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Level One Theraplay & MIM CEs
Available: 25 | Four Day Training |
In-person | $1,125 ($1025 if you sign up before March 23, 2026) To register for a Theraplay® training, you’ll first need to create an account with a login and password. This step helps us keep your training records, certificates, and registrations all in one secure place. Once your account is set up, you’ll be able to easily register for trainings and access training materials.
Theraplay is a child-centered, adult-led model of play therapy. Participants in this training will learn how to support caregivers to build a healthy relationship with their child through predictable, fun, connected play activities. Strong parent-child relationships serve as a foundation for the child’s self regulation, which allows the child to develop optimally and build resilience. After completing training, participants will have the skill and experience to begin applying Theraplay principles in their work with children and families. Participants will have the opportunity to deepen their knowledge by joining the Theraplay community through observation of supervision sessions and participation in networking workshops. Take advantage of the opportunity to take a Group Theraplay training June 27, 2026 at the same location. Learn more.
Schedule
This is a four day training taking place June 23-26, 2026 from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm each day. View agenda.
Required Text Theraplay: The Practitioner’s Guide is required for this training. Read Chapters 2, 4 and 6 of your book prior to the training, and bring it with you for reference each day. Digital and paper versions can be purchased from Amazon using the following link: https://a.co/d/8LODnxu All other course materials will be provided via email and on the first day of training.
Trainer
Andrea Bushala, LCSW, RPT-S has an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Miami University with an emphasis in child development. She obtained her Master of Social Work degree from Loyola University Chicago with a dual specialization in School Social Work and Children and Families. Andrea previously worked at a community mental health clinic focusing on children and young adults experiencing anxiety and depression. Additionally, she has experience in the public school system providing individual and group therapy for children ages 4-6. In her clinical work, Andrea uses a strength-based perspective, incorporating the learnings of trauma, brain development and attachment theory in her work. In addition to Theraplay, Andrea is trained in Dyadic Developmental Psychology, narrative work and art therapy techniques. Andrea is a Certified Theraplay Therapist, Group Theraplay Trainer and Supervisor-in-Training. She is currently a Fellow at University of Massachusetts in their Infant-Parent Mental Health Program run by Dr. Ed Tronick.
Summary
- Principles of attachment theory on an intellectual and experiential level
- The Four Dimensions of Theraplay
- The Theraplay protocol
- An introduction to the Marschak Interaction Method (MIM): administration, analysis and as a guide for treatment planning
- Adapting Theraplay for working with children and families impacted by complex trauma and other populations
- Managing resistance throughout the treatment process
- Managing countertransference in your work with children and families
- Implementing Theraplay into your practice
Learning Objectives
- Identify three play, attachment-based theories and how you could use them to support the Theraplay modality.
- Define how children with various attachment styles present in play therapy sessions.
- Explain the benefits of the Marschak Interaction Method (MIM) assessment
- Prepare the MIM play therapy assessment tool.
- Analyze an MIM with an eye towards curiosity and non-judgment to support caregivers in Theraplay activities.
- Plan a play therapy treatment based on an MIM analysis
- Identify at least three play therapy goals for an MIM feedback session with parents
- Name the four dimensions of Theraplay, a modality of play therapy
- Describe how the four Theraplay dimensions promote healthy attachment
- Recognize one play-based activity from each of the four dimensions: Structure, Engagement, Nurture and Challenge
- Understand ways of adapting Theraplay to meet the needs of a child with complex trauma; list three of them
- Demonstrate clear ways of guiding parents to participate in Theraplay
- Specify how to prepare parents to use Theraplay techniques at home
- Identify how various parent attachment styles present in play therapy sessions
- Support parents in understanding their attachment history
- Demonstrate adapting Theraplay techniques for three different populations of families
- Apply Theraplay techniques to work through dysregulation in play therapy sessions
- Adapt Theraplay activities for children of different ages and developmental stages
- Describe process for termination of Theraplay treatment
- Describe at least 2 common examples of countertransference in Theraplay treatment
- Describe 2 ways to effectively address countertransference
- Identify two types of clients for whom Theraplay would not be an appropriate play therapy modality.
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
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