Introduction to Adlerian Play Therapy
August 6 & 7, 2026 | Live Zoom Webinar

Adlerian Adventures: Discovering the Playful Path to Insight
Join our Introduction to Adlerian Play Therapy, where we delve into the foundational principles of Adlerian psychology tailored for therapeutic play settings. This introductory two days is designed to acquaint participants with the foundational concepts and techniques of Adlerian methods, emphasizing how to integrate these into play therapy to understand and foster child development and well-being, tailored for therapists eager to master this profound approach. This session will delve into integrating Adlerian principles into play therapy, focusing on assessing and fostering a child's development and well-being.
Through hands-on exercises and practical demonstrations, you will learn to assess children's play behaviors and apply Adlerian techniques to enhance therapeutic relationships and environments. Whether you're new to this approach or refreshing your skills, this session will equip you with the insights and tools necessary to effectively implement Adlerian Play Therapy in your clinical practice.

Learning Objectives
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Identify the core principles of Adlerian psychology and explain how they integrate into play therapy practices.
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Describe the role of lifestyle assessment in understanding a child’s behavior and dynamics within play therapy.
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Demonstrate basic Adlerian play therapy techniques through guided exercises.
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Assess children’s play patterns and discuss their potential meanings from an Adlerian perspective.
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Recognize the importance of social interest in Adlerian play therapy and its impact on child development.
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Apply Adlerian concepts to case studies to formulate initial therapeutic goals and interventions.
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Review and critique video sessions of Adlerian play therapy to identify key techniques and therapist-child interactions.
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Engage in role-play exercises to practice initiating and maintaining therapeutic relationships using Adlerian methods.
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Develop strategies to encourage a child’s self-awareness and self-esteem through Adlerian play interventions.
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Create a supportive play therapy environment that aligns with Adlerian principles.
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Formulate comprehensive case conceptualizations based on Adlerian assessments.
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Prepare a plan for ongoing professional development in Adlerian play therapy techniques.

Presenter
A self-proclaimed geek, Maria Laquerre Diego, LMFT, RPT-S, is an internationally recognized expert and leading voice in integrating play and pop culture into clinical practice to make therapy more culturally-responsive and enhance connection in the therapy room.
Her innovative work, featured in national conferences and academic publications, invites therapists to reimagine mental health through the lens of play, fandom, and the Force. She is author of the book chapters published in 2025, “Embracing Geek Play Therapy: A Creative Approach for LGBTQIA+ Individuals” and “Are Villains Even Villains”.
Details & Registration
Date: August 6 & 7, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Mountain Time (See how this translates into your timezone).
Location: Online Zoom Training (MST Timezone)
Pricing:
$300 Full Professional Rate
$250 Mid-Level Professional Rate
$185 Student / Accessible Professional Rate
*Pricing includes CE Certificate
Schedule:
8:45
Check In/Sign in
9:00
Presentation Begins
10:30
15 Minute Break
12:00-1:00
Lunch Break
2:45
15 Minute Break
4:30
Presentation Ends
What if I can't make the training live? We've got you covered! With this event, you can register to attend live or for the recording only and watch it whenever it works for you. All registrants will receive access to the recordings, which will be available for 30 days.
Of Note: If you are attending the online training live, it is required that you have your video on and are actively participating in order to earn the offered CEs. Please do not engage in other activities while in this training including driving, driving through for that coffee fix, or rearranging your closet - this training requires your attention and engagement. You will receive an email with the Zoom link and any handouts the day prior to the training.
This training will provide 12 CE Credits (and following successful completion of a post-test if you attend by recording). A New Hope Therapy Center, our sister organization and partner for trainings and workshops, is an Approved Provider for the Association for Play Therapy (APT) - Approved Provider 20-631. A New Hope Academy has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7816. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. A New Hope Academy is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
