A New Hope Academy

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!