Description:

Level One training prepares participants to begin using Theraplay® Informed Practice in their work. Workshop participants will process through the Theraplay® protocol by examining the principles of attachment theory on an intellectual and experiential level, The Four Dimensions of Theraplay®, and  the Marschak Interaction Method (MIM), including the administration, analysis and how to use it as a guide for their treatment planning. This workshop will support group discussion on how to manage possible resistance throughout this treatment process and the therapist’s countertransference when working with children and families.

Objectives:

1. Differentiate three play, attachment-based theories and how they support the work of Theraplay
2. Differentiate how children with various attachment styles present in play therapy sessions
3. Explain the benefits of using the MIM in your play therapy practice
4. Arrange the MIM play therapy assessment tool
5. Analyze the MIM at a beginning level to benefit families in play therapy
6. Construct a play therapy treatment plan based upon the MIM analysis
7. Classify three play therapy goals to be achieved during a MIM feedback session with parents
8. Describe the four dimensions of Theraplay, a modality of play therapy
9. Demonstrate one play-based activity from each dimension: Structure, Engagement, Nurture and Challenge.
10. Describe three possible ways of adapting Theraplay into play therapy treatment to meet the needs of a child with complex trauma
11. Describe how to guide parents to participate in a Theraplay, a modality of play therapy, in treatment session
12. Show how to prepare parents to use Theraplay play therapy techniques at home to further therapeutic goals
13. Describe how various parent attachment styles present in play therapy sessions
14. Demonstrate adapting Theraplay play therapy techniques to three different populations of families
15. Apply Theraplay techniques to work through resistance in play therapy sessions
16. Show how to adapt Theraplay activities for children of different ages
17. Explain how to prepare for termination of Theraplay treatment
18. Analyze how the clinician is impacted by the functioning of parents and children in play therapy sessions
19. Identify two types of clients for whom Theraplay would not be an appropriate play therapy modality

Instructor: Sam Bunnyfield, LCSW, RPT