Training and events

All training and event opportunities are now hosted by Inspire Me Events Ltd, for further details please visit their website.

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2-day Theraplay training

The program will contain:

principles of attachment theory on an intellectual and experiential level
the Four Dimensions of Theraplay for child development
how to quickly assess which of the dimensions a particular child might need
strategies for incorporating Theraplay in daily interactions with children
the importance of touch for children's well-being and regulation
the effects of complex trauma on a child's brain and behaviour
applying Theraplay principles to children's groups
adapting Theraplay Groups to different populations
leadership skills for implementing a Theraplay group
addressing resistant behaviour within the Theraplay group
experiential practices of both being a participant and a leader
strategies for successful implementation

Learning objectives

describe the four dimensions of Theraplay, a modality of play therapy
apply Theraplay principles to group treatment
have developed skills in using the group rules and group techniques through practice
demonstrate how to adapt the use of group Theraplay with various populations
describe how nurturing and regulating physical connection can assist a child to feel calm and more organized in a group setting
list three effects of complex trauma on a child's brain and behaviour
describe three techniques for managing resistance and problem situations in groups
list a variety of materials and activities that are appropriate for the group Theraplay model
list three essential strategies for successful implementation

Dates	Venue	Cost
Wednesday 25 to Thursday 26 September 2019	The Three Swans Hotel 21 High Street Market Harborough LE16 7NJ	£380

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Level Two Theraplay and Marschak Interaction Method (MIM)

Module One: Core concepts in-depth and MIM skill development

This module will focus on several examples of MIMs and their interpretation to improve your comfort and skill in administering and interpreting this assessment.

In-depth application of the core concepts of Theraplay and current relevant research to case material.
Marschak Interaction Method (MIM) by dimension - an in-depth analysis using case examples.
Observation and analysis of MIM using case material.
The parent feedback session - preparation and implementation to enhance the therapeutic relationship with caregivers.

Learning objectives

Describe the underlying principles of Theraplay, a modality of play therapy, and their relationship to current attachment and brain research.
Administer and analyse the MIM at an intermediate skill level.
Develop skills in the use of the MIM for play therapy treatment planning.
Describe how to use feedback sessions with parents to transmit a sense of hopefulness and trust in play therapy treatment.

Special features

Time permitting, you may share one of your complex or interesting MIM’s for group discussion.
Actual case material will be utilised through video to enhance your learning experience.

Module Two: Working with Parents and Building Your Theraplay Skills

This module will help improve the breadth of your Theraplay skill set to bring your Theraplay work to a higher skill level.

Assessment of complex parents using case material - clinical decision making related to contraindications for Theraplay.
Working with caregiver’s attachment history in Theraplay treatment planning, feedback sessions and progress.
Implementation of the parent demonstration session.
Managing resistance throughout the treatment process.
Managing countertransference in your work with children and families.
Role play and practice of activities.

Learning objectives

Describe play therapy methods for overcoming parental resistance.
Describe factors that influence the decision of whether to include parents in play therapy treatment sessions.
Demonstrate how to use a wider range of Theraplay activities and techniques.
Describe how to adapt Theraplay, a modality of play therapy, to work with a wider range of populations, such as children with autism and older children.
Describe play therapy strategies for dealing with resistant clients.

Special features

The training will include lots of practice and a wide range of video examples.

Module Three: Adapting Theraplay to Work with Trauma and Complex Families

If you work with children who have been traumatised, have attachment disorders or complex families we highly recommend that you attend this program. It will help you sensitively adapt Theraplay to work with this population.

Developmental trauma and Theraplay - Clinical decision making.
Adaptation of activities for clients and families impacted by trauma.
Engaging caregivers with their own trauma history in treatment process.
Integration of Theraplay with other modalities to meet the needs of children and families.
Adaptation of activities for different populations.

Learning objectives

Describe the concept of complex trauma and how it applies to play therapy.
Describe three modifications to Theraplay, a modality of play therapy, to meet the needs of traumatised children.
Assess when to use Theraplay in the overall play therapy treatment course of a client.
Describe how to adapt treatment to meet the needs of parents who may have been traumatised.

Special features

Actual case material will be utilised through video to enhance your learning experience.
Participants will practice Theraplay modifications for trauma.
Participants will develop and practice a treatment plan for one of their traumatised clients.
Actual case material will be utilised through video to enhance your learning experience.

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Level One Theraplay and the Marschak Interaction Method

Venue: The Three Swans Hotel, 21 High Street, Market Harborough LE16 7NJ

Theraplay workshops are intensive, active and rewarding. The number of participants is limited so that each person can receive the special attention that makes for a good training experience. There are opportunities to:

observe the live treatment of a family, including the assessment via the Marschak Interaction Method, feedback to the parents, and several Theraplay sessions
watch videotapes of treatment with a variety of clients
practice the use of Theraplay techniques
plan how each participant can use Theraplay with their clients at home

Completion of Theraplay and MIM training is the first step in the Theraplay^® therapist certification process.

Learning objectives

Knowledge of how to administer the Marschak Interaction Method (MIM) including methods of recording non-verbal and verbal behaviours, making inferences and formulating hypotheses.
Knowledge of how a MIM report is organised.
Knowledge of how a feedback session is conducted.
Knowledge of how the MIM is used as a guideline for planning treatment.
Understanding of the history and theory of Theraplay.
Increased knowledge in the interactional basis of parent-infant attachment and self-esteem.
Skill development in the differentiation and use of the 4 Theraplay dimensions.
Knowledge of how Theraplay is used to meet the needs of children with behaviour problems, foster and adopted children, autistic children, adolescents, and traumatised children.
Knowledge of how parents are guided to empathically observe and participate in Theraplay sessions aimed at fostering better parent-child attachment.
Skill development in group work.

Please note: The Theraplay Institute requires you to read chapters 1, 2 and 4 of Theraplay, third edition, prior to the training (Ann M. Jernberg, Phyllis B. Booth, available online at Amazon).