Book of the Month January 2021 - Theraplay – Theory, Applications and Implementation

Theraplay® – Theory, Applications and Implementation edited by Rana Hong and Sandra Lindaman
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When the latest Theraplay publication landed, I was excited to see the list of contributors. The Forward is written by Theraplay founder, Phyliss Booth, she provides the history of Theraplay. It’s followed by a Preface from Sandra Lindeman and Rana Hong, Editors. In these troubled times, it’s refreshing​ to know practitioners around the world are adapting the model to use in Covid safe ways (including virtually). Theraplay brings such joy and hope to many.

 
The body of the book is comprised of 12 chapters each focusing on a different application of Theraplay. They are well organised with introductions, key points, subsections, case studies, concluding comments, questions for reflection and references. Chapter 1 provides an overview of the Theraplay model with updated reference to Polyvagal theory, attachment theory and neuroscience.
 
I was drawn to Karen Doyle Buckwalter’s chapter 2, ‘Ghosts in the Theraplay Room – Exploring, Considering and Understanding the Impact of the Caregiver’s Own History on Theraplay Treatment’. I attended Karen ‘s training on applications of the Adult Attachment Interview last year and was fascinated to read applications of this, and other tools, in Theraplay. The chapter offers powerful insight and navigates an area my supervisees often bring to supervision.
 
I was also trained by Saara Salo and Hannah Lampi last year, authors of chapter 3, Prenatal and Infant Theraplay. The descriptions of Theraplay applied   in the prenatal phase are full of hope but also backed up by Saara et al’s own research (2019) which is outlined.
 
Chapter 4, Theraplay with Adolescents was written by my amazing supervisor, Fiona Peacock. I loved how Fiona highlighted the need to be conscious of our own cultural identity and how our attitudes and values may impact on our work and clients. Fiona brings her ideas to life through a description her own child gave growing up with a ‘Theraplay Mother’, case work about applications of Group Theraplay and using Theraplay to support a teen mother.
 
Kay Schieffer has contributed chapter 5, ‘Sunshine circles, Universal Best Practice for Young Children in Preschool Classrooms’. As well as giving a rationale for the approach, Kay provides a detailed case description showing how Sunshine Circles was used to form community and stimulate interaction.
 
Annie Kiermaier who inspired my Theraplay journey, writes about ‘Home-Based Theraplay’ in chapter 6. She highlights the thought process the family and practitioner need to consider around the possibilities of home-based Theraplay. Annie knits the realities of all of her experience into her chapter to give practitioners a true reflection of working in this way. She highlights the nuanced support the home-based practitioner may be able to offer.
 
Chapter 7 by Danielle H. Maxonight, ‘Theraplay Adaptatios for Anxiety Disorders’, focuses on the need to consider both children’s and caregiver’s anxiety as it can be intergenerational. Adaptations are described alongside a full case description (including intake).
 
Elizabeth Konrath and Eliana Gil contributed chapter 8, ‘Using Theraplay to Treat Clients of Child Sexual Abuse’. A rationale for Theraplay as an approach is provided alongside theoretical underpinnings and neuroscience related to trauma. The case description highlights the complexities of this work alongside adaptations.
 
Vivien Norris, in chapter 9, writes about ‘Using Theraplay to Help Children Who Are Moving Families’. Vivien describes how Theraplay can be used to support transitions. Vivien has developed her own training and resources (By Your Side, Norris 2019). This is discussed. Vivien outlines how the principles of her work are used within her case description.
 
Chapter 10 is written by Donna M. Gates, ‘Theraplay with families Affected by Domestic Violence’. Donna provides an overview of the impacts domestic violence can have and describes how to work with the non-offending caregiver before beginning dyadic work. A full case description is provided to illustrate Donna’s work.
 
Lauren C. Smithee writes  about ‘Adapting Theraplay for Affirmative Intervention with LGBTQ Families.’ The chapter begins with a focus on understanding the impact of minority stress and internalized stigma. There’s focus on use of terminology and a helpful glossary is provided. Lauren’s case description is of working with a 12 year old transgender girl. It highlights many different issues practitioners may encounter in this application of Theraplay.
 
The final chapter 12 is written by Alexis Greeves and Nicki Melby, “Theraplay with Children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing’.  It outlines the need for the practitioner to understand how families identify themselves and their culture around hearing loss. Links are made again to Polyvagal theory and further work with caregivers, who may have unresolved grief around their child’s hearing loss is described. Alexis and Nicki describe specific adaptations to Theraplay for work in this context.
 
This edited collection is a fascinating read and the case illustrations bring the theory to life. It has enhanced my love for Theraplay and increased my understanding and sensitivity across a wide range of applications. I highly recommend to all practitioners and organisations with an interest in Theraplay.
 
Dr Amelia Taylor
Child and Educational Psychologist
Theraplay Practitioner and Trainer
Lifecycles Psychology

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Theraplay Theory, Applications and Implementation  (Review #2)

This is a book for anyone who has an interest in Theraplay, who is thinking about undertaking Theraplay  training, and most especially for those who have some years of experience in Theraplay.  It does, as they say ‘what it says on the tin’, in that it provides relevant theory, the various ways of applying practice/ theory to different ways of using Theraplay, and gives excellent examples of implementation, which I found particularly useful, as a I know my learning style is one of ‘learning by doing ‘ with an underpinning of theory that I can see/recognise as evidence.
 
Chapers are written by a number of people, which also gives a variety of voices to their contribution, with each contributor writing about how she uses Theraplay in her given specialism - and there are plenty of specialisms shared here - Prenatal and infant Theraplay, Children being prepared to transition from foster care to adoption, Sunshine Circles, Home based Theraplay, Theraplay with adolescents, Using Theraplay to treat clients who have experienced child sexual abuse, families affected by domestic violence, Theraplay adaptations for anxiety disorders, Adapting Theraplay for affirmative interventions with LGBTQ families, and Theraplay with  children who hearing impaired.
 
 I enjoyed reading this book, I found the content and the layout to be exceedingly helpful. The blend of theory and practice worked very well, as does the references to more recent experts such as Stephen Porges Polyvagal Theory, BasselVan Der Kolk’s work, as well as other known names like Fongay, Perry, Siegel and Shore.
 
The biggest message I have taken from this excellent book is the importance of getting the foundations right, i.e preparation / background work with the care giver. This being critical to effectively working with the child. As an adoption support worker, this rang true for me. My experience is often one of ‘listening and acknowledging’ a care givers own life experiences, and reflecting with them how and what is happening for them in their relationship/life regarding their child and presenting difficulties. I would strongly recommend this book as a valuable resource and practical support to practitioners using Theraplay in their work. 
 
Rita Grant
Adoption Support Manager
St. Andrew's Children's Society