Question 1

What ages do you work with?

Accepted Answer

I primarily work with children ages 2–11 and their caregivers. This includes early childhood through the preteen years, when the parent–child relationship plays a central role in emotional development and regulation.

If your child is slightly outside this range, feel free to reach out—we can talk together about whether this approach might still be a good fit.

Question 2

How is Theraplay different from other types of therapy for children?

Accepted Answer

Many child therapy approaches rely on conversation or open-ended play between the child and therapist. In Theraplay, both parent and child participate together, with a focus on strengthening the relationship as the foundation for change.

Sessions are active and structured, allowing us to support connection and regulation in real time. We also use video review in parent sessions to better understand your child’s cues and patterns, and incorporate nurturing, appropriate touch as part of building connection.

Question 3

How much are parents involved?

Accepted Answer

Parents are an essential part of Theraplay and are actively involved throughout the process. Sessions include both you and your child working together, with support and guidance in the moment.

Because the parent–child relationship is central to the work, we also spend time in parent sessions reflecting on your own experiences—how you were cared for, what felt supportive or challenging, and how that may show up in your parenting today. This isn’t about blame, but about building awareness and expanding your capacity to respond to your child in new ways.

As the parent, you are the most important agent of change in your child’s life, and I’m here to support you with insight, guidance, and hands-on practice so you feel more confident and connected.

Question 4

My partner wants to be involved as well. How do you work with two-parent households?

Accepted Answer

Both parents are welcome and encouraged to be part of the process. Partners are invited to participate in parent sessions, and we work together to support both caregivers over time.

Theraplay play sessions are held with one caregiver and child at a time. This allows us to focus on each parent–child relationship individually, since each dynamic is unique and may have different strengths, goals, and areas for growth. Working this way gives us the opportunity to provide more focused, in-the-moment support.

Once the initial goals are met and there is a strong foundation in place, I recommend shifting to the other caregiver. This allows each parent to receive dedicated support while also working toward consistency and connection across the family.

Question 5

What role does touch play in Theraplay?

Accepted Answer

Touch is an important part of Theraplay because it helps children feel safe, connected, and supported in their relationship with you. For many children, especially when they are overwhelmed, physical closeness is a powerful way to support regulation and we use different types of touch to support your child’s needs.

In sessions, touch is always intentional, appropriate, and guided. This might look like a playful high-five, a reassuring hand, or feeding your child a snack. 
Theraplay is different from many other approaches in that we use the full range of connection—including touch—rather than relying only on words.

Everything is done collaboratively and with attention to what feels comfortable and right for your family.

Question 6

Why are sessions videotaped?

Accepted Answer

Sessions are videotaped so we can more closely understand what’s happening in the interaction between you and your child. Video allows us to slow things down and look at moments that are easy to miss in real time—especially the subtle cues that a child may be becoming overwhelmed or dysregulated.

In parent sessions, we review selected clips together to better understand what your child is communicating in the lead-up to a challenging moment, such as a meltdown, and to notice patterns in how you and your child respond to one another. This helps build insight, increase empathy, and support more intentional, connected ways of responding.

Video is used only for clinical purposes and is an important part of the Theraplay process.

Question 7

How long does Theraplay treatment typically last?

Accepted Answer

The length of Theraplay varies depending on your child’s needs and our mutually agreed upon goals. Many families begin to notice meaningful changes within the first few months, and some complete treatment in about 4–6 months. Others continue longer to deepen and maintain progress.
We regularly check in about how things are going and make decisions together about the length of treatment so it feels intentional and aligned with your family’s needs.

Question 8

Is Theraplay only for children who have experienced trauma?

Accepted Answer

No. While Theraplay can be especially helpful for children who have experienced trauma or disruptions in early relationships, it is not limited to those situations.

Theraplay focuses on strengthening the parent–child relationship in ways that support regulation, connection, and emotional development. All children—and all parents—bring their own histories, temperaments, and patterns into that relationship. There doesn’t need to be trauma for there to be moments of disconnection, overwhelm, or difficulty.

Theraplay can be helpful for a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, frequent meltdowns, anger, refusal, difficulty with transitions, or challenges with connection. It’s also used to strengthen the foundation of the relationship more generally—helping children feel more secure and helping parents feel more confident in how they respond.

Question 9

Is Theraplay covered by insurance? Are there any additional fees?

Accepted Answer

Theraplay is covered for families with CareFirst insurance, with the parent as the identified "client". If you have a different insurance plan, a superbill can be provided for potential out-of-network reimbursement.

There is an additional $220 monthly fee that covers time spent reviewing session videos in preparation for parent sessions. This process allows us to slow things down, reflect on key moments, and better understand your child’s experience so we can support meaningful change.

Theraplay

About Theraplay

What is Theraplay?

Who is Theraplay for?

How does it help?

The Theraplay Approach

This video from the Theraplay Institute offers a brief overview of the approach and how it supports connection and regulation.

Common Questions About Theraplay