Two Days of Play in Peoria!
May 13 & 14, 2025 |Hult Center for Healthy Living
The Power of Play — Practical & Pop Culture-Inspired Tools for Supporting Neurodivergent Children
Join us for an inspiring, playful, and practical two-day training designed to empower both mental health professionals and caregivers with creative strategies to support neurodivergent children. Whether you're a therapist, educator, foster parent, or paraprofessional, this training offers evidence-based tools, pop culture connections, and powerful insights to help children thrive.
Day 1: The Power and Impact of Play Therapy
Explore play therapy interventions that enhance emotional regulation, connection, and healing. Learn how to integrate pop culture, caregiver involvement, and neurodivergent-affirming strategies into your sessions.
Learning Objectives:
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Describe the theoretical foundations of play therapy and articulate how the powers of play—such as fostering communication, enhancing emotional regulation, and promoting self-expression—support clinical outcomes for children and families.
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Demonstrate at least three play therapy interventions specifically designed to address impulsivity, inattention, and emotional dysregulation in children with ADHD and other neurodivergent traits.
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Explain the role of family engagement in the play therapy process and identify strategies for integrating caregivers into treatment to reinforce therapeutic gains and co-regulation at home.
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Identify at least two ways to incorporate pop culture references and media within play therapy frameworks to increase client engagement, validate identity, and support metaphorical processing in neurodivergent youth.
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Analyze the therapeutic use of symbolic play in helping neurodivergent children process social, emotional, and sensory experiences within the playroom setting.
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Identify how play therapy frameworks can be adapted to meet the needs of children with diverse neurological profiles, incorporating sensory supports, flexible pacing, and client-led play themes.
Day 2: Playful Strategies for Supporting Neurodivergent Children: Practical Tools for the Whole System
This accessible and playful day is tailored for foster parents, daycare workers, paraprofessionals, and family members. Walk away with easy-to-use ideas that reduce power struggles and build connection at home and other settings.
Learning Objectives:
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Describe playful, strengths-based strategies that caregivers and professionals can use to support emotional regulation, focus, and connection in children with ADHD and other neurodivergent traits, highlighting the therapeutic powers of play.
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Demonstrate how pop culture and imaginative play can be used to enhance engagement, rapport, and co-regulation in both therapeutic and home environments, fostering meaningful connection and emotional attunement.
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Explain the role of family involvement as an essential component of the play therapy process and identify practical ways to nurture caregiver-child relationships through shared play experiences.
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Practice co-play techniques that promote connection, regulation, and attunement between adults and children, with attention to neurodivergent communication styles and sensory needs.
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Discuss how the powers of play—such as fostering resilience and promoting problem-solving—can support caregiver-child relationships and increase success across home, school, and therapeutic environments.
Presenter
Maria Laquerre-Diego
A self-described geek, Maria Laquerre-Diego, LMFT, RPT-S is a CEO and Owner who is committed to increasing access to mental health services and breaking down the stigma surrounding therapy services. As a therapist turned CEO, Maria has developed a unique perspective when it comes to mental health and the barriers surrounding mental health treatment. Influenced by her time at New Mexico State University in the Family and Consumer Science department, and University of New Hampshire’s Marriage and Family Therapy department, Maria has turned her dedication to giving back and supporting future generations of therapists.
In addition to supporting mental health providers, Maria takes an active role in addressing the continued stigma of mental health services through the use of pop culture – everything from movies and television shows to superheroes and Disney characters. Maria has spoken about mental health at several local events, has served as an officer on professional boards and has provided training to clinicians all over the country.
Details & Registration
Date: May 13-14, 2025
Location: Hult Center for Healthy Living, 5215 Knoxville Ave Peoria, IL 61614
Pricing: Free - this is a grant based training! To register, click the button below to send an email and save your spot!
Schedule:
8:45
Check In
9:00
Presentation Begins
10:30
15 Minute Break
12:15-1:15
Lunch Break
3:15
15 Minute Break
4:30
Presentation Ends
Of Note:
This training will provide 11 CE Credits. 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 and Maria Laquerre-Diego is an Approved Provider for the NM Counseling and Therapy Practice Board CCE020981
*APT CEs are only offered for mental health professionals.