and secure.

Join us in honoring her remarkable legacy by visiting our special 100th birthday tribute page at www.theraplay.org/phyllis100

03/12/2026

Join us at a Level One Theraplay & MIM training and bring joy and connection to the families you work with. Our trainings are in-person, experiential, reflective and immediately useful in clinical work. 25 CE's are available.

Want to know more? Find more details at the upcoming training link in our bio or by visiting our website www.theraplay.org/training

Have questions before you register? Join us at a fun, free 30-minute "What is Theraplay?" webinar. Details at the link in our bio.

Theraplay training should be taken in the country in which you live and practice.

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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