Theraplay® Level 1 and MIM Training and Group Training, Droitwich

A five day training accredited by The Theraplay Institute® for professionals working with children.

The Level 1 training will be delivered over four days. The first two days (Thursday 23rd and Friday 24th April) will be held online, followed by two in-person training days (Wednesday 29th and Thursday 30th April).

A fifth and final in-person day (Friday 1st May) will introduce participants to using Theraplay® as a group intervention.

Further details on the content covered during Level 1 can be found below.

More Information

Theraplay® is a child-centered, adult-led model of play therapy. Participants in this training will learn how to support caregivers to build a healthy relationship with their child through predictable, fun, connected play activities. Strong parent-child relationships serve as a foundation for the child’s self regulation, which allows the child to develop optimally and build resilience.

After completing training, participants will have the skill and experience to begin applying Theraplay® principles in their work with children and families. Participants will have the opportunity to deepen their knowledge by joining the Theraplay® community through observation of supervision sessions and participation in networking workshops.

Theraplay® uses an assessment process called the Marschak Interaction Method (MIM), which is a structured technique for observing and assessing the interaction between caregivers and child. The MIM consists of a series of simple tasks, which the caregivers and child perform together. It is used to evaluate the caregivers’ capacity for structure, nurture, engagement and challenge; and the child’s response to a caregiver. The MIM is a valuable tool in planning intervention and how to help parents and children strengthen their relationships.

A Theraplay® Group is an adult-directed, structured play group that incorporates playful, cooperative and nurturing activities that enhance the emotional well-being of children. Unlike other play group approaches, Theraplay® learning takes place on a non-verbal level. Instead of talking about positive social behaviour, the group leaders and children DO positive social interaction. Positive messages from the group interaction gradually become a part of the child’s internal sense of self.

The Family Place is one of the UK centres for Theraplay® training with qualified UK-based trainers who specialise in working with traumatised children and their families. Theraplay® is used in the UK and internationally. Our courses are active and rewarding and we get consistently excellent feedback.

Who is the Training for?

The first four days of the training are an introduction to the clinical MIM assessment and how to deliver dyadic Theraplay® intervention with parents and children. It is suitable for professionals who work with children and want to find new ways to work therapeutically in playful non-verbal ways. Level 1 is the start of a professional qualification process which requires further supervision. It is most suitable for clinical psychologists, social workers and qualified therapists. In order to attend this training, you need to have a relevant professional qualification or to work under an umbrella organisation that holds a regulatory function (i.e. the organisation takes responsibility for your work and has an ethics and standards framework).

The fifth day of the training will support participants to learn how to facilitate Theraplay® Groups in classrooms, day care, residential settings or with family groups.

In order to attend this training, you need to have a relevant professional qualification or to work under an umbrella organisation that holds a regulatory function (see eligibility criteria below).

Learning Objectives

• Training in how to administer the MIM and analyse it at a beginning level.
• An understanding of the theory and principle underpinning Theraplay® practice
• Training in how to deliver Theraplay®-informed dyadic work with parents/carers and children at a beginning level
• Role-play opportunities to practise Theraplay® techniques.
• To learn the principles of group Theraplay® Intervention and practice these

Eligibility Criteria

It is required that participants:

• Complete the Theraplay® UK training eligibility and declaration form when you book your place to confirm your booking.
• Read chapter 1 of the Theraplay® Practitioner’s Guide (Norris and Lender 2022) prior to the training.

*Theraplay® UK upholds the need for high standards for safe and ethical practice. To do this we need to ensure that either you personally or your organisation meets two criteria for how you will carry out your Theraplay® work. The Training Eligibility and Declaration form asks you to confirm your clinical responsibility and your professional liability insurance.