Attachment is interwoven throughout Phyllis Booth’s professional and personal life. Now Clinical Director Emerita of The Theraplay Institute in Evanston, Illinois, Phyllis was instrumental-—more than 50 years ago—-in developing a therapeutic approach that strengthens relationships between parents and children through attachment-based play.

She credits her parents and the Mormon Church for instilling high expectations that “fit well for advancing a new field.” Phyllis says, “my very good and productive life has been beautifully and tenderly supported”—by her late husband, colleagues, family, and friends.

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

“I continue to educate parents and practitioners about building better relationships through attachment-based play.” - Phylllis Booth

Connect with Phyllis:

Email: [email protected]

Website: Phyllis Booth – Theraplay

Selected Publication:

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

Thanks to the Age-WISE Collective

Women Over 70 is a proud member of the Age-WISE Collective, a group of women-hosted podcasts featuring stories from women 50+ and conversations that promote the pro-aging movement.

Suzy Rosenstein, host of Women in the Middle: Loving Life After 50. This weekly podcast explores a wide range of topics designed to help women get excited about their lives again.

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