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Are you Ready to Level Up Your Practice with the Transformative Power of Geek Culture?
Join us for A New Hope Academy's fourth annual online Geek Play Therapy Summit for a unique opportunity to explore the intersections between the diverse realms of geek and pop culture and innovative, playful approaches to therapy for all ages.
For geeky therapists, this summit offers a chance to deepen your understanding of incorporating your passions into your practice, enriching your therapeutic toolkit and ability to connect with clients on a new level. But even if you don't consider yourself a "geek," the Geek Play Therapy Summit offers plenty! You'll learn how to leverage the universality of geek culture to engage clients, spark meaningful conversations, and promote healing in unexpected ways. If you believe in the healing power of stories and the importance of connecting with clients through the worlds that are meaningful for them, this summit is for you.
Through engaging online workshops and interactive discussions, you'll learn how to leverage the rich tapestry of geek culture to foster resilience, self-discover, and personal growth. Don't miss out on the chance to connect with like-minded individuals, gain valuable insights, CE credits, and explore new frontiers in therapy.
"Geek therapy and play therapy are like twin galaxies, each holding a universe of healing potential. In the playground of imagination and the realms of geekdom, we discover that healing is not just a journey, but an epic adventure waiting to unfold."
—Sophia Ansari, LPCC, RPT, owner of Let's Play Therapy Institute
Our Keynote Speaker: Dr. Robert Jason Grant
We're thrilled to welcome Dr. Robert Jason Grant, internationally-recognized expert in neurodivergent-affirming play therapy and creator of AutPlay® Therapy. For the very first time, Dr. Grant will be exploring an exciting intersection of gaming and neurodivergent-affirming play therapy practice:
Using Animal Crossing in Play Therapy Work with Neurodivergent Clients
Discover how the world of “sandbox” games such as Animal Crossing can open up new possibilities for connection, identity awareness, self-worth, and emotional regulation. Don't miss out on this chance to explore how this much-loved game can be a meaningful tool in therapeutic work with neurodivergent children.
“We look for characters in media who we see ourselves in, and our expressions of fandom can be healing."
— Dr. Drea Letamendi, Marvel's 616 on Disney+
New For 2027:
Unlocking Multiplayer Mode!
We're bringing a multiplayer twist to the 2027 Geek Play Therapy Summit!
Inspired by old-school LAN parties, we're inviting attendees to gather with fellow geeky or geek-curious therapists to experience the online summit together.
Picture this: Laptops open, and tasty treats on hand, in a room with others joining the same learning adventure! Think "Player 2 has joined!" energy - swapping ideas during the breaks, sharing laughs, geeking out over your favourite fandoms (or picking up insider knowledge if you're new to the geekverse!), and make meaningful connections along the way.
Join our Facebook event page (coming soon!) to find a local gathering, connect with fellow attendees, or open up your own space to welcome other therapists for a shared summit experience. Because some adventures are more fun in multiplayer mode!
Of course, if you'd rather enjoy the adventure solo from the comfort of your own captain's chair, that's absolutely fine too! However you choose to join us, you're part of the party.
"In the heart of every geek resides a deep connection to the hero's journey. Geek therapy harnesses this narrative capacity, empowering individuals to discover their own resilience, triumph over adversity, and unveil the hero within."
— Jared Andes, LCSW, RPT, Owner of Full Spectrum Counseling
Another First for 2027:
Playtogethers
We're also introducing "Playtogethers": Interactive, whole-group digital gaming experiences woven into each day, offering a refreshing change of pace between learning sessions.
These shared experiences offer an opportunity to explore the power of play firsthand, connect with fellow attendees, and discover creative, practical ideas for incorporating playful interventions into your own group work.
No gaming experience or special equipment needed. Because what better way to explore the power of play than by playing together?
"Geek play therapy bridges the worlds of fantasy and reality, teaching us that the heroes we admire in stories can inspire resilience and courage in our own lives. It's a testament to geek culture's power as a healing and empowerment tool."
— Ariel Landrum, LMFT, ATR
Clinical Director of Guidance Teletherapy Family Counseling Inc.
About Your Summit Host
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”.
“The more we understand human nature and behavior, the more we recognize human complexities. The emergence of multiple innovative theories and approaches to assist in navigating the human condition is necessary in meeting the diverse needs of human beings."
- Rachel Altvater, Psy.D., RPT-S