FirstPlay® Therapy is a Play Therapy strength-based model that enhances the parent-child relationship and is based upon the work of Play Therapy pioneer, Viola Brody, founder of Developmental Play Therapy (DPT); Infant Massage lit; Ericksonian Play Therapy; Attachment Theory; & research in Touch.
FirstPlay® Therapy focuses on the therapeutic aspects of pre-symbolic play, or “first-play” that is, for ex., the early joyful touch-based activity play that happens between a parent and infant.
FirstPlay® Therapy is offered for two different developmental stages: FirstPlay® Infant Massage storytelling is for ages 4 weeks to two/three years; and FirstPlay® Kinesthetic Storytelling is for children ages three to six years. Practitioners learn how to facilitate respectful, caring & fun touch-based activities between parents and children through demonstrations via baby doll. The parent simultaneously practices the techniques on their infant/child. The therapist does not touch the child, but supports the healing value of touch.
FirstPlay® integrates methods of calming and is an adjunctive model that can be integrated along with other forms of play therapy methods and it can be used with most parents & children regardless of issue, and can also be applied in groups, parent reunification & parent-child residential settings; with adoptive & foster parents; children with autism, behavioral problems, and attentional problems.