The Theraplay Institute

The Theraplay Institute The very act of engaging each other in this way helps the parent regulate the child's behavior and communicate love, joy, and safety to the child.

The Theraplay Institute is a global not-for-profit organization that trains mental health professionals to use Theraplay to help families experience joyful connection. Theraplay is an evidence-based dyadic child and family therapy that has been recognized by the Association of Play Therapy as one of the seminal and historically significant play therapy approaches for child

ren. Developed over 50 years ago, and practiced around the world, Theraplay was developed for any professional working to support healthy child/caregiver attachment. Strong attachment between the child and the important adults in their life has long been believed to be the basis of lifelong good mental health as well as the mainstay of resilience in the face of adversity. In treatment, the Theraplay Practitioner guides the parent and child through playful, fun games, developmentally challenging activities, and tender, nurturing activities. It helps the child feel secure, cared for, connected and worthy. To find out more about us please visit our website. More information about our upcoming trainings can be found here - https://community.theraplay.org/events/event_list.asp

Level One Theraplay® & MIM training is coming to Birmingham, AL in April 2027. Register now to take advantage of early b...
07/26/2026

Level One Theraplay® & MIM training is coming to Birmingham, AL in April 2027.

Register now to take advantage of early bird discounts!

25 CE's are available.

Theraplay® helps families build strong bonds through simple, playful activities that spark joy, connection, and trust.

Our Level One Theraplay & MIM training will build your skills in understanding strengths and needs in the caregiver-child relationship, and will teach you to plan sessions full of connecting activities.

You will also learn how to support caregivers in understanding what is behind their child's behaviors.

When children have healthy, connected relationships with their caregivers, they can thrive!

Registration information for our Birmingham, AL training and many more can be found at www.theraplay.org/training

Want to know more about Theraplay before you register? Join us for a free, 30-minute "What is Theraplay?" webinar. Book your spot online www.theraplay.org/training

As a small nonprofit, we appreciate your help in communicating our training opportunities to your local professional community!

🌞🥙 Beach Towel Burrito Challenge! 🏖️Grab a beach towel, roll up, and see who can make the silliest (or snuggliest!) “bur...
07/24/2026

🌞🥙 Beach Towel Burrito Challenge! 🏖️

Grab a beach towel, roll up, and see who can make the silliest (or snuggliest!) “burrito wrap.” It’s all about laughter, connection, and playful moments together.

A new Play Days of Summer activity drops every Friday—don’t miss the fun! 🌈✨

Ignacia, celebramos este importante logro profesional junto a usted y nos alegra mucho que forme parte de nuestra crecie...
07/24/2026

Ignacia, celebramos este importante logro profesional junto a usted y nos alegra mucho que forme parte de nuestra creciente comunidad global.

Ignacia, we are celebrating this important professional accomplishment with you and we are so glad to have you in our growing global Theraplay community.

“I feel grateful and honored to be a Theraplay trainer, and thus able to share a perspective that transformed my clinical practice and the way I support therapeutic processes. Being able to pass on the love, compassion, and sacred wisdom found in every bond—through Theraplay—to those just beginning this journey, is a privilege I embrace with humility and a sense of responsibility. Thank you to my mentor and friend for your commitment and dedication, and for guiding and teaching me with such warmth and authenticity”

07/22/2026

Nashville clinicians—now is the time to register!

The Early Bird discount for our Level One Theraplay® Training in Nashville, TN (November 9-12, 2026) expires on August 9, 2026.

Invest in skills that help children and families build stronger connections—while saving on registration.

📍 Nashville, TN
📅 November 9-12, 2026
⏰ Early Bird Ends: August 9, 2026

Register today at www.theraplay.org/training



07/21/2026

What if the next Theraplay training happened because of you?

If you've ever wished there was a Level One Theraplay® & MIM Training closer to home, consider becoming a host.

Hosting is a simple way to invest in your local professional community. We handle the training, registration, and promotion—you provide the venue and help spread the word.

By hosting, you'll:
✨ Make high-quality professional development more accessible
✨ Help therapists in your region learn evidence-informed, relationship-based practice
✨ Strengthen your local network of child and family professionals
✨ Receive one complimentary training registration for your organization

Don't wait for a training to come to your area—help bring one there.

Contact us to learn more about becoming a host.

The Play Days of Summer: Water Balloon CatchLooking for a simple activity that delivers big laughs and even bigger conne...
07/17/2026

The Play Days of Summer: Water Balloon Catch

Looking for a simple activity that delivers big laughs and even bigger connection?

Grab a few water balloons and find a partner!

Start close together and gently toss the balloon back and forth. After every successful catch, take one step backward. Keep going until... SPLASH! 💦

The goal isn't to stay dry. The goal is to have fun together.

Cheer each other on, celebrate successful catches, and don't forget to laugh when the balloon finally bursts. Those shared moments of joy are what summer memories are made of.

Simple.
Playful.
Refreshing.
Connection-building.

☀️ Tiny moments. Big connections.

Follow us for more Play Days of Summer activities all season long and discover simple ways to build connection through play.

07/16/2026

The moments families remember aren't always the big ones—they're the moments of connection.

When a child feels safe. When a parent feels confident. When laughter replaces frustration. When relationships begin to heal.

That's the impact of Theraplay®.

Our experiential Level One Theraplay® & MIM training will equip you with practical, relationship-focused skills you can begin using with the children and families you serve.

✨ More regulation.
✨ More confidence.
✨ More joyful connections.
✨ More moments that matter.

Upcoming trainings are happening across the U.S. Find a location near you and take the next step in bringing the power of Theraplay into your practice.

👉 Register today at www.theraplay.org/training

🏀📰 Bonus Play Days of Summer Activity: Newspaper BasketballWho says you need sports equipment to have fun?The next time ...
07/15/2026

🏀📰 Bonus Play Days of Summer Activity: Newspaper Basketball

Who says you need sports equipment to have fun?

The next time you're waiting at the airport, look around. Chances are you'll spot a newspaper page or two ready to be transformed into the perfect basketball.

Simply crumple the paper into a ball and create a hoop with your arms. Then take turns shooting, cheering, and celebrating every basket!

✈️ Perfect for airport layovers
🏨 Great for hotel rooms
🎯 Easy to play almost anywhere

The best activities aren't always the ones you pack—they're often the ones you create together.

☀️ Tiny moments. Big connections.

Don't forget: A new Play Days of Summer activity is posted every Friday, so follow along all summer long for simple ways to build connection through play!

Your path to Theraplay® certification starts with connection.Whether you're ready to begin training or just exploring, w...
07/14/2026

Your path to Theraplay® certification starts with connection.

Whether you're ready to begin training or just exploring, we’re here to guide each step. Learn more at the link in our bio, or if you’re brand new to Theraplay, join our free 30-minute What is Theraplay? webinar to discover how structure, engagement, nurture, and gentle challenge build strong, secure relationships.

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736 N Western Avenue #142
Lake Forest, IL
60045

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Tuesday 9am - 8pm
Wednesday 9am - 8pm
Thursday 9am - 8pm
Friday 9am - 8pm

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