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Services Offered by Family First
Play Therapy Centre Inc.
(Scroll down to browse through all
services)
Play Therapy Treatment
Techniques
What is Child Psychotherapy Play Therapy?
Theraplay® & Attachment Related
Therapies
What is Theraplay®?
The Marschak Interaction Method
Assessment (MIM)
What is a MIM assessment?
Trauma Assessments
What is a Trauma Assessment?
Structured Sibling Visitation
Sessions
What is a Structured Sibling Visitation Session?
Access Visits using Theraplay®
What is an Access Visit Using Theraplay®?
Parent Counselling and Parent
Support Groups
What Kinds of Parent Counselling and Supports are Available?
Social Skills Groups & Summer Camps
What Social Skills Groups are Available?
School Support Services
How Can My Therapist Help My Child at School?
Additional Resources
Where Can I Find More Information?
Psychological/ PsychoEducational Assessments
Family First's Registered Psychologist, provides a comprehensive assessment with full report. Assessments and reports are completed without waiting lists or time lags. Please call office to book an appointment for this service.
What is Child Psychotherapy Play
Therapy?
Child Psychotherapy Play Therapy is a systematic approach to gaining insight and awareness into a child’s world or interior landscape through play – a child’s primary
means of communication: It is the way children best express their feelings. There are
different Play Therapy interventions. Some are directive: where the therapist uses a
variety of specific games and therapeutic techniques to do with the child (ie: Theraplay,
Cognitive Behaviour Play Therapy) and some are Non-Directive: whereby the therapist
follows the child’s lead while the child uses play and toys to act out / work out their
emotions and experiences. The Child Psychotherapist is trained to use toys as their tool
base while using these evidence-based therapeutic interventions. Evidenced-based
Child Psychotherapy techniques used in play therapy here at Family First include:
Trauma Assessments, Theraplay®, Dyadic-Developmental Psychotherapy® (DDP),
Child-Centered Therapy®, Heart Healing Therapy Sessions, Cognitive Behaviour Play
Therapy® (CBPT), Filial Therapy® are the most popular.
What
is Theraplay®?
Theraplay® is a lively, engaging, playful treatment method that
produces remarkable changes in the lives of children and their
families and is based on Attachment-based theories and research. It
follows a Directive Play Therapy approach, whereby the Therapist and
eventually, parents, are in charge. Four main elements are used as
the premise of the therapy: structure, challenge, engagement and
nurturing. The play activities chosen during this therapy are ones
which are fun, spontaneous, and interactive and require physical
contact. The aim is to help children and families form solid
relationships and positive attachments. As well, through the
playful, positive interactions that Theraplay provides, children can
develop a new view of themselves, a new view of the world and how
people in their world can respond to them. Therefore, this form of
therapy helps children with many different issues (emotional,
developmental, and behavioural). Theraplay treatment includes:
half-hour to forty minute sessions, once a week and treatment lasts
for approximately 12 to 14 weeks, with several follow-up sessions
during the year. Parents and sometimes siblings are involved in
every session and Parent Counselling is included during the hour
visit.
Click here for more information about Theraplay®
What is a Marschak Interaction Method Assessment (MIM)?
The Marschak Interaction Method Assessment® (MIM) (Marschak, 1960) is a structured
observation technique where the trained assessor observes from behind a one-way mirror
while the participants interact with each other. The adult(s) are given a set of cards with
instructions for simple activities to do together with the child and is designed to assess
the quality and nature of the relationship between a child and her caretaker(s). It is used
to identify areas of strength and of difficulty in the relationship and assists in making
recommendations for treatment. It is important to note that is assessment is based on
positive observations and is designed to positively assist caregivers with helping children
who have experienced previous attachment losses.
There are four areas which are considered when observing the caretaker-child interaction
when analyzing the MIM: Structure, Engagement, Nurture and Challenge.
What is a Child Trauma Assessment?
This is a clinical child psychotherapy assessment, aimed at identifying reactions
and adjustment following a traumatic event (ie: death of a loved one, apprehension from
family, multiple family placements, fire, physical, sexual or emotional abuse). Any
information gathered is not intended for use as a comprehensive assessment for litigation
purposes in family or criminal court – but is gathered for therapeutic reasons only. The
assessment information will help determine if trauma has occurred and, if so, the specific
affects it has had on the child’s functioning and development. Once this is determined,
recommendations can be made for treatment strategies to meet the needs of the child and
family. A number of individual sessions are conducted with the child (aprox 6 sessions),
using a variety of therapeutic games and activities to engage the child and gather
diagnostic information. Diagnostic information will include: trauma scenario
perceptions, emotional development, self-perceptions, attachment issues, symptoms and
coping skills, perception of responsibility and supports, other presenting problems.
Following the assessment, a written report is completed and feedback is shared with the
family. Treatment plans will be formulated and recommendations made to meet the
unique needs of each child and family.
What is a Structured Sibling
Visitation Session?
This treatment modality is for children separated due to foster care
issues but need, wish, and want to continue to see each other. These
children will be helped to visit with one another without being
triggered by their past experiences. The aim in working with
children in this capacity is to re-establish relationships with
siblings and assist in formulating new positive memories and
healthier relationship experiences with each other.
What is an Access
Visit Using Theraplay®?
This treatment modality is for parents and children who are
separated due to child protection issues but are able to see each
other through supervised visitation agreements made by the
Children’s Aid Society. These families will visit with one another
in a structured setting and will participate in a playful session
guided by a Theraplay Therapist. Each session will be planned and
implemented by the therapist. It is suggested that each family or
parent-child dyad, participate in a short one-hour playful
assessment called the Marschak Interaction Method Assessment prior
to beginning the of visitation sessions. This is a one-time, one
hour Assessment which will help to appropriately plan visitation
sessions for each family or parent-child dyad.
What Kinds of Parent
Counselling and Supports are Available?
Family First offers a parent support group for foster and adopted
parents, and another for birth parents. These support groups provide
parents with the opportunity to learn effective parent strategies
and techniques through hands-on learning experiences in a
supportive, non-threatening environment.
What Social Skills
Groups are Available?
Theraplay for Parents and Young Children
This is an 8 week social group for parents with preschool children
who are experiencing difficulties with behaviour, social skills and
developmental skills. It is a fun, interactive small group which
involves helping children as well as supports parents by teaching
them new and effective parenting techniques. Please call for more
information and for upcoming available dates. Ages 3-5 plus one
parent.
How Can My Therapist Help My Child at
School?
Often children who have experienced emotional disruptions have
difficulty learning and focusing while in school. Working from a
positive team approach, and only if requested by the parents or
supportive caregivers, Family First is happy to work with your
child’s school in order to help his or her school experience be
successful.
Academic Tutoring For Children Up To Grade 8
Family First Tutoring Services recognizes that each child's learning style and strength is unique. We therefore specialize in helping students understand their learning strengths to gain mastery over their learning challenges. Our program helps the child integrate new information into a solid understanding and promotes self-confidence to achieve academic success. Individual tutoring is provided but small groups are available upon request. Sibling discounts are provided as well. Please call for more information.
Where Can I Find
More Information?
Family First has compiled a list of books and websites that
you may find useful:
Books:
Bailey, B. I Love You Rituals. Quill Harper Collins Publishers. 2000
Biel, L. & Peske N. Raising a Sensory Smart Child. Penguin Books,
New York. 2005
Hughes, D. Building the Bonds of Attachment: Awakening Love in
Deeply Troubled Children. Jason Aronson Inc. New Jersey, 1998
Kranowitz, C. The Out-of-Sync Child. Recognizing and Coping with
Sensory Integration Dysfunction. Perigree Books, New York. 1998
Kranowitz, C. The Out-of-Sync Child Has Fun. Activities for Kids
with Sensory Integration Dysfunction. Perigree Books, New York. 2003
Morin, V.K. Fun to Grow On. Engaging Play Activities for Kids with
Teachers, Parents and Grandparents. Magnolia Street Publishers,
Chicago, Il. 1999.
Purvis, K; Cross, D. The Connected Child. McGraw Hill, New York.
2007
Weininger, Otto. Time-In Parenting. Rinascente Books. Toronto. 2002
 Websites:
The Theraplay® Institute
www.theraplay.org
Canadian Association for Child and Play Therapy (CACPT)
CACPT is Canada's National Play Therapy Association.
www.cacpt.com
Parent Books
Parent Books offers a comprehensive selection of resources
for both parents and professionals.
www.parentbooks.ca |
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