Abstract

Theraplay® is an attachment-focused model of parenting that helps parents to understand and relate to their child. Based on a sequence of play activities that are rooted in neuroscience, Theraplay offers a fun and easy way for parents and children to connect. Theraplay is particularly effective with looked after and adopted children.

By providing an overview of Theraplay and the psychological principles that it is based on, parents and carers will gain an understanding of the basic theory of the model along with practical ideas for applying Theraplay to everyday family life. Through everyday case studies and easy language, parents will gain confidence and learn new skills for emotional bonding, empathy, and acceptance in the relationship with their child.

When family life has become a struggle, this book can show exhausted, demoralised parents the way back to having fun together, while repairing damage and building trust in their wounded child in the process.
Ann Bell, Director Wales/Cyfarwyddwr Cymru, Adoption UK
Viv and Helen clearly bring the tried and tested Theraplay principles to parenting. This book gives many ideas and clear structure to help all parents provide an emotionally rich and connected parenting environment.
Kim Golding, consultant clinical psychologist and author of Everyday Parenting with Security and Love
Understanding and bringing to life the many ideas contained in this book will be of great value to us and to our children.
Daniel Hughes, Ph.D. Founder of Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy
Written in a helpful, kind and practical way that doesn't make you feel as though you need to be a super-parent 24/7. As the authors say, Theraplay is about giving hope and increasing joy and their book does that with bubbles, feathers and face paints on.
Sally Donovan, author of The Unofficial Guide to Adoptive Parenting and Billy Bramble and The Great Big Cook Off
This is a tranquil book where the reader is led by the hand and yet the practical ideas and accessible knowledge gifted to the reader, light up the brain like a Christmas tree.
Veronica Read, Group Analyst and Educational Consultant and author of Developing Attachment in Early Years Settings and Building Positive Relationships with the Parents of Young Children

Dr Vivien Norris is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Music Therapist, Certified Theraplay Practitioner and Supervisor, and the UK Theraplay Training Director. Vivien is also a DDP Practitioner who specialises in trauma.

Dr Helen Rodwell is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Certified Theraplay Practitioner. Helen works with looked after and adopted children and provides supervision and consultation to other professionals, including adoption and fostering social workers.