The Attachment Games (Component 2)
Core Attachment Therapy© - A Prescriptive Play Therapy Model
Core Attachment Therapy© is a therapeutic play-based process used in play therapy to secure the attachment of the adopted child or any child who has had a disruption in attachment development. Not knowing what do to with healthy relationships, children with attachment disruption bring chaos into their homes. Core Attachment Therapy© shows children how to utilize the love of their new parents through therapeutic games while highlighting the attachment power of play.
Core Attachment Therapy© is a two-component process. Component 1 is The Nurtured Heart Approach®. It is a best practice approach for children with intense behaviors. It takes the intensity and channels it to achieve their potential. This shift in intensity is needed to start the seeds of attachment through play therapy.
Component 2 is the attachment games. It is a series of progressive play-based games that replicate the three phases of attachment development. It allows the new parent/child dyad to form their loving bond at the core level. The modality is play therapy based as it is children's natural language and the therapeutic power of attachment is central to change. The play therapy modality also promotes enjoyment of the new relationship which is key to secure attachment. The directive games are followed with non-direct play therapy to help the children process any traumatic memories which may have arisen. The parent is in the playroom while the therapist assists the parents on how to respond in a loving, nurturing, and comforting way. This workshop will allow the play therapist to recognize and utilize neurobiological development patterns to improve attachment relationships through this play therapy approach.
This is a two day workshop. The first day, the participant will receive training in The Nurtured Heart Approach® which is Component 1 in Core Attachment Therapy©. This is a virtual 6 hour training which teaches the important concepts of the Nurtured Heart Approach®, uses in play therapy and its purpose in Core Attachment Therapy©.
Day 2 is in person (March 27th in Providence, RI) and focuses on the play based attachment games in Core Attachment Therapy©. The learner will discover the importance of attachment games being presented in a developmental process which replicates the natural way children attach to their parents/care givers.
At the completion of this 2 day training, the participant will receive a certificate of completion for Level 1 of Core Attachment Therapy© and will be able to use this process immediately.
Space is limited, so please register early.
Learning Objectives: After successful completion of the Component 2 workshop, participants will be able to:
- List 2 examples of how developmental trauma affects the neurobiology of attachment development.
- Explain the developmental task of each phase of attachment development.
- Critique how each attachment game addresses the emotional need of the child.
- Predict behaviors of attachment disruption in play therapy setting.
- Explain how Core Attachment Therapy© is indicated when working with children with developmental trauma.
- Connect the 4 Therapeutic Powers of Play with the therapeutic outcomes of Core Attachment Therapy©.
6 APT Contact CE | Advanced | Play Therapy Special Topics
Schedule
09:00AM - 12:00PM - Training
12:00PM - 01:00PM - Break
01:00PM - 04:00PM - Training
About our presenter: Dorothy Derapelian, MEd, LCMHC has been in private practice in Meredith, NH since 1986 and specializes in play therapy. She is the creator and author of Core Attachment Therapy©, an advanced trainer for Nurtured Heart Approach®, and is an international speaker on developmental trauma, attachment development, Core Attachment Therapy© and The Nurtured Heart Approach®.
NEAPT Members $100; Guests $120
NEAPT is approved by the Association for Play Therapy to offer continuing education specific to Play Therapy. APT Approved Provider 02-123. NEAPT maintains responsibility for the program.
Cancellation Policy: All cancellations must be requested in writing and received no later than March 2, 2026. Cancellations are subject to a $15 processing fee. Substitutions (someone else attending) or transfer of registration to another training date may be requested. No refunds or partial refunds after March 2, 2026.
By registering for this training, you are giving NEAPT permission to add your email to our email list and you are giving permission for NEAPT to use any photographs or screenshots that are taken during the event containing your likeness for promotional purposes.
