I want to see Theraplay® continue its search for better understanding of the power of interpersonal play, touch and attunement to heal hurt children and families. I see it taking its place all around the world among the rich array of therapeutic approaches designed to help children and families heal. Theraplay® creates strong foundations and secure attachment relationships on which other therapeutic modalities can build.
I am also very fortunate in being able to spend a lot of time playing chamber music with friends. My husband took up the cello in his 30s so he could play music with me. This willingness to share my pleasure meant that music remained a large part of our shared life. This is how I something quite wonderful about playing together in music.
I have attended to my psychological well- being as well. I had my own psychoanalysis – that was the thing to do in those days. It was a great help to me in getting beyond the death of my son in 1979; that, along with my husband’s amazing support, who, though equally devastated by our son’s death, supported and comforted me through a very rough period. Even now when I hit a rocky place, I go back to get help. I had a very satisfying and happy marriage. But when the going got tough, as it did from time to time, we went to a therapist together.
Nowadays, I depend on one or two close friends who can be trusted to listen and support and help.
In March, Phyllis celebrated her 92nd birthday. She still teaches, supervises, and travels to conferences around the country, inspiring the next generation of play therapists. I asked her how she remains motivated after providing so many years of dedicated service to the profession.
I love being able to pass along the knowledge that I have gained over the years from so many wonderful mentors. I love keeping busy. Every time I supervise someone or teach about Theraplay®, I feel enriched by the encounter. I just spent 4 days co-leading an introductory Theraplay® works, how it can be even more effective, how it connects with and supports other ways of working, and how we can support and nurture each other as therapists. I am fortunate to have good health and to be able to do this. But I think that doing it contributes greatly to my good health.
Personally, I believe that the only way to make the type of substantive contribution Phyllis has made, is to be personally content, to diversify professional and personal activities, and to practice good self-care. Phyllis shared the secrets of her self-care practices, her other interests, and other factors that keep her balanced and motivated.
I start with amazing good health. I sleep well. My mother used to tuck me in and sing me to sleep. I think I still have her influence helping me settle into restful sleep. I exercise regularly, though not as much as I always intend to do. I have been doing yoga for more than 20 years, I have a personal trainer, and I do Pilates once a week.
28 | PLAYTHERAPY | June 2018 |
www.a4pt.org
May we all take good note! It seems the core dimensions of Theraplay® (structure, engagement, nurture, and challenge) have also been an important part of Phyllis’s longevity and the meaningfulness she has found in life. I respect Phyllis tremendously and feel inspired by her passion and dedication. I am grateful to her for participating in this interview and for sharing her wisdom with us all.
References Gil, E. (2018). Phyllis Booth and Theraplay®
Therapy, 13(1), 10-13.
Jernberg, A. (1979). Theraplay. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass. Jernberg, A. M., & Booth, P. B. (1998). Theraplay: Helping parents and children build better relationships through attachment-based play (2nd ed.). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Eliana Gil, PhD, LMFT, RPT-S, ATR, is a Founding Partner and Senior Clinical Consultant of Gil Institute for Trauma Recovery and Education. She is semi-retired and continues to supervise, consult, and teach.
elianagil@me.com
, Part 1: The early years. Play
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