361 Phyllis Booth: Forming a Lifetime of Loving and Supportive Attachments

Attachment is interwoven throughout Phyllis Booth’s professional and personal life. Now Clinical Director Emerita of The Theraplay Institute, Phyllis was instrumental-—more than 50 years ago—-in developing a therapeutic approach that strengthens relationships between parents and children through attachment-based play. Her late friend and colleague, Anne Jernberg, was an activating source of encouragement and wisdom that made the now world-wide praxis of Theraplay possible.

 Phyllis credits her parents and the Mormon Church for instilling high expectations, along with warm connections, that “fit well for advancing a new field based on loving attachment.” Phyllis says, “my long life has been beautifully and tenderly supported by my late husband, colleagues, family, and friends”. She also credits the many joyful hours of playing chamber music with friends as a nourishing and sustaining force.

As she approaches her 100th birthday in March 2026, Phyllis has already begun celebrating, starting with a family gathering at her cabin in Utah.

Connect with Phyllis:
Email: phyllisbbooth@yahoo.com
Website: Phyllis Booth – Theraplay https://theraplay.org/

Selected Publication:
Booth, P., & Jernberg, A. (2010). Theraplay: Helping parents and children build better relationships through attachment-based play (3rd ed.). Jossey-Bass.

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