International Chinese Certified Primary Developmental Play Therapists

Janet Courtney, PhD Founder, “FirstPlay” Therapy

Stories That Heal

Endorsements from leaders who believe in the magic of storytelling.

FirstPlay® Kinesthetic Story “BACK Stories”

FirstPlay® Kinesthetic Storytelling®, also known as “BACK Stories” (stories that can be told on a child’s back) is designed for children ages pre-school to six years. Certified FirstPlay® Practitioners use the FirstPlay® Parent Instructional Guide© to teach, direct and supervise parents how to draw and tell The Magic Rainbow Hug© and Ocean Friends Dance Under the Rainbow© stories on their children’s backs.

This play therapy model enhances parent and child bonding and attachment through the avenue of respectful and caring touch. In FirstPlay® sessions Practitioners demonstrate the storytelling movements on a back of a large stuffed animal (for example) while the parents simultaneously practice the techniques on their children’s back.

Dr. Janet Courtney is Author of “The Magic Rainbow Hug”

The Magic Rainbow Hug© is a heartfelt interactive storybook that helps children overcome fear and anxiety through playful relaxation and joyful touch. The story is designed to help children learn relaxation skills and methods of calming while increasing the bonds between parents (caregivers) and children.

Check out the New Self-Paced Online FirstPlay Somatic Storytelling®

(Ages three (3) years and beyond)

This is a recorded 35 hour online play therapy course that is self-paced and to be taken at any time. Learn how to create custom-made therapeutic stories for child clients. In the FirstPlay Kinesthetic Storytelling® training (“BACK Stories™” as kids know them….stories that can be told on a child’s back), practitioners demonstrate on a stuffed animal/pillow while parents are guided to practice the stories with their child. (Watch Janet’s TEDx Talk to learn more about Kinesthetic Storytelling® ). Two supervision sessions required. APT Approved Provider 10-287.