Hulk, Aladdin, Elsa & More! Play Therapy Techniques to Build Emotional Regulation and Social Skills
November 21, 2025 | Live Zoom Webinar
Learn Play Therapy Techniques incorporating Pop Culture Characters to Build Emotional Regulation and Social Skills
Children are often difficult to engage in play therapy and are reluctant to implement skills learned in sessions. This can be frustrating and challenging, even for seasoned play therapists. The challenge of working with younger clients is further compounded by their fear of entering therapy, poor motivation for treatment, and their developmental capacity which can make it difficult for them to learn and apply skills. Techniques that are appealing and delivered by an empathically attuned therapist will captivate the client’s interest and motivate them to utilize skills.
One effective strategy is the incorporation of popular culture characters, such as Hulk, Aladdin, and Elsa, into play therapy activities. These well-known figures serve as relatable metaphors to help children externalize their struggles, learn emotional regulation, and develop coping strategies. Integrating beloved characters into sessions increases engagement, deepens therapeutic processing, and provides a developmentally appropriate bridge to skill-building.
Join best-selling author and international speaker Liana Lowenstein, as she presents creative play therapy techniques to build key skills such as emotional regulation, problem-solving, pro-social behaviour, and flexible thinking. You will learn ideas to motivate children and teens to practice and utilize skills learned in sessions.
Since caregiver involvement is key to children’s progress, Liana will outline creative ways of engaging caregivers, and motivating them to follow through with at-home skill practice.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn innovative strategies to equip children, teens, and their caregivers with essential skills to foster positive behavior change!
Learning Objectives
1. Utilize at least seven play therapy interventions targeting feelings expression, emotional regulation, social skills, and flexible thinking.
2. Discuss creative strategies to motivate children and teens to practice and implement skills learned in play therapy sessions.
3. Implement innovative ways of engaging caregivers and motivating them to follow through with at-home skill practice.
4. Describe at least three key processing skills to deepen therapeutic work.
5. Demonstrate how to incorporate pop culture characters (e.g., Hulk, Aladdin, Elsa) into play therapy to increase engagement and support therapeutic skill- building.
Presenter
Liana Lowenstein
Liana Lowenstein, MSW, RSW, CPT-S, is a Registered Social Worker, Certified Play Therapist-Supervisor, and Certified TF-CBT Therapist who has been working with children and their families in Toronto since 1988.
Her 15 books are used by mental health professionals all over the world. She is a dynamic speaker who has provided trainings throughout North America and abroad, including China, South Africa, Israel, England, New Zealand, and Australia. She is winner of the Monica Herbert award for outstanding contribution to play therapy in Canada.
Details & Registration
Date: November 21, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM MST
Location: Online Zoom Training (MST Timezone)
Pricing:
$95 Regular Pricing
$50 Student Pricing
*Pricing includes CE Certificate
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 3 CE Credits (if you attend by watching the on-demand recording this will require successful completion of a post-test). 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. Maria Laquerre-Diego is an Approved Provider for the NM Counseling and Therapy Practice Board CCE020981; and 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.