One Day Group Theraplay®

CEs Available: 6.5      |      One Day Training      |      In-person

Group Theraplay® is an adult-directed, structured play group that incorporates playful, cooperative and nurturing activities that enhance the emotional well-being of children. Unlike other play group approaches, Theraplay learning takes place on a non-verbal level. Instead of talking about positive social behavior, the group leaders and children do positive social interaction. Positive messages from the group interaction gradually become a part of the child’s internal sense of self. If you are a professional working in classrooms, day cares, residential settings or with family groups, this training is for you. 

This training will take place a day after the Hybrid Level One Theraplay & MIM in Maui, HI and there are seats still available. Those not participating in the Level One are still welcome to participate so long as they have completed the prerequisites by the day of the training.

Prerequisites

Level One Theraplay & MIM or Theraplay Modules 1 & 2

Schedule

This is a one day training taking place February 8, 2026 from 8:30am to 4:30pm HST. View this training’s detailed agenda.

Trainer

Jessica Weidel, LMHC is a Certified Theraplay Therapist, Trainer, and Supervisor.  She is the Program Director for the Theraplay Institute.  Jessica has been using Theraplay in her practice since 2009.  She worked as an adoption preservation therapist in Chicago, IL where she served families who were struggling with their adoption or guardianship.  She has also worked as a therapist at the Theraplay Institute and as an infant mental health consultant in the Healthy Families program. Jessica specializes in building healthy attachment.  She has experience working with children who have survived abuse, neglect, loss, medical trauma, and other trauma.  She is also skilled in supporting the parents of these children and helping them to learn how to help their child to heal. In addition to her Theraplay training, she is trained in ARC (Attachment, Regulation, and Competency); TBRI (Trust Based Relational Intervention); TF-CBT (Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy); and DDP (Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy).  She has a growing interest in Internal Family Systems (IFS). Jessica has been giving Theraplay trainings and supervising practicum students since 2013.   She loves getting to share Theraplay with others and supporting professionals as they implement Theraplay in their practice. Jessica has an M.Ed in community counseling and is licensed in Washington as an LMHC.

Summary    

• Create an atmosphere that is warm, nurturing, engaging, and challenging
• Promote warm relationships between children and adults and friendships among peers
• Engage hard-to-reach children
• Place emphasis on cooperation between children
• Encourage children to learn and practice self- control
• Help children with regulatory disorders and tactile issues
• Simultaneously address cognitive, social, and emotional development

Learning Objectives     

• Apply Theraplay play principles, including the four dimensions, to group treatment
• Integrate play therapy skills in using the group rules and group techniques through planning and practice of Group Theraplay activities
• Demonstrate how to adapt the use of group Theraplay in play therapy with various populations
• Describe how nurturing and co-regulating physical connection can assist children to feel calm and more organized in a play therapy group setting
• Name three techniques for managing resistance and problem situations in play therapy groups
• List three essential strategies for successful implementation

Who Should Attend?

People who work with children and families in many different capacities will benefit from training programs offered by The Theraplay Institute. Visit our Who Should Attend page for more information. This course’s Content Level is Intermediate.

Bibliography

View this training’s bibliography for books and other materials referenced in the development of the content for this program.

For information about our CE process, cancellation policy, and how to contact us with questions and concerns visit our FAQ page. Attendance of the entirety of a program (in-person or virtual) is required in order to receive continuing education or a letter of completion.

There is no conflict of interest or commercial support for this program.

Registration Terms and Conditions