Theraplay® Level 1 and MIM Training, Worcestershire

A four day introductory training accredited by The Theraplay InstituteⓇ for professionals working with children.

Lunch, refreshments and all course materials included.

More information

Theraplay is a therapist-guided therapy for children and their parents or caregivers that enhances attachment, self-esteem and trust in others through play and interaction. It is based on the natural qualities found in healthy parent and child relationships, and focuses on four domains: structure, nurture, engagement and challenge. It helps develop an active and empathetic connection between a child and their parents. This supports children to view themselves as worthy and lovable, and to change their perceptions of relationships to ones that are positive and rewarding.

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.

Group Theraplay is an adaptation for settings in which the therapist or other professionals work with groups of children or with groups of parents and children.

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 this training for?

This training is 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 (ie the organisation takes responsibility for your work and has an ethics and standards framework).

Teachers and assistant teachers should typically attend Group Theraplay training.

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).

Teachers and assistant teachers should typically attend Group Theraplay training.

There is also a training for parents and carers – Parenting with TheraplayⓇ which is most suitable for carers and can be adapted for residential contexts.

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.

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.