What Is DIR Floortime®?
Rooted in the DIR® model created by Drs. Stanley Greenspan and Serena Wieder, this approach empowers caregivers to take the lead in daily, meaningful interactions that foster growth in social-emotional, sensory, and communication areas.
DIRFloortime® is a relationship-based approach to support development by meeting people where they are emotionally and developmentally—and guiding them toward greater connection, communication, and learning through play.
About Our Parent Training Program
Our DIRFloortime® Caregiver Training Program helps caregivers understand and implement therapeutic play strategies that build connection and encourage developmental progress, right from home.
With the support of our Advanced DIR Floortime Certified Coach, Tony Beuchel, caregivers will learn to observe, reflect, and meaningfully engage with their child in ways that are tailored, intentional, and deeply supportive.
What Will Parent Trainings Look Like?
Caregivers will meet regularly (weekly or twice monthly for 3 months) with their coach in either an in-person or online based format. In online training, caregivers will review videos of their at home play sessions with our Coach who will provide feedback on the interactions in order to help the caregiver notice cues to build emotional connection and communication. This reflective approach helps caregivers build on their strengths while learning techniques to foster their person’s development and to build the capacity to be their own coach between meetings. This approach is best for people who prefer to learn through reflection and observation.
For in-person training, caregivers will come to Mainstay’s clinic to learn play-based techniques for engaging their person in joyful interactions that foster development. Our Coach will provide in the moment support and advice while you play together, giving the caregiver hands on experience that they will take back to their play sessions at home. This will be paired with review of videoed play sessions that gives caregivers the opportunity to reflect on their experiences of themselves, their person, and the play. This format allows for caregivers to put their training into practice immediately and is best for people who learn best by hands on experience.
Through individualized coaching in either format, caregivers will learn to harness their person’s interests to create meaningful connection, build joint attention, and expand communication. Caregivers will learn more about their person’s individual differences and how to use this understanding to build a deeper, more emotionally connected relationship.
Click below to learn more:
Introductory Consultation
Helps families feel informed and aligned before enrolling.
30-minute explanation of the DIRFloortime model
Weekly or Every Other Week Coaching
- 30-minute play-based sessions in clinic
OR - 30-minute video reviews and reflective consultation
- Creation of FEAS Assessment and Individualized Program Guide with Caregivers
- Collaborative consultation with OTs, SLPs, PTs, or other professionals as needed.
Who Is This Program For?
- Parents/caregivers of someone with a neurodevelopmental disorder
- Families seeking a developmental and relationship-based support
- Those who want to feel more confident in supporting growth at home
- Anyone looking for coaching, clarity, and connection on their parenting journey for kids of any age.
How Will This Help Me?
Help regulate their emotions, build joint attention, encourage social engagement,
and increase purposeful communication.
Improve connection with your person, have a greater understanding of how to support them, and greater confidence and empowerment in yourself.
Caregiver Trainings can be paid privately or funded through Family & Caregiver Training Services on the Medicaid Waiver.
Reach out to: Tony@MainstayMusicTherapy.com
for questions or to get started!