Supporting Children with Mood Dysregulation Disorders: A Neurodivergence-Affirming Prescriptive Play Therapy Approach
Presented by Cherie Catron, LPCC-S, RPT-S™
This workshop will equip mental health professionals, counselors, and educators with practical insights and effective play therapy techniques to support neurodivergent children who struggle with mood dysregulation. Participants will learn strategies that empower children, helping them recognize their strengths, develop effective self-advocacy skills, and gain a sense of control over their powerful minds. While the focus of this workshop will be bipolar disorder, it will also be applicable for a range of neurodivergence that may include autism, bipolar, ADHD, anxiety and PTSD. This workshop will help participants gain a deeper understanding of the unique challenges faced by these unique children and develop skills to engage them in therapeutic play therapy techniques. The workshop will incorporate juvenile bipolar research and best practices as well as personal insights from a mother and son within the context of their family legacy of bipolar. Presenter will also share her experiences with her son participating in a Psychoeducational research study at OSU for juvenile bipolar disorder.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After attending this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Recognize misconceptions about juvenile bipolar disorder and identify the life-threatening dangers associated with untreated juvenile bipolar.
- Identify 5-6 play therapy techniques to empower children to actively engage with their treatment and develop 3-4 specific modifications to child-centered play therapy techniques to help a dysregulated child feel safe in the playroom.
- Implement strategies and gain resources to engage parents and families in treatment.
This training is approved by APT Approved Provider 99-050 for 3 Non-Contact CE hours. Trainings are not recorded.
Intermediate Level | Play Therapy Special Topics
ABOUT OUR PRESENTER: Cherie Catron, LPCC-S, RPT-S™ is a longtime educator and mental health clinician with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals with diverse academic and emotional needs. For more than a decade, she served as both a teacher and a school-based mental health clinician, working in roles that included Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor, School Counselor, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor™, and English teacher (grades 7–12). This multifaceted background allows her to bring a well-rounded, strengths-based perspective to her clinical work. She is licensed in the state of Ohio as a Professional Clinical Counselor and Supervisor, and she is recognized by the Association for Play Therapy as a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor™. She specializes in working with clients who have bipolar disorder and ADHD. As a parent of two sons with bipolar disorder, she draws on her personal experiences to provide informed, empathetic support—especially to adults and young adults with bipolar. She is also passionate about advocating for those with ADHD, particularly women who are often misdiagnosed or diagnosed later in life. Her approach is both strengths-based and neurodivergent-affirming, focusing on empowering each individual to overcome challenges while celebrating their unique perspectives and abilities. She believes in creating a collaborative, compassionate environment that supports every client’s well-being and growth.
VIRTUAL: This will be a virtual workshop. Participants will be awarded APT NON-CONTACT CE after successful completion of a post test. Participants are requested to be present and visible throughout the presentation to facilitate engagement.
MIAPT is approved by the Association for Play Therapy to offer continuing education specific to Play Therapy. APT Approved Provider 99-050. MIAPT maintains responsibility for the program.
PHOTO RELEASE: By registering for this training, you are giving permission for MIAPT to use any photographs (screenshots) that are taken at the event containing your likeness for as long as MIAPT deems appropriate and desirable. Photographs may be used on the MIAPT website, social media pages, and/or newsletter for any purpose. By completing the registration, you are also consenting to waive any rights to the photographs indefinitely. If you do not wish to have your photo used, it is your responsibility to notify MIAPT of your request to be omitted.
CANCELLATION POLICY: If you notify MIAPT you are canceling, and we are able to fill your spot, you will receive a refund for the registration fee minus $20 administrative fee. Cancellation requests must be made in writing. No refunds after October 10, 2025.
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