Theraplay in Brighton
Theraplay in Brighton uses structured, playful interaction to support the relationship between a child and their parent or carer. Drawing on Level One and Level Two training, I use shared activities to explore connection, guidance, reassurance and how you respond to one another. The parent takes an active part, and activities are chosen with the child’s development, comfort and sensory needs in mind. This work can sit alongside other attachment-focused family support, with the approach discussed before we decide what is suitable.
Working together through play
Some children find shared activity easier than talking about a relationship. Theraplay uses guided interaction between a child and their parent or carer, with the therapist helping to organise and understand what happens.
Activities are chosen for the child and the relationship. The focus is on the experience of being together, including how the adult offers attention, reassurance and guidance.
The four areas of Theraplay
Theraplay works with four dimensions called Structure, Engagement, Nurture and Challenge. These concern the adult’s guidance, shared attention, care and support for trying something manageable.
We can use these ideas to consider what feels easy between you and what needs more attention. The aim is to bring that understanding into ordinary interactions beyond the appointment.
What I consider before we begin
I’ll want to hear about your child’s development, needs and experience of relationships. We can discuss what they enjoy, what they find uncomfortable and what you want help with.
Activities should suit the child taking part. We’ll consider their responses and comfort, including any sensory needs, and discuss the boundaries of the work. There is no expectation that every child will respond to the same activity in the same way.
How this fits with other family support
Theraplay-informed work can sit alongside my attachment-focused support for parents and children. We may also discuss parenting support or DDP, depending on the difficulties you want to address.
I’ll explain why I am suggesting an approach and how we would review it. You don’t need to choose a particular therapy method before speaking to me.
Questions parents ask
Will I take part in the sessions?
Theraplay focuses on the relationship between a child and their parent or carer, so your involvement is central. We’ll discuss the proposed arrangement before beginning.
Is it the same as letting a child choose what to play?
Theraplay is structured and guided. Activities are selected with the relationship and the child’s needs in mind.
How long does the work take?
We’ll discuss a suitable plan after understanding your circumstances. Session length and the number of appointments should be agreed for the work proposed.
Ask about support for your relationship with your child
Tell me what is happening between you and the moments you would like help with. We can consider whether this approach is suitable.
Welcoming people across Sussex
I welcome parents and children in Brighton, Lewes, Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill, Hassocks and Chichester to ask about Theraplay-informed work at my Brighton practice. Families may also find the East Sussex adoption support page useful. If coming in is difficult, we can discuss online parent conversations where suitable, with somewhere quiet to talk. Activities involving your child need an arrangement that fits their development and the proposed work.
