ACMHAI Webinar: Play with Purpose: Supporting Emotional Growth Through Play Therapy

Speakers:

• Brittany Wilkie, LCSW, Director of Mental Health and Family Support, Easterseals DuPage and Fox Valley
• Natalie Spencer, LCSW, Easterseals DuPage and Fox Valley

This presentation explores the power of play therapy in supporting emotional regulation and developmental growth in children with developmental disabilities. Grounded in relationship-based and child-led approaches, the session highlights how play creates a safe, motivating context for building self-regulation, emotional awareness, communication, and resilience.

Participants will explore play-based supports, including how mastering challenges fosters a sense of competence; how modeling calm, regulated responses helps children release tension safely; how scaffolding frustration tolerance builds resilience; and how using preferred activities expands emotional understanding. Real-life case examples will demonstrate how play-based interventions promote meaningful growth across settings.

The presentation will also emphasize the critical role of interdisciplinary collaboration among therapists, educators, and families.

Register