Theraplay®

Theraplay®  is an evidence-based, interactive therapy designed to strengthen attachment between children and caregivers. It focuses on four qualities found in healthy relationships: structure, nurture, engagement, and challenge. Sessions include playful, meaningful, guided activities that deepen connection and attunement. Children often experience increased feelings of safety, improved emotional regulation, stronger social engagement, and healthier self-esteem and confidence.

Theraplay Therapy Buffalo NY Ott Counseling

What is Theraplay®?

Theraplay® is a playful, relationship-focused therapy approach designed to strengthen the connection between a child and their caregiver(s). Grounded in attachment theory and the four essential qualities of healthy parent-child relationships—structure, engagement, nurture, and challenge—Theraplay® uses interactive, nurturing activities to promote trust and emotional security. Sessions are typically fun, movement-based, and guided by the therapist, making it easier for children to feel safe and connected. While it’s often used with younger children, Theraplay® can also benefit older kids and families navigating challenges like trauma, behavioral issues, or disrupted attachment. The focus isn’t on talking through problems but on using shared experiences to foster emotional healing and connection.

What Age are your Clients?

Theraplay® at Ott Counseling is primarily used with young children, often from toddler age through early elementary school. It’s especially effective for children who are building or rebuilding trust, connection, and emotional regulation skills - whether due to trauma, adoption, developmental challenges, or early disruptions in attachment. While the focus is often on younger kids, Theraplay®-informed approaches can also be adapted for older children and even teens when warranted.

Infants

Toddlers

Young Children

We Love Theraplay® For...

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Strengthening Attachment

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Coping with Trauma

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Social / Emotional Development

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Behavioral Challenges

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Building Healthy Relationships

Is Theraplay® Right For My Child?

Here are a few of the questions we’re often asked about Theraplay®. Wondering if this therapy is right for you? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with questions or to schedule a session with one of our experienced therapists.

  • What does a typical Theraplay® session look like?

    Our Theraplay® sessions often involve structured activities between the child and therapist, or the child and caregiver. These activities are always designed to build connection, trust, and support healthy emotional regulation for the child.

  • Will I be involved in the session as a parent or caregiver?

    Yes! Theraplay® is a relationship-based approach, and caregivers are actively involved in many parts of the process to support bonding and co-regulation.

  • Does my child need to talk about their trauma or emotions for Theraplay® to work?

    Not at all. Theraplay® uses experiential and non-verbal techniques, which makes it a powerful option for kids who aren’t yet ready or able to verbalize their feelings.

  • How is Theraplay® different from play therapy?

    While both use play, Theraplay® is more structured and focuses directly on the parent-child relationship, helping strengthen attachment and trust through guided interactions.

  • Can Theraplay® be used with other types of therapy?

    Absolutely! At Ott Counseling, we often blend Theraplay® with other modalities to meet the unique needs of your child or family. Therapy is never one-size-fits-all and we always customize to yours and your child's needs.

  • Is Theraplay® appropriate for children with neurodiverse needs or developmental delays?

    Yes! Theraplay® can be a powerful tool for children with autism, ADHD, sensory challenges, and other neurodevelopmental differences. This therapy can support healthy bonding and communication between children and their caregivers, allowing for better learning, opportunities to positively reinforce the right behaviors, and support for caregivers through their parenting challenges.

  • What ages do you work with for Theraplay®?

    We offer Theraplay® for infants through elementary-age children, and we always adapt the sessions based on developmental level. Sessions also adapt as children age and enter new developmental stages.

  • Can Theraplay® help if my child has experienced a tough adoption or foster care journey?

    It can be especially helpful in these situations. Theraplay® was originally developed for children with attachment disruptions and remains widely used in adoptive and foster care communities for helping caregivers forge meaningful bonds with their children.

  • How long does it take to see progress with Theraplay®?

    Every child and family is different, but many parents notice improvements in connection, behavior, and emotional regulation within just a few sessions.

  • Where do you offer Theraplay®?

    Ott Counseling offers Theraplay in our Buffalo, NY office, and we serve families throughout Western New York and all of New York State. We offer both in-office and telehealth visits to meet yours and your family's needs.

Meet Your Therapists

Our Licensed Therapists at Ott Counseling come from all walks of life and embrace a wide variety of specialties. Schedule an appointment with a specific therapist, or feel free to contact us through our website and we can help you find the right fit.

Laura Ott Owner Founder Buffalo NY

Laura Ott, LCSW, PMH-C (She/Her)

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Nathaniel Whitcomb LMSW Buffalo NY

Nathaniel Whitcomb, LMSW (He/Him)

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Courtney Costello LMSW Buffalo NY Ott Counseling

Courtney Costello, LMSW (She/Her)

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Kate Tripi Office Manager Buffalo NY Ott Counseling

Kate Tripi, MS (She/Her)

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Alisa Chirico Ott Counseling Buffalo NY
Mary Gannon Counseling Ott Counseling Buffalo NY

Mary Gannon, M. Ed, LMSW (She/Her)

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Brianna Nilsen LMSW Ott Counseling Buffalo NY

Brianna Nilsen, LMSW (She/Her)

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Richard Manuel LMSW Buffalo NY

Richard Manuel, LMSW (He/Him)

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Saffi Rigberg Ott Counseling Buffalo NY

Saffi Rigberg, LMSW (She/Her)

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Check out our latest therapy insights on our blog!

Blog Post: How Do I Know Which Kind of Therapy Is Right for My Child? (And Meet Our New Specialist)

How Do I Know Which Kind of Therapy Is Right for My Child? (And Meet Our New Specialist, Mary Gannon)

By Ott Counseling • December 3, 2025
Just like there’s no “one perfect therapy” for adults, there isn’t a single right choice for every child. Learn more about child therapy options in our recent blog!
Click to read blog: Which Trauma Therapy Is Right for Me?

Which Trauma Therapy Is Right for Me? A Breakdown of EMDR, Progressive Counting, & Brainspotting

By Ott Counseling • October 13, 2025
As therapists, we know that healing from trauma isn’t one-size-fits-all… Here we examine EMDR, Progressive Counting, and Brainspotting as therapy options for trauma.
Click to read blog post: You're Getting on My Nerves(ous) System

You're Getting on My Nerves(ous) System

By Ott Counseling • August 1, 2025
“It’s all in your head.” Ah, yes, the least helpful advice ever given to anyone who has felt anxiety.

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Theraplay®

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Ott Counseling has, without mincing words, put in more time, effort, and energy into my mental health above and beyond any other therapist I have seen in decades. Patient, evidence-based, and extremely up-to-date on the latest therapy modalities and research. Would, quite literally, not be here to write this review had it not been for this practice and the people in it.

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I have been meeting with [my therapist] and I am REALLY happy with how that's going as well. He is WONDERFUL so far. He is super attentive, empathetic and I have found myself saying 'Exactly!' multiple times. He really seems to get me.

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XXXX just loved [Ott Counseling]. She was super nervous all day yesterday and told us it would be a one and done thing. She said (before the appointment) even if she ever did do it again, it would be virtual. Well, she came out of the room and said she WOULD be doing it again, AND she wanted to do it in person lol. She was bummed she has to wait so long until her next appointment. It sounds like she felt very comfortable opening up to [her].

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