Skip to content
Location and contacts

Theraplay

Theraplay® is an evidence-based therapy that improves a child's wellbeing through developing the relationship between the child and the parent or caregiver. A strong attachment between a child and the important adults in their life has long been believed to be the foundation for lifelong good mental health as well as the mainstay of resilience in the face of adversity. Modern neuroscience research has shown that attachment is the way in which children come to understand, trust, and thrive in their world.

What to expect

With the support of a Theraplay practitioner, parents/caregivers learn to play with their child in a way that establishes felt safety, increases social engagement, expands arousal regulation, and supports the development of positive self-esteem for both the child and the parent. The interactions are personal, physical, and fun – a natural way for everyone to experience the healing power of being together.

Theraplay has been implemented successfully to support:

  • Children who have been impacted by domestic & family violence
  • Children with developmental trauma
  • Shy, withdrawn children
  • Overactive, controlling, or aggressive children
  • Foster/adoptive children with attachment challenges
  • Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder & Pervasive Development Disorder
  • Children with physical disabilities, developmental delays or who are non-verbal
  • Children who live in group settings
  • Early childhood students and others who receive services in group settings.

Referrals

Theraplay can be accessed through the Specialist Family Violence Program via The Orange Door. They are the intake and access point for referrals and initial response.

The Orange Door 

The Orange Door Goulburn provides access to support, and services for people at risk including for family and domestic violence and abuse, and for families needing extra support with the wellbeing and development of children.

Contact:

  • 1800 634 245
  • goulburn@orangedoor.vic.gov.au

 

Theraplay may also be funded through other programs, Eg: NDIS, Brokerage, Targeted Care Packages or self-funded. For direct - not Specialist Family Violence referrals please phone 1300 77 33 52 or email intake@nexusprimaryhealth.org.au. The Theraplay Team will be able to discuss funding options.

Partnership

In order to bring this method to you, Nexus Primary Health has partnered with The Theraplay Institute, a not-for-profit organisation based in Chicago, USA. Theraplay is being used in over 36 countries and translates easily into other cultures with only very minor adaptations.

Here is a link to training opportunities for professionals: https://bit.ly/theraplayprofessionaltraining.

Resources

Back to top

Rights and Responsibilities

As a valued client of Nexus Primary Health, it is important to us that you understand your rights and responsibilities.

Get Involved at Nexus

Nexus is always on the lookout for innovative, enthusiastic and creative individuals to fill our current vacancies, or to join our student, volunteer and membership programs.

find out more