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Seminal Theory Series
Theraplay & Ecosystemic Play Therapy
January 22, 2027 | Live Zoom Webinar
Discover Our Pop-Culture Infused Seminal Theory Series
The Seminal Theory Series brings together the ten foundational theories that have shaped play therapy, exploring their history, core principles, clinical application, contemporary relevance, and lasting influence on the field - all through engaging pop-culture lenses.
The series will appeal to clinicians who want to strengthen the theoretical foundations behind their work, newer play therapists and students building a broader understanding of the field, experienced practitioners looking to refresh or compare approaches, and anyone who enjoys learning through familiar stories and fandoms. It is especially relevant to therapists working toward the RPT credential.
Join us for a playful tour through the approaches that built the field of play therapy.
First Session
The Fellowship of Healing with Ecosystemic Play Therapy
With Madison Duran, LCSW, RPT
Embark on a journey through the interconnected worlds of children, families, and communities as we explore the foundations of Ecosystemic Play Therapy, incorpeating elements of Lord of the Rings along the way! This two-hour training invites participants to enter the “fellowship” of healing by examining a theory that recognizes children as part of complex relational systems and emphasizes the importance of understanding the environments that shape their experiences.
Participants will explore the historical development, theoretical foundations, and evolution of Ecosystemic Play Therapy while examining its contributions to the broader field of play therapy. Through an exploration of core concepts, research, clinical applications, and case examples, attendees will learn how ecosystemic principles inform assessment, intervention, therapeutic relationships, and collaboration with caregivers and other systems in a child’s life. This training will highlight the strengths, limitations, and contemporary relevance of Ecosystemic Play Therapy, and like the Fellowship’s journey through Middle-earth, participants will reflect on the power of connection, collaboration, and shared purpose in supporting children’s healing journeys.
1. Describe the historical development and foundational concepts of Ecosystemic Play Therapy.
2. Explain how Ecosystemic Play Therapy views children, relationships, and environmental systems within the therapeutic process.
3. Apply at least two key principles of Ecosystemic Play Therapy to clinical practice through case examples and discussion.
First Session Learning Objectives
Second Session
Who’s at the Controls? Understanding Cognitive-Behavioral Play Therapy Through the World of Inside Out
With Maria Laquerre Diego, LMFT, RPT-S
Cognitive-Behavioral Play Therapy (CBPT), pioneered by Susan M. Knell, created a developmentally responsive bridge between cognitive-behavioral therapy and the therapeutic powers of play. Using Inside Out as a pop-culture framework, this two-hour seminal theory webinar explores how CBPT helps children access and modify the interconnected processes of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors through play, puppets, storytelling, modeling, rehearsal, and other developmentally appropriate interventions.
Participants will examine the historical development and theoretical foundations of CBPT, its mechanisms of therapeutic change, clinical applications, research base, strengths and limitations, and enduring influence on contemporary play therapy. Particular attention will be given to developmental responsiveness, cultural context, caregiver involvement, and trauma-informed application. Contemporary scholarship continues to describe CBPT as a structured, goal-oriented approach that translates cognitive and behavioral interventions into the developmental language of young children.
Second Session Learning Objectives
1. Describe the historical development of Cognitive-Behavioral Play Therapy (CBPT), including Susan Knell's seminal contributions and the clinical and developmental needs that led to its emergence.
2. Explain at least four core theoretical principles of CBPT, including its assumptions about children, play, cognition, behavior, therapeutic change, and the therapist's role.
3. Identify at least three ways CBPT uses play to translate cognitive-behavioral principles into developmentally responsive interventions for children.
4. Apply the CBPT cognitive-behavioral model to conceptualize a child case by identifying relationships among situations, cognitions, emotions, behaviors, and consequences.
Details & Registration
Date: Friday,
Time: 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM Mountain Time (See how this translates into your timezone).
Location: Online Zoom Training (MST Timezone)
Pricing:
$110 Full Professional Rate
$85 Mid-Level Professional Rate
$55 Student / Accessible Professional Rate
*Pricing includes CE Certificate
Schedule:
January 22, 2027
8:50
Check In/Sign in
9:00
First Presentation Begins
11:00
30 Minute Break
11:30
Second Presentation Begins
1:30
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.
Continuing Education Credits: Following successful completion of a post-test with a score of at least 80%, this training will provide:
• 4 NBCC Contact CE Hours if you attend live, and 4 NBCC Non-Contact CE Hours if you attend by recording.
• 4 APT Non-Contact CE Hours. The Association for Play Therapy (APT) classifies both live and recorded webinars as non-contact continuing education, and participants may apply these hours toward RPT™ credentialing requirements.
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.
Presenters
Maria Laquerre Diego, LMFT, RPT-S
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”.
Madison Duran, LCSW, RPT, EMDRIA Certified
Madison (Madi) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Registered Play Therapist, and EMDRIA Certified Therapist, who specializes in helping young clients and clinicians navigate their emotional landscapes with creativity and resilience. Madi’s unique and engaging trainings leave participants with not only new education, but an invigorated zest for the challenging work of therapy.
Madi enjoys exploring epic narratives highlighting personal values inspired by the themes of overcoming adversity and discovering inner strength. Madi brings a sense of wonder and imagination into therapeutic work, believing that everyone has the potential to rise to the challenges they face. Whether through the quiet determination of a reluctant hero or the power of friendship and support, Madi helps children and clinicians tap into their own resilience, supporting them on their unique journeys of growth and healing.
