Why attachment matters in play Roberta Manners, Associate Theraplay ® therapist Sheila Lavery,...
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Transcript of Why attachment matters in play Roberta Manners, Associate Theraplay ® therapist Sheila Lavery,...
Why attachment
matters in play
Roberta Manners, Associate Theraplay® therapistSheila Lavery, Theraplay® trained facilitator
2014
Objectives for the day Learn the principles of Theraplay®
Explore the role of play in building trust
Demonstrate and practise Theraplay® activities
Consider how to employ Theraplay® in your own practice.
2014Why attachment matters in play
What is Theraplay®?
Theraplay® is adult-child playtherapy, based on the natural patterns of healthy interaction between parent and baby.
It is used to establish or re-establish connection between parents and children following loss, trauma or separation.
2014Why attachment matters in play
Theraplay® and child development
Early interactions between parent and child, create the foundation of the child’s being – their sense of self and how they relate to others and the world.
Fostered and adopted children have experienced a range of negative interpersonal interactions.
Foster and adoptive parents generally have more positive
experiences of relationships.
2014Why attachment matters in play
“…Because it focuses on attachment and relationship development Theraplay® has been used successfully for many years with foster and adoptive families”.
(Introductory Theraplay and MIM training)
2014Why attachment matters in play
What difficulties respond to Theraplay®?
Withdrawn, depressed, fearful, shy
children
Acting out, angry, non-compliant children
Attachment/relationship problems
Trauma history
Regulatory problems/ADHD
Autistic Spectrum Disorders
Developmental delays
2014Why attachment matters in play
What makes it Theraplay®? Responsive, attuned, interactive play
Modelled on “good enough” parenting
Focus on here and now
It is fun!
Adults direct the play
Focus is the relationship
Nurturing touch is integral
Geared to child’s emotional (not chronological) age.
2014Why attachment matters in play
Benefits for the child Feels safe and comforted
Experiences good touch
Learns to trust
Learns regulation
Improves self-image
Experiences fun with parents.
2014Why attachment matters in play
Putting back the missing pieces
Theraplay® provides an opportunity for
foster and adoptive parents to create
positive inter-subjective experiences
which their
children missed
or didn’t get
enough of.
soothing physical contact
dyadic
preverbal
right brain to right brain
intensive
2014Why attachment matters in play
These developmental building blocks
challenge the child’s negative internal
working model of themselves
and others, so they can
accept what foster and
adoptive parents have
to offer.
2014Why attachment matters in play
All children with an insecure attachment
history need heaps of nurture. Yet
parenting is often less intimate and
playful with older children.
Theraplay® enables
child and parent to
accept the need
for regression.
Why attachment matters in play
Theraplay with traumatised children
Relational trauma with attachment figure is more traumatic than external threats.
Trauma is non verbal – adaptive responses Traumatised children may resist
conventional therapy They see the world as threatening and
overwhelming Problems with relationships Primed for stress – fight, flight or freeze
2014Why attachment matters in play
Key concepts for trauma Work at a slower pace
Respect and work with the child’s coping mechanisms
Combines with other trauma work such as life story work
Avoid working with dangerous, acting out or actively psychotic children or recently traumatised children
2014Why attachment matters in play
Apply Theraplay® to the everyday
2014Why attachment matters in play
The 4 dimensions of Theraplay®
Scottish Attachment in Action 2014
The purpose of engagement
“To establish and maintain a
connection with the child, to focus
on the child in an intense way and
to surprise and entice the child
into enjoying new
experiences.”
Let’s try Peekaboo
Scottish Attachment in Action 2014
The purpose of nurture
“To re-enforce the message that the
child is worthy of care and that
adults will provide care without the
child having to ask.”
Let’s try caring for hurts
Scottish Attachment in Action 2014
The purpose of structure
“To relieve the child of the burden of
maintaining control of interactions. The
adult sets limits, defines body boundaries,
keeps the child safe and helps
complete the sequence
of activities” Let’s try hand stacking
Scottish Attachment in Action 2014
The purpose of challenge
“To help the child feel more
competent and confident by
encouraging the child to take a slight
risk and accomplish an
activity with adult help” Let’s try thumb wrestling
Scottish Attachment in Action 2014
The three rules of Theraplay
1. No hurts
2. The adult is in charge
3. We have
Scottish Attachment in Action 2014
The PLACE attitude
Playful
Liking
Acceptance
Curiosity
Empathy
Dan and Colwyn demonstrate shared meaning
Scottish Attachment in Action 2014
Theraplay programme Full history/presenting difficulties
Marschak Interaction Model (MIM) assessment Parent preparation
Sessions are planned - possibly up to 20 weekly/fortnightly 45-minute sessions with regular reviews
Sessions are usually filmed.
Scottish Attachment in Action 2014
Final things to think about
Find a safe, comfortable space
Adult sets structure (e.g. ready, steady, go!)
Flow of activities
Stay calm and focused on the child
Don’t say “don’t” (except with hurts)
Attunement and empathy
“We’re going to...” not, “ Would you like to...”
Be aware of resistance and trauma triggers
Stay playful and engaged.
Scottish Attachment in Action 2014
Further reading Theraplay – Helping parents and
Children Build Better Relationships Through Attachment- Based Play by A Jernberg and P Booth (Jossey-Bass)
I Love You Rituals by Becky A Bailey (HarperCollins)
Fun to Grow On by Virginia Morin (Magnolia Street Pub.)
Scottish Attachment in Action 2014