Articles

I. QUALIFICATIONS

A. Training and experience

Candidates must be qualified (masters level or above), licensed, certified, or registered professionals in a mental health field that prepares them to work with children and families; for example, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, psychotherapists, school counselors, etc. In each field we assume a solid background in

• the principles of human development
• the ethical issues within their own discipline, including best practice; and
• professional experience working with children and families.

Candidates who have extensive experience working with children and families but who have not yet completed their masters-level professional degree may be admitted into Theraplay training. Upon completion of the requirements for certification, they will be certified as Associate Theraplay® Therapists. Associate Theraplay® Therapists must arrange to have ongoing Theraplay supervision once a month with their certification supervisor. When professional requirements are completed, the associate's status will be changed to Certified Theraplay® Therapist.

Those working in fields that do not require a mental health masters degree, such as speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists, may earn certification as a Specialized Theraplay® Therapist, and will be issued a certificate allowing them to use Theraplay within their field. See ―Procedures for Obtaining Certification as a Specialized Theraplay® Therapist.”

B. Responsibility/liability for the welfare of clients

The Theraplay Institute does not accept legal responsibility for the welfare of the candidate's clients. Therefore it is important that candidates for Theraplay therapist either have credentials that allow them to work independently, or have a regular supervisor (other than the Theraplay supervisor) who can be responsible for the welfare of their clients.

Candidates must have fully informed permission from their regular supervisor and/or agency director before pursuing Theraplay certification. They must also have fully informed permission from the families with whom they work to videotape sessions and have them used for supervision.

Candidates must have their own malpractice insurance. A copy of their insurance confirmation, as well as of the written permission statements described above, should be submitted along with their application for admission to the practicum. (See Step II, A)

C. Confidentiality notice

All supervisees must adhere to the ethical standards of their professional associations and to the confidentiality laws of the state, province or country where the treatment is provided.

II. TRAINING REQUIRED

A. Satisfactory completion of the Introductory course in Theraplay and the Marschak Interaction Method (MIM)

B. Satisfactory completion of the Intermediate course in Theraplay and MIM

It is recommended that candidates begin their practicum as soon as possible after completing the introductory course and that they have at least three months’ experience before taking the intermediate course to build upon and refine their developing skills.

Case presentations made at Intermediate training will count as one supervised session for practicum students. For those not yet formally accepted into the practicum, Intermediate case presentations will count as one supervised session if the candidate is accepted to the practicum within six months of the training.

III. APPLICATION FOR PRACTICUM

Applications for acceptance into the Theraplay supervision practicum are made in the following ways:

• If the applicant intends to be supervised by a Theraplay Institute supervisor, the application materials should be submitted along with the fee (currently $200) to The Theraplay Institute, Wilmette, IL (see below for complete list of what to submit). A TTI supervisor will review the materials and send feedback and a letter of acceptance or rejection to the applicant.
• If the applicant resides within a country with a certified Theraplay Affiliate organization (currently Finland and Germany), application may be made to that Affiliate according to the requirements of International Procedures of Obtaining Certification as a Theraplay® Therapist, 6.06.
• If the applicant wishes to be supervised by a certified independent Theraplay supervisor, rather than through The Theraplay Institute, the application materials should be submitted to that supervisor. Upon acceptance, the applicant should send to The Theraplay Institute in Wilmette copies of the application documents along with the supervisor’s written supervision (or a summary of verbal supervision in the absence of written comments) and letter of recommendation for acceptance into the practicum, and the application fee (currently $100).

IV. PROGRESSION TOWARD CERTIFICATION

In order to encourage clinicians to seek supervision and enter the practicum, and to recognize significant milestones of those in the practicum, our practicum is divided into three levels: Theraplay Practitioner Level One, Theraplay Practitioner Level Two and Certified Theraplay Therapist. Please refer to Section V. for more details about the types of sessions required and supervision options.

Only training and supervision provided by Certified Theraplay Trainers and Certified Theraplay Supervisors will be credited toward certification at any of the three levels.

We recognize that Theraplay requires special skills and aptitudes and that it is not appropriate for everyone. In order that candidates not waste both time and money, supervisors will attempt to determine as early as possible when a candidate is not showing aptitude for this kind of treatment. In that case the candidate will be helped to understand this and to withdraw from the program.

A. Theraplay Practitioner Level One: Total sessions = 8

1. Submit the following written materials
   • Description of your professional experience, i.e. a curriculum vita or resume
   • A copy of your current professional license, or your college/university transcript in countries that do not license
   • Written permission from your supervisor or agency director and from the families whose tapes are being submitted for supervision
   • A confirmation of professional malpractice insurance
2. Submit the following application case materials:
   • DVD of the MIM and your written summary of your analysis of it and how it guided your feedback to the parents and planning of first treatment session. This is not a formal MIM report.
   • DVD of the first treatment session with this same family along with 1) Supervision Cover Sheet and 2)Session Supervision Form, see pages 10 – 15. Please type on the forms and send via e-mail to: practicum.application@theraplay.org

   Submission of these materials will count as your two application sessions and should be accompanied by payment of the application fee (currently $200). If the candidate is accepted into the practicum, these two tapes can be counted as the first two sessions submitted for supervision.

3. 3. To complete Level One:
   • Submit six more sessions of Theraplay treatment accompanied by the Session Supervision Form and the Supervision Cover Sheet. These sessions should be of two different clients, one of whom may be the same as used for application.
   • Complete a total of 40 Theraplay sessions and submit a log of them for your file
4. Level One certificate

Upon successful completion of Level One requirements, the student will be issued a certificate acknowledging their status in the practicum of a Level One Theraplay Practitioner. Please refer to Section VI for information about how to describe the use of Theraplay in your work. This certificate only acknowledges progress in the practicum and enables the student to be recognized as having more experience and skill development than one who has not received any supervision. This is not a substitute for full certification.

B. Theraplay Practitioner Level Two: Total additional sessions = 12

1. Submit the following written material:
   • A brief (1-3 pages) narrative, including a personal history and a description of how you intend to use Theraplay in your work.
2. Successfully complete the Intermediate Theraplay/MIM training, including presenting a case at the training for one credit. This can be done at any time during Level Two.
3. To Complete Level Two:
   • Submit nine more sessions plus one MIM analysis/first treatment session combination (see Step A.2) with a new client. Except where noted, submit only the Session Supervision Form and Cover Sheet with each tape.
   • Complete an additional 60 Theraplay sessions and submit a log of them for your file. Total number of sessions completed = 100.
   • Pass the mid-term evaluation which is done by a supervisor other than your regular supervisor. Evaluators rate the candidate’s performance as Pass, Fail or Probationary Pass. A probationary pass will be accompanied by recommendations for change and possibly a requirement for additional supervised sessions. Mid-terms should be sent with both supervisory forms and a log of sessions completed to date. Mid-terms should be of current work (no more than three months old, except for extraordinary circumstances). In cases where the application documents were placed on file at an International Affiliate, the mid-term tape should be sent with the same documentation as above plus a letter from the Affiliate stating that the applicant’s documents are complete and that the supervisor is in good standing.
4. Level Two Certificate

Upon successful completion of Level 2, the candidate will be issued a certificate acknowledging their status in the practicum of Level Two Theraplay Practitioner. This is the mid-way point of the practicum. Please refer to Section VI for further explanation./p>

C. Certified Theraplay Therapist: Total Additional # of Sessions = 20

1. To achieve this level:
   • Submit 17 more sessions for supervision.
   • Submit two more written MIM analysis summaries. We no longer require formal written MIM reports for certification as a Theraplay therapist.
   • Complete an additional 100 Theraplay sessions and submit a log of them for your file.
   • Submit and pass the final exam evaluation which is done by a supervisor other than your regular supervisor. Final DVDs should be submitted with both supervisory forms. Final exams must be of recent work done within three months of the time of submission. An exception will be considered for tapes up to six months old if accompanied by a letter of explanation from the candidate’s supervisor. The Theraplay Institute reserves the right to ask for more recent work to be submitted.
2. Certification

Upon successful completion of all requirements, the candidate will be issued a certificate awarding them full status of Certified Theraplay Therapist. Certification as a Theraplay therapist indicates that the candidate has fulfilled The Theraplay® Institute's requirements for training and has achieved a level of competence as a Theraplay therapist that will enable him to continue working independently.

It is highly recommended that the therapist seek additional supervision before attempting to conduct Theraplay with a population very different from ones supervised during the practicum, e.g. traumatized/institutionalized children vs. Head Start children seen during the practicum.

It is necessary to complete certification and practice as a Theraplay therapist for two years before pursuing Theraplay trainer/supervisor status.

V. PRACTICUM DETAILS

A. Required number of Theraplay sessions and cases--200 sessions, a minimum of 10 cases

Each candidate must complete a minimum of two hundred Theraplay sessions covering a minimum of ten cases.

Of the 200 sessions, at least 100 must be of Theraplay treatment with the child. The remaining 100 sessions may be a combination of work with the child, the parent(s) or group Theraplay work. For any given session, either the work with the parent or work with the child, but not both, may be submitted for supervision. Up to 25 of these remaining sessions may be group work. Group sessions are credited at half the rate of individual sessions, i.e. 50 group sessions equals 25 session credits. Note that at least three sessions of work with the parent(s) must be submitted for supervision.

The minimum time for completing the practicum is one year. Cases should be selected so that they represent as broad a range of clients as possible: a range of ages, presenting problems and family constellations should be represented.

B. Required number of sessions to be supervised = 40

The basic Theraplay practicum requires supervision of 36 sessions and four MIM analysis summaries. This includes the two application sessions, one session designated as a mid-term and one as a final, which will be supervised by someone other than the candidate’s usual supervisor. The thirty-six supervisory sessions must be spread out over seven of the ten required cases.

Theraplay Therapists need experience working with both the child and with the parents. Candidates must arrange to video-tape and submit for supervision three sessions of their work with parents as part of the required sessions.

Group Theraplay sessions may count for up to ten of the sessions, but they are credited at half the rate of individual sessions, i.e. to receive ten credits, twenty sessions would be submitted at full cost.

C. Supervision options

1. Long-distance Supervision. This is the most common way to receive supervision from The Theraplay Institute. The Theraplay Institute only accepts DVD formats, and DVD’s are are promptly returned upon completion of supervision. Most supervision notes will be sent via e-mail. The supervisor will spend one-hour consulting on each session sent. You may also make arrangement with your supervisor to do internet file sharing and live internet supervision. See the appendix for the forms to be sent with sessions. You may ask the supervisor to focus on a particular part of the session, in which case you should indicate the start time for that point before sending. Although every effort will be made to review sessions in a timely manner, candidates should not expect to receive feedback prior to seeing the child again. If immediate feedback is needed, please alert your supervisor and make other arrangements for consultation.
   
   Since long-distance candidates may be sending random samples of their work, issues may arise that are not on the submitted videos. Candidates should bring these issues to the supervisor's attention by describing them in written notes accompanying the session.

1. Individual supervision. If you wish to bring your video to our offices for live supervision, or if you would like to apply to see clients with us at our office in Evanston, IL, please contact us. Please note that due to the size of our clinical practice, it will not be possible to complete your practicum solely by working with our clients.

1. Working with an independent Certified Theraplay Supervisor. The requirements are identical to working with a Theraplay Institute supervisor. Mid-terms and finals are submitted to The Theraplay Institute, and copies of application documents are sent at the beginning of the practicum.

1. Other Ways to Earn Supervision Credit at the Mid-Term Point:In order to help students save money and complete the practicum more quickly, students who are at or near the mid-term point may apply to earn up to ten session credits by means other than supervision of Theraplay treatment. Permission is granted at the supervisor’s discretion only to students who show above average progress toward certification. Options include:
   • Attend a two-day Advanced Practice Workshop—10 credits (Current fee is $270, for a savings of $730)
   • Be a training assistant at an Introductory level training—8 credits (No fee; savings is $800)
   • Be an observer participant in a Theraplay supervision group. Each hour of observation counts as .5 credits for up to 10 total. Students may apply for this option upon being accepted into the practicum, if they are already working in an organized Theraplay supervision group. Savings will vary depending upon the number in the group and how payments are allocated. For more information see “How to Organize a Theraplay Supervision Group.”
   • Participate in a TTI consulting project or complete a special project—up to 10 credits; inquire about the current list of projects. (No fee; savings is $1,000)
2. Accounting for supervision hours.Candidates should keep a record of supervision received, including:
   • Name of child
   • Date of session
   • Date mailed or date supervised
   • Payment made
   • Date of receipt of supervisory comments
   
   
   The Theraplay Institute will keep a similar record. Forms are available for record keeping.
   
   
   
   The supervisee must keep a record of all unsupervised sessions that she conducts as evidence of completion of the overall session requirement of 200 sessions with at least 10 families. The record should include initials of the families and dates of sessions.

1. Payment. Payment should be made at the time of each supervision session unless other arrangements have been made. For long-distance supervision, each DVD should be accompanied by a check covering the number of sessions enclosed, or payment may be made on-line. Candidates may also arrange to start a supervision escrow account by paying all or part of the practicum fees in advance. Supervision fees will be deducted from this account and statements issues to the candidate on a regular basis. Candidates may also arrange to keep credit card information on file instead of paying by check. Please give us permission to charge this account each time supervision is sent. Please indicate clearly the number and type of sessions for which you expect to receive credit on the supervision cover sheet.
   VI. USE OF THE THERAPLAY® SERVICE MARK
   We encourage those who attend Theraplay training to use the Theraplay principles and techniques in their own setting.
    After attending Introductory Theraplay and MIM clinicians can describe what they are doing as based on Theraplay principles, but cannot say that they are doing Theraplay or conducting Theraplay sessions.
    If they are in the process of the supervised practicum, clinicians can say that they are working toward certification as a Theraplay therapist.
    Upon receiving Level One or Two Theraplay Practitioner certificates, candidates may refer to these credentials in addition to above.
    After completing the supervised practicum and all other requirements for Certification, clinicians can call themselves Certified Theraplay® Therapists and refer to their practice as Theraplay®.
   Once trainees become certified, they can use the Theraplay name in written statements about their practice. At all times, the Theraplay service mark should be used correctly. All printed announcements, brochures, e-mail, web site announcements etc. should always use the service mark ® and include the phrase ―Theraplay® is a registered service mark of The Theraplay Institute, 1840 Oak Ave., Suite 320, Evanston, IL 60201, USA.‖
   Rev. 3.11 8
   Stylistic guidelines for the use of the service mark include:
    Use the service mark in the phrase ―Certified Theraplay® Therapist‖
    Use the service mark in the phrase ―The Theraplay® Institute‖.
    Use the service mark in a longer document the first time you use the word ―Theraplay®‖.
    Use the service mark if ―Theraplay®‖ is in the name of your practice or workplace and you are certified.
    If you are uncertified, use the service mark when describing what Theraplay is in any printed materials or on your web site. Include a link to our website if you have a web site.
   VII. ONGOING CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
   Certified Theraplay® Therapists must complete a continuing education requirement every three years, and maintain annual membership in The Theraplay® Association (currently $50) and are entitled to a free listing on our web directory. The following continuing education options are available:
    Attend an Advanced Practice Seminar or the International Conference; cost is the registration fee
    Submit a treatment session for supervision; cost is currently $100
    Present a treatment session at a group supervision; cost is currently $80
    Write an article that is accepted and published in The Theraplay Institute newsletter; cost is $0
    Conduct a portion of a training being run by a Certified Theraplay® Trainer, travel costs
    Publish an article about Theraplay in a professional journal, cost is $0
    Present a clinical case about Theraplay at a conference, cost varies
    Participate in a Theraplay research project
   Therapists who are inactive for an extended period of time may obtain sabbatical status, and the continuing education requirement will be waived. However, membership in The Theraplay® Association will be required in order that the therapist be up-to-date on changes and developments in Theraplay research and practice. Additional training or supervision may be required to regain active status after a Sabbatical.
   Rev. 3.11 9
   PRACTICUM FEES
   As of March 2011; subject to change
   Basic Practicum:
   Application fee (two sessions)
   $200
   32 sessions @ $100
   $3,200
   4 MIM summaries @ $100
   $400
   Evaluation of mid-term and final
   $200
   Total
   $4,000
   Basic Plus (with permission from supervisor):
   Application fee (two sessions)
   $200
   24 sessions @ $100
   $2,400
   10 credits earned other ways
   $0 - $270
   2 MIM summaries @ $100
   $200
   2 MIM written reports @ $100
   $200
   Evaluation of mid-term and final
   $200
   Total
   $3,000 - $3,730
   With an Independent Certified Theraplay Supervisor:
   Application Fee to TTI
   $ 100 $0
   Application and supervision: 38 sessions
   Varies by supervisor
   Mid-Term supervision
   $ 100
   Final supervision
   $ 100
   Total
   $300 plus Supervisor’s fees
   Payment is due at the time of the supervisory session either on-site or at The Theraplay Institute. Payment should accompany each DVD for long-distance supervision. Certification cannot be granted until all fees have been paid.
   Rev. 3.11 10
   Name: _____________________________________Date:__________________
   Primary Supervisor (if assigned)____________________________________
   PLEASE DUPLICATE THIS FORM, FILL OUT AND SEND WITH YOUR SUPERVISION TAPES
   For supervisees admitted to the practicum effective 7-1-06 (40 session requirement)
   Contents of this package:
   Number of tapes Type of Tape/DVD Fee Enclosed
   Application (2 sessions) $200 USD
   ___________ Full sessions @ $100 each ___________
   ___________ Parent session @ $100 each ___________
   ___________ MIM session & report @$100 each ___________
   Midterm Tape (1) $100
   Final Tape (1) $100
   Total enclosed:
   ___________________________________________________________________
   For those admitted to practicum prior to 7-1-06 (58 session requirement)
   Number of tapes Type of Tape/DVD Fee Enclosed
   Application (2 sessions) $200 USD
   ___________ 10 minute segments @ $45 each ___________
   ___________ MIM session & report @$100 each ___________
   Midterm Tape (1) $100
   Final Tape (1) $100
   Total enclosed:
   ___________________________________________________________________
   For those working with an independent supervisor, the following should be sent to The Theraplay Institute:
   Number of tapes Type of Tape/DVD Fee Enclosed
   Application paperwork $100 USD
   Midterm Tape (1) $100
   Final Tape (1) $100
   Total enclosed:
   REMEMBER TO SEND THE SUPPORTING INFORMATION ABOUT THE SESSION
   ON THE SESSION SUPERVISION FORM
   3330 Old Glenview Rd., Suite 8, Wilmette, IL 60091 * 847-256-7334 fax 847-256-7370
   info@theraplay.org www.theraplay.org.
   Cover Sheet To Send With Supervision Tapes
   Rev. 3.11 11
   Client (initials):
   Date:
   Session #:
   At the beginning of each case, please send the following material in addition to the material required for on-going sessions:
   _____Background or intake information on the child and family, last names removed for confidentiality
   _____Tape of the MIM session, along with a brief summary of the interaction and recommendations for treatment
   _____A form signed by the parent(s) giving permission to videotape and to share the tapes and information about the family with the candidate’s supervisor
   Please make sure that all tapes/DVDs are clearly labeled.
   For both beginning and on-going sessions complete the following:
   A. Specific goals for this session:
   B.
   List of activities planned:
   As actually happened in the session:
   C. Your assessment of your work in the following areas (give specific examples by activity):
   3330 Old Glenview Rd., Suite 8, Wilmette, IL 60091 * 847-256-7334 fax 847-256-7370
   info@theraplay.org www.theraplay.org.
   Session Supervision Form
   Rev. 3.11 12
   1) Your efforts to keep child optimally regulated:
   
   2) Your pacing of activities:
   
   3) Variety and sequence of activities (example, balance between nurture/ structure, quiet/ boisterous, faster/calmer):
   
   4) Your overall use of Engagement (use of surprise, ―moments of meeting‖, etc):
   
   5) Your attention to child’s nonverbal signals:
   
   6) Your modifications for trauma history:
   
   7) Would you work differently with this child in the future; if so how?
   
   D. Comments on the child’s behavior:
   
   E. Parent involvement:
   1) Your efforts to provide structure for the parent (i.e, Did the parent have a comfortable place to sit? Did parent know what was expected/how to do the activities? Did you provide enough direct coaching/guidance to parent?):
   
   2) Your facilitation of parent-child engagement:
   
   3) Parent’s reaction to child:
   
   F. Transference/Contertransference issues:
   
   G. Plan for the next session:
   
   H. Questions for the supervisor:
   
   Rev. 3.11 13
   Name_____________________________________ Date____________
   Supervisor__________________________________________________
   Client (initials)_________ Session #______________________________
   Please include this form with initial application, level two application, mid term and final tapes. Complete your comments and analysis of your own work for each category. Your supervisor will respond and assign a numeral rating for each.
   Supervisor Rating:
   5: Exceptional-minimal suggestions
   4: Good skills-above average progress
   3: Average-acceptable
   2: Needs improvement and additional supervisory support
   1: Significant deficit area—may require supervision beyond the standard practicum
   MIM ASSESSMENT
   Administers MIM appropriately
   MIM report accurate re: observations of behaviors
   MIM report: observations support conclusions and plans
   MIM observations & conclusions support treatment plan
   MIM feedback appropriate and sensitive
   STRUCTURE
   Action: Arrange space and positioning for maximum comfort and impact on child
   Result: Child able to focus without distraction
   Help child focus on and attend to therapist
   Child’s major focus is on therapist
   Assist child in achieving optimal arousal
   Child is not over or understimulated
   Activity choice appropriate for age/gender/developmental level
   Lead child through a variety of organized, interactive playful sequences
   Child is intrigued and enticed into participating in simple play sequences
   Child is regulated-organized by the adult’s regulation-organization
   Child begins to follow another person’s lead
   Help child accept structure
   Child accepts adult’s structure
   3330 Old Glenview Rd., Suite 8, Wilmette, IL 60091 * 847-256-7334 fax 847-256-7370
   info@theraplay.org www.theraplay.org.
   Supervision: Self-Description by Dimension
   Rev. 3.11 14
   Minimizes child’s dysregulation
   Able to help child regain regulation
   Able to work around resistance
   Appropriate modifications for trauma history
   ENGAGEMENT
   Adult focuses on child intensely and exclusively, noticing special physical and interaction attributes
   Child feels ―seen‖
   Adult acknowledges child’s reactions, likes and dislikes, distress and pleasure
   Child feels ―felt‖ i.e., experiences affective connection with adult
   Draw child’s attention to adult’s face/body and facial expressions/gestures
   Child attends to adult’s facial expressions, gestures and directions
   Child recognizes the other as a special someone to be and do with
   Draw child’s attention to the play actions and simple materials
   Child experiences joint attention
   Share and increase positive affect through the interaction
   Child experiences more positive affect because of the interaction with another person
   Imitate child to turn what they do into a communication
   Child experiences self as able to make an impact on adult, able to start something
   Develop turn taking
   Child is able to complete several turns of back and forth sequences, anticipate actions of another, predict what will happen
   Aware of all of child’s communications and responds appropriately
   Child feels ―heard‖
   Encourage all means of non-verbal and verbal communication
   Child increases non-verbal and verbal communication attempts
   Develop a repertoire of play interactions
   Appropriate modifications for trauma history
   NURTURE
   Provide nurturing touch
   Child experiences, accepts and comes to enjoy the very focused, intimate interaction of caregiving
   Rev. 3.11 15
   Soothe the child when upset
   Child is able to be calmed by the intervention of another person, experiences interactive repair of negative emotions
   Appropriate modifications for trauma history
   CHALLENGE
   Assist child to tolerate a variety of new activities
   Child is able to participate in more and unique interactions with another person
   Develop ability to transition between activities
   Child moves from one activity to another calmly and with positive affect
   Develop ability to prolong interaction
   Child can stick with an interaction for longer periods of time, more turns
   Adult encourages and assists child to complete activities that are mildly difficult for child
   Child has the experience of accomplishing something a little difficult with the encouragement or assistance of another person; child feels capable
   Appropriate modifications for trauma history
   WORKING WITH PARENTS
   Interpreting
   Guiding in session
   Assigning homework
   Dealing with resistance
   Generalizing
   Appropriate modifications for trauma history
   OVERALL
   Demonstrates understanding of attachment and regulatory theory that underlies Theraplay treatment
   Up to date on relevant research in developmental sciences and Theraplay applications
   Observes contraindications as appropriate
   Comments: