ABSTRACT
FirstPlay® Therapy is a new model that fosters healthy connections between infants and caregivers. FirstPlay® was developed by Dr. Janet Courtney after 30 years of clinical practice in the area of developmental play therapy, and training in Ericksonian-based storytelling. Attachment theory was conceptualized by John Bowlby. Bowlby believed that human infants needed a consistent and nurturing relationship with an attuned caregiver to develop healthy relationships, which is connected to the central nervous system. Practitioners have recognized that adult—child relationships play an important role for both emotional difficulties and positive change for children. In filial therapy, the primary caretaker or parent is trained on how to become the “primary change agent” for their own children. Mindfulness is one way that caregivers can learn relaxation skill building before they begin the FirstPlay® infant story-massage. FirstPlay® can teach caregivers how to utilize nurturing touch experiences with their infants to include caring, respectful, attuned, and joyful activities to build trust and security.
