At Hively Health, healing is rooted in connection—and Theraplay is one of the most powerful tools we use to strengthen it. We sat down with Rae Barker, a dedicated clinician and champion of relational health, to learn more about how Theraplay is helping clients—especially children and families—feel safe, seen, and supported.
Q: Rae, for those who may not know—what is Theraplay?
Rae: Theraplay is a playful, attachment-based therapy that helps build and strengthen relationships. It’s especially effective for children and their caregivers, but its core principles—structure, engagement, nurture, and challenge—can benefit people of all ages. Unlike traditional talk therapy, Theraplay is interactive and focused on the “here and now” of connection and emotional regulation.
Q: How does a Theraplay session actually look in practice?
Rae: It looks like play—but it’s purposeful play. We might sing songs, mirror movements, blow bubbles, or share snacks in a way that fosters connection. Every activity is intentional and rooted in neuroscience. The goal is to create experiences that help the brain feel safe and supported, which in turn builds trust and resilience. In addition, touch is used in sessions as this is a normal, healthy part of parent/carer–child interactions and is very important for the healthy development of children. Various kinds of touch are essential to Theraplay: touch is playful and engaging to draw the child into the interaction, it is nurturing in the care giving activities, it is organising and modulating in the structuring activities and it is used to help or guide the child in challenging activities. But at all times the goal is to maintain safety and meet the developmental needs of the child.
Q: What makes Theraplay such a good fit at Hively Health?
Rae: Hively is all about care that’s Courageous, Authentic, Respectful, Empowering, and Safe—our CARES values—and Theraplay embodies all of those. It takes courage to show up and engage, especially when there’s been trauma or disconnection. Theraplay helps clients feel safe enough to try, and it empowers caregivers to be the healing presence their children need. It’s not about “fixing” behaviour—it’s about restoring connection.
Q: Who can benefit from Theraplay?
Rae: While it was originally developed for young children, it’s incredibly effective for anyone who has experienced relational trauma, attachment disruptions, or difficulty regulating emotions. Theraplay can work with foster and adoptive families, children with developmental differences, and even teens or adults in adapted formats. Theraplay meets people where they are and helps them to develop a healthy sense of self from answering “am I loveable”, “is the world safe” and “can I trust others”.
Q: What kind of transformations do you see in your clients?
Rae: One of the most beautiful things I witness is when a child who came in shut down or aggressive starts to smile, reach out, or seek comfort from their caregiver. That’s the power of felt safety. Caregivers often say, “I finally feel like I know how to connect with my child again.” That’s everything.
Q: What’s your hope for the future of Theraplay at Hively?
Rae: I’d love to see more families have access to this approach—whether through one-on-one sessions, group programs, or caregiver workshops. We’re also exploring ways to integrate Theraplay principles across our care model, because this isn’t just a technique—it’s a philosophy of connection.
Q: How can Theraplay help individuals with intellectual disabilities?
Rae: Theraplay is incredibly adaptable, which makes it a wonderful approach for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Because it focuses on nonverbal connection, sensory experiences, and simple, structured interactions, it meets people where they are developmentally—not just chronologically. Many traditional therapy models rely heavily on verbal processing, which can be challenging for some clients. Theraplay uses rhythm, touch, eye contact, and play to build trust, co-regulation, and emotional attunement, regardless of cognitive level. It also empowers caregivers by giving them tools to connect in meaningful, joyful ways. I’ve seen clients with intellectual disabilities thrive in this approach—it creates a sense of safety and belonging that words alone can’t always offer.
Ready to experience the healing power of play?
Reach out to Hively Health to learn more about Theraplay sessions with Rae Barker. Whether you’re building connection for the first time or restoring it after disruption, Theraplay offers a joyful, research-backed path forward—one playful moment at a time.
