Anyone been on a theraplay course?

[cantthinkofannewname]

We've been offered one by our LA, we're thinking of signing up, I know a little bit about the therapy but was just wondering what the course involved (and if it involves being silly, I shall conceal that fact from DH, as he's fine being silly with the DC but not with other adults!)

I should also add that our DC were removed v young (weeks/days) and have basically been only with a very good FC (briefly) and then us. So while at least one of our DC may have problems stemming from the reasons behind removal, both are very securely attached and (I hope!) have had consistent parenting so far.

[blueskywithclouds]

We did a days theraplay course as part of our courses before approval. The guy was amazing! It does involve being silly (we had a marshmallow fight) and my husband had to sit on a bean bag while the group swung him round...lol 😁

Lots of brill ideas though and definitely worth going!

[blueskywithclouds]

Oh, and we have both discussed and agree that the course probably won't benefit us as, like you, our daughter is very young. I think it is still worth going though!

[woody2976]

great opportunity. great fun. will very silly and lots of touching!

[Moogletea]

We went on one recently. Found it really useful. We felt we came out with a whole list of new ideas that we could use to connect with our little one. Plus different types of play for different times. What I found most useful were some of the calming and touching play. I'd definitely recommend

[Moogletea]

Oh and our little one is also very young and had secure and safe placement before us. Still found it useful though. Too be honest all parents should have access to this not just adopters

[marmeemarch1]

I would say get as much training as you can. My youngest sounds similar to yours however, 4 years in we are going back to theraplay games as she is very controlling and not willing to follow instructions so we are trying this approach to get her used to allowing others to take a lead for her. We think that although she bonded well to us, there is still a degree of anxiety underlying her behaviour.
We also use games to do things like breathing when girls are distressed or hurt. Also we get our two DDs to play games together to encourage them re turn taking, sharing. I think theraplay games are fab.

[cantthinkofannewname]

Well we've booked it and got a babysitter lined up so we'll see how helpful it is!

[Kr1stina]

Please come back and let us know how it goes .

And if your DH copes

[GirlsWhoWearGlasses]

I don't want to be the harbinger of doom here, but I went on a theraplay course and found it so uncomfortable that I had to up and leave.

We actually do quite a lot of theraplay type activities with DD, but being asked to do this kind of intimate thing with a random strange adult I had just met, well I just couldn't. I fully accept though that I'm pretty uptight.

I'm not trying to put you off, but it didn't even cross my mind that we'd be expected to just get on in there, so at least you'll be forewarned!

I think there is huge value in theraplay, but you wont get me back to another course in this lifetime.

[GirlsWhoWearGlasses]

Of course, doing the activities with your DH rather than a stranger will be completely different. The babysitter is a good call and I wish we'd done that!

[Kr1stina]

< mind boggles at the type of activities that might be required >

[woody2976]

there's a lot of rubbing lotion on someones hands and singing a special song.

[cantthinkofannewname]

Mmm... One of our DCs hates lotion. Hates it. It's like it's rubbing acid on. That's not going to go down well!

[RatherBeIndoors]

Don't worry - LO hates lotion too. There's heaps of theraplay stuff that we do that promotes nurture, connection and touch without using lotion! In our course, there were two trainers so they modelled how the games worked together, and explained why they were using particular words or processes. Then there was the chance to practice in the couples you came in (if you did) or with one of the trainers if you wanted to. Although a bit awkward, it was useful to have a go at some of them, because they can be a bit counter-intuitive. And no-one is looking at you, and everyone else feels just as squirmy to start with, so I found it OK and I went on my own

[Moogletea]

There were two trainers on my course as well demonstrating so you didn't have to join in if you didn't want too. All a bit giggly at the time but at home in our environment I've found it really beneficial

[fasparent]

Lots of our children present and ex attended group session's with other children at sure start and children's centres. Am still coninually ammazed at the benifits more so how through interactions each child benifits from each other through incusions.
Sticky play is next on list., a complete new exsperience too lookforward too, too explore eating disorder's.
await with anticipation.

[Italiangreyhound]

cantthinkofannewname we have just started, our son has been with us two years and is very well adjusted and well attached, although still quite an emotional little boy.

The first session was me and ds and then me and dh went along and talked about the session and way forward. Next session is me and again then me and ds start our regular sessions. It is very good so far.

I don't think the aim is to do anything that makes the child uncomfortable, so with the lotion my ds did not want me to put it on him so we put it on ourselves (just hands). The woman running it made me feel very comfortable, she is one of the nicest (put you at your ease) women I've ever met.

Well worth a go, IMHO.