Parent-Child Attachment Play
Parent-Child Attachment Play (PCAP), developed by Debi Maskell-Graham, is a gentle play-based approach which aims to improve the attachment quality of the parent-child relationship using child-centred non-directive play. The approach is set within the very new and ground-breaking research into what we now know about how secure attachment is operationalised in the earliest relationship.
Recent research has identified a key parental capacity or skill associated with secure attachment in children. Parents/carers can be helped to develop this skill through PCAP. This skill is the parent’s ability to think about their child, empathise with their feelings and respond sensitively, consistently and predictably to them. It is known as Reflective Functioning in the research literature.
The therapist works directly with the child’s parent/carer for approximately 12 weeks. Three key skills which facilitate the development of a secure attachment underpin the session content (reflective functioning, child-led play and containment/boundaries). The skills are demonstrated by the PCAP practitioner and then practiced by the parent. When the parent is ready, they will put the skills into practice at home and start a one to one play time with their child, once a week for 15 – 30 minutes using a small selection of toys. The therapist will continue to meet with the parent/carer for several weeks and they will explore how the skills could be applied within their daily family life.
Who is PCAP suitable for?
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Parents/carers who can commit to attend weekly sessions
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When difficulties are thought to be attachment based
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Children who present emotional or behavioural difficulties
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Foster carers interested in establishing and strengthening attachment relationships with children
What are the benefits of PCAP?
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Parent/carers learn new skills for encouraging co-operation with their children and often feel more confident
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Children may feel more secure and are likely to become better at communicating their needs
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It can complement and further enhance the benefits of therapeutic work (e.g. Play Therapy)
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Attachment schema (internal working models) can be repaired and reworked
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Secure attachment in infancy is associated with optimal later development across all domains including emotional resilience, regulating behaviour, ability to develop relationships, ability to learn and succeed
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PCAP is future focused as it looks to change the relationship systems within the family home