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Theraplay® is a structured play therapy for children and their parents. Its goal is to enhance attachment, self-esteem, and trust in others. The method is fun, physical, personal, interactive and replicates the natural, healthy interaction between parents and young children. Children who may benefit display a wide variety of problems including withdrawn or depressed behavior, overactive-aggressive behavior, temper tantrums, phobias, and difficulty socializing and making friends. Children also are referred for various behavior and interpersonal problems resulting from learning disabilities, developmental delays, and pervasive developmental disorders. With this method, family interaction patterns have changed and schools and pediatricians have reported a reduction of symptoms and improved behavior in the child. Theraplay® is modeled on the interaction of a healthy parent/child in early attachment period. Psychopathology results when early and on-going experiences lead to a negative sense of self. The roots of self-esteem and trust lie in the early years so it is important to return to that stage to restart a healthy cycle of interaction. Theraplay® activities are intentionally simple and regressive. They fall into four dimensions: Structure, Engagement, Nurture, and Challenge. The aim of these techniques is to create a closeness between parent and child. This is obtain through activities in which the child experiences the adult as creating structure (rules) and also nurture. The goal of this therapy is that the child be more at ease with adults and have less need to stay in charge. He/she will feel safe and protected, and will be more open to share their feelings. Koko assists in this therapeutic play. He adds an sense of comfort and trust with his endless and unconditional love and acceptance. Koko also provides an extra level of fun and excitement to the structured activities, intriguing the child to fully engage and participate. Nurturing activities appear to be less threatening when Koko is involves. Finally, children are very excited and eager to complete challenge activities along side Koko, such as ball fetch, rollover, bridge pose, and rest/awake pose. |
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To contact Lisa email lisa@therapooch.com To contact Koko email koko@therapooch.com |
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Therapooch doing Theraplay® |
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Koko assists Lisa to entice and comfort a shy and unsure child. Consistent and nurturing touch is used to increase attachment and trust. |
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Koko listens as Lisa and child hold hands and sing songs, also moving in a slow calm rocking motion. |
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Koko is helping Lisa count toes and play this little piggy. |
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This is one of Koko's favorite activties called the bridge pose. |
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Koko assists in fun structure and challenge activities. |
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This is then followed by the awake pose. They will then repeat these poses on the therapists cue. Rest, awake, rest....... |
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Another activity which is structured by the therapist is the resting pose. |
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To learn more about Theraplay® visit www.theraplay.org |
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This website is protected by copyright all rights reserved by Lisa Mink |
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