First Play Infant Massage &
Kinesthetic Storytelling  

First Play Infant Massage Storytelling is for infants ages birth to toddler. Kinesthetic Storytelling, also known as “BACK Stories” (stories that can be told on a child’s back) is designed for children ages pre-school to six years.  Certified FirstPlay® Practitioners instruct, guide and supervise parents in the activities of the Baby Tree Hug Massage© ~ a playful touch-based story illustrated in the FirstPlay® Parent Handbook. This play therapy model enhances parent and infant bonding and attachment. In FirstPlay® sessions, Practitioners demonstrate the storytelling movements on a babydoll while parents simultaneously practice the techniques with their infant.  This attachment-focused play therapy model uniquely combines the work of play therapy pioneer, Viola Brody who originated Developmental Play Therapy with its emphasis on the healing power of play and touch combined with Ericksonian-based  metaphorical storytelling.

​

This play therapy model enhances parent and child bonding and attachment through the avenue of respectful and caring touch. In FirstPlay® sessions Practitioners demonstrate the storytelling movements on a back of a large stuffed animal (for example) while the parents simultaneously practice the techniques on their children’s back.

​

​