(C) Neuroqueering Play Therapy: Building an Inclusive Play Therapy Practice

This workshop will go back to the basics by reviewing the Eight Principles of Play Therapy by Virginia Axline and critically examine and update them using Nick Walker’s Neuroqueer Theory in order to create a play therapy practice that is inclusive to all. Play therapy practice can often hold as standard ways of playing that exclude and pathologize natural ways of existing in the world. Rewriting the Eight Principles will allow participants to examine their own internalized biases that get in the way of providing true neurodiversity affirming therapy to young people. ***Training Objectives: Describe the history and basic theory of non-directive play therapy. Show an understanding of neurodiversity affirming play therapy. Demonstrate the application of updated and inclusive play therapy principles in their own play therapy practice.