Dafna Lender Theraplay & DDP. Canada Conference Proceedings 6-8 Oct 2014

The workshop illustrated how Theraplay therapy can be a potent adjunctive therapy to DDP to initiate, amplify and solidify healthy attachment and reduce effects of complex trauma. The presentation focused on how face-to-face, active play, combined with periods of restorative, nurturing activities between a caring adult and child can create a sense of well-being, trust, and optimal regulation in both participants. Dafna illustrated this process by showing videos of Theraplay cases of clients from preschooler to adult. Throughout, Dafna highlighted opportunities for optimal arousal and affect regulation that can be integrated into DDP work to improve therapeutic outcomes.