Let's Play Therapy Institute

I’m going and soooooo excited! Anyone else going?!

A massive Pokémon Go festival is taking over Chicago 😱 this weekend for the 1st time since 2019⚡️❤️. Read more below....👇

OMGoodness! I've been so incredibly busy these last few weeks that I never got around to making my appreciation post. 🤦🏽‍♀️

Two weeks ago, clinicians traveled from near and far to gather together for two days of learning, playing, building, creating and unapologetically geeking out. And honestly I'm still sitting with the impact of it all.

What made these two days so powerful wasn't the the activities, my playlist or even the mountains of bricks. It was the people.

It was the vulnerability in the room. The stories that were shared. The moments of laughter that had us all in tears and the moments of tears that reminded us why we do this work in the first place.

To everyone who attended, thank you. Thank you for showing up fully. Thank you for your curiosity, your willingness to play, your incredible insights and your trust. Every training takes on a life of its own because of the people in the room and this group created something truly special.

This event was especially meaningful because some very special people were there with me, including one of my best friends, Amy Nelson, LCSW, LSCSW, RPT-S. Amy flew all the way to Illinois to help make this vision a reality. She moved mountains of bricks, offered encouragement when I needed it most and shared in every meaningful moment along the way.

Amy, I don't think I can adequately express how grateful I am. Thank you for your friendship, your support, your generosity and your love. There were so many moments throughout those two days that feel almost impossible to explain. But you were there so you know.

Thank you to every person who helped make those two days unforgettable. You reminded me why I love this work so much.

Here's to what we've built together and to everything that's still to come. 💕💕💕💕💕



Photo description:

Collage of photos from a play therapy training and friendship-filled conference experience. Images include a colorful toy shop sign that reads “Let’s Play,” Amy Nelson smiling in front of a Let’s Play Therapy Institute welcome display, a custom engraved Let’s Play Therapy Institute wooden keychain, a superhero-themed photo backdrop with colorful wings, Sophia Ansari and Amy Nelson smiling together in front of a wall of suspended books, and a classroom activity where participants build a large archway from construction bricks topped with a Superman figure. The collage is set against a soft pink background decorated with hearts and highlights themes of creativity, play, learning, friendship, and community.

❤️🖤🤍💚

Getting excited for our 2-Day Play Therapy Conference! 🦸🏽‍♀️ 🧱

Two days of learning, connection, creativity, and practical tools to support children and families through the power of play. I’m looking forward to being surrounded by passionate professionals who believe healing can happen through connection, expression, and play.

Ready for an inspiring two days together! 💛

My award-winning children’s book, Every Bunny Can Learn: A Tail of Inclusion, is available as a FREE eBook starting today through Friday, April 24th.

This book was honored with 1st place in disability awareness at the Royal Dragonfly Book Awards because it centers on dignity, belonging, and the belief that different does not mean deficient.

To own the book forever, make sure you click the "Buy Now for Free" button (see the green checkmark!) rather than the Kindle Unlimited options.

Grab your copy at the link in my bio and tag a fellow educator who needs a little extra sunshine and strategy in their classroom this week.

Professional Development for Mental Health Professionals

⭐ 2-Day In-Person Play Therapy Training in Illinois! ⭐

Superheroes & Pop Culture in Narrative Play Therapy and Positive Psychology
AND
Let’s Build Together! LEGO-Based Play Therapy

Students get 50% off

Group Discounts available

📅 May 14–15, 2026
📍 North Central College
Naperville, IL

🎓 12 NBCC CE Hours | 12 APT Contact CE Hours

🔔 Register at:

Two-Day In-Person Training: Superheroes & LEGO® in Therapy play therapy, counseling, social work, therapy, superheroes, LEGO, comic books, positive psychology, child, adolescent, adult, geek therapy, Sophia Ansari, Naperville, Illinois, narrative therapy, mental health

Excited to share that I was recently interviewed on the FOX on Games podcast, where I talked about the therapeutic value of video games. We explored how games can support emotional expression, connection, problem-solving and resilience.

I’ve also been diving into game design myself 👀 and can’t wait to share some creative projects I’ve been working on soon…

Stay tuned there’s more to come!

To listen to my interview, visit:

https://radio.foxnews.com/2026/04/03/fox-on-games-video-game-news-industry-analysis-mario-galaxy-records-tlou-online/

When the Care Bears have hit burnout… who’s left to co-regulate us 😭

Looking forward to the Superheroes & LEGO® Play Therapy Trainings on May 14–15! 🎉

I’ll be raffling off a variety of comics, LEGO® sets and books and I’m especially excited to share two featured books that I had the honor of contributing to, focused on Positive Psychology and strengths-based play therapy.

I can’t wait to explore your strengths, tap into creativity and build together through play in a way that’s engaging, meaningful and fun.

👉 For more information about the 2-day training in Illinois, visit:

https://letsplaytherapy.org/courses/two-day-superheroes-lego-play-therapy

I’m also bringing Caped Crusaders back locally! 🦸🏽‍♀️ This is a choose-your-own-adventure style group where members decide the epic journeys we take each week. It’s been one of my favorite groups to facilitate and I’ve truly missed it. More details coming soon. Stay tuned!