(Charleston, IL) – The 4th Annual Play Therapy Conference, hosted by the Department of Counseling and Higher Education at Eastern Illinois University (EIU), was a “resounding success” according to event coordinators, uniting alumni, professionals, and experts in the field of play therapy for an inspiring and enriching day of learning.
Held at the Martin Luther King, Jr. University Union on EIU’s campus November 8, the 2024 conference attracted a diverse group of attendees from various regions eager to deepen their knowledge, enhance their skills, and foster connections with colleagues.
Organized by EIU professor and licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Angela Yoder, the conference featured Dr. Eliana Gil, a world-renowned expert in childhood trauma and play therapy. Dr. Gil shared powerful insights into the evolving landscape of the field, covering topics from advanced therapeutic approaches for working with children facing trauma to innovative strategies for engaging families and caregivers. She also spoke about the therapeutic use of play as a tool for emotional expression and healing.
Dr. Yoder expressed gratitude for Dr. Gil’s significant contributions to the event, highlighting Gil’s unwavering passion for aiding clinicians in underserved areas. “The department was delighted to welcome alumni back home to EIU to meet and learn from someone whose work has been so foundational to the field,” Yoder stated, emphasizing the impact of Dr. Gil’s insights on the practices of alumni working in the profession, as well as current students interested in play therapy modalities, offerings, and outcomes.
According to Yoder, this year’s conference was particularly noteworthy as it marked a 50 percent increase in alumni returning to share their experiences and insights. Attendees expressed their appreciation for the ongoing training EIU offers, celebrating its positive influence on their careers and the growing significance of play therapy in mental health and educational settings. Yoder revealed EIU alumni were especially excited to connect with Dr. Gil, whose influential work they learned about during their time as students at EIU.
“We are thrilled with the outcome of this year's conference,” added Dr. Catherine Polydore, chair of the Department of Counseling and Higher Education at EIU. “It was inspiring to see the enthusiasm and dedication of seasoned professionals and newcomers alike, coming together to enhance their knowledge and strengthen the play therapy community. Our alumni, many of whom have become leaders in the field, played a key role in making this event so impactful.”
Dr. Laretta Henderson, Dean of the College of Education, echoed Polydore’s sentiment. Following the event, Henderson reaffirmed EIU’s commitment to the collaborative opportunities for learning the annual conference creates. “We’re proud to host a caring play therapy community that’s constantly growing, evolving, and serving children and their families,” Henderson said.
As the field of play therapy continues to grow in popularity and impact, EIU’s Department of Counseling and Higher Education’s Annual Play Therapy Conference remains a mission-centered platform for knowledge exchange, professional development, and innovative practice. Plans for next year’s conference are already underway. For more information about the CHE Play Therapy Conference and upcoming events, visit the CHE website or EIU’s CHE Facebook page, or contact Dr. Yoder at amyoder@eiu.edu.
EIU prepares students to accomplish their life goals through a combination of quality academics, personal relationships, and both on-campus and online learning opportunities. For more information about Eastern Illinois University, including its broad array of academic and career readiness programs, or any of EIU’s other community-based services and opportunities, visit eiu.edu or call EIU’s public information office at (217) 581-7400.
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