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 Level One Theraplay & MIM in Houston, TX | June 23-26, 2026 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 June 27, 2026 from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Central Time. View this training’s detailed agenda.

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    

• 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