Theraplay (Jernberg, 1979). Then, we separated them into dimensions: structure, engagement, nurture, and challenge.
Theraplay® is often compared to Viola Brody’s developmental play therapy. Phyllis shared her perspective on the common threads between the two approaches.
Viola’s focus on touch and on responding to the child’s “regressive” needs was an important early influence. Ann said, “Theraplay®… resembles the therapies of Des Lauriers and Brody far more than it differs from them. Yet
reach an autistic child, or anyone out of touch with reality, intrusion is necessary. Because of
the negative implications of
the word
“Intrusion,” I changed the name to “Engagement” in the second edition of the second edition of the Theraplay book (Jernberg & Booth, 1998). Engagement better describes the aspect of parenting that is important in creating a meaningful connection with a child.
it does differ – in intensity, vigor, and
perseverance and in its regressive dimension, Nurturing. It differs also in that, while retaining spontaneity and fun, Theraplay® sessions are carefully preplanned and structured” (Jernberg, 1979, p. 3).
Since those early days, Theraplay® has continued to grow in sensitivity and attunement to the child’s needs, but we very much hold on to the important role of the therapist as guide and “caravan leader.” This latter term is used by our Danish Theraplay® colleagues who see it as an important metaphor for the role of the caring adult in a child’s life.
I have seen a video or two of Viola’s later work, but only have a rather vague impression of the difference. I guess my basic impression is that Viola’s intuitive and spiritual approach to her work with children led to sessions that seem to me to be very free and unstructured. But I have no doubt that she used her intuition, her ability to be “present” and her clear sense of the importance of touch to provide wonderful healing experiences for children.
I love being able to pass along the knowledge that I
have gained over the years from so many wonderful mentors.
When asked if she was aware of any misconceptions people may have sure about this. The people who mistrust Theraplay® don’t often come to me to tell me that!” She detailed a couple of concerns that people have raised with Theraplay®’s structure and free use of touch, and how those perceptions are changing.
I think the biggest misperception about Theraplay® is that it is too intrusive, too structured, and too lacking in sensitivity to the child’s needs. How can a child work through trauma if the therapist is leading the way toward forming a relationship? Some of this impression comes from Ann’s description of Theraplay® in her 1979 book. She used the word “Intrusion” to describe one of the basic dimensions of parent-child interaction. The concept of Intrusion comes directly from Austin Des Lauriers’s work, and was an important concept in our work with children with autism. According to Des Lauriers, to
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Another concern for many people has been our free use of touch. I am happy to note that there seems to be a shift in attitudes toward touch: The ethical use of “good touch” is coming to be more widely accepted. Healing a hurt child, creating healthy relationships, both require using provide it for their child.
Theraplay® is practiced internationally, and there is a growing body therapies that has been designated as an “evidence based practice” by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMSHA), along with Adlerian play therapy, child-centered play therapy, child- Theraplay®, Phyllis responded, “I’m delighted that several enterprising, hardworking and devoted people have taken the time to design and carry out good outcome research that puts Theraplay® on the list.” She underscored the importance for this approach and its wider acceptance.
It signals to the world what we have felt all along, that our work is belief that Theraplay® is effective and to discover more about why it is effective. Since our goal is a lifetime of healthy, happy living for our being effective. And, it doesn’t hurt that being evidence-based makes it possible for agencies to get funding to use the Theraplay® method.
Phyllis shared her hopes and dreams for Theraplay® in the future, noting the global value of this approach to children and families.
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