The Force Within the Family – Coming to the 2025 SITH Conference!

This October, I’ll be stepping onto the stage at the 2025 SITH Conference to share one of my favorite topics:
"The Force Within the Family – Navigating Challenging Family Dynamics Through Play Therapy & Creative Approaches."

Yes, we’ll dive into systemic dynamics, attachment repair, and creative play interventions — but we’ll also take a few detours through the Marvel universe, joining the unlikely (yet fiercely loyal) crew from Guardians of the Galaxy.

Because let’s be honest — many of the families we work with could give Star-Lord’s team a run for their money when it comes to clashing personalities, hidden strengths, and “how did we end up in this together?” energy.

Rocket Raccoon – The Armor-Wearer

Rocket is quick-witted, heavily armed (emotionally and otherwise), and suspicious of just about everyone. We’ve all met the Rocket in the therapy room — the child who strikes first with sarcasm, the caregiver who lists all the ways therapy “won’t work” before we’ve even begun.

In our session, we’ll explore creative, low-pressure entry points like:

• Projective play that lets clients “test” trust without direct vulnerability.

• Symbol-based art activities where families can design “protective gear” together — sparking conversation about what’s worth defending.

Because behind Rocket’s barbs lies deep loyalty and longing for connection — and that’s worth digging for.

Groot – The Presence Keeper

With a vocabulary of three words (“I am Groot”), Groot models something we sometimes forget: you don’t need a lot of language to communicate safety.

We’ll discuss strategies for creating simple, powerful connection cues in families, like:

• A one-word grounding prompt (“Together,” “Pause”) to use in heated moments.

• A shared nonverbal signal (hands over heart, a small fist-bump) as a “we’re okay” message.

Because sometimes, a family’s healing isn’t in the talking — it’s in the being.

Star-Lord – The Reluctant Leader

Star-Lord often finds himself leading the group… usually while protesting that he’s not ready for it. Many parents step into therapy feeling the same way — uncertain, overwhelmed, and convinced someone else would do a better job.

Through role-play and narrative play therapy, we’ll explore how to:

• Help “reluctant leaders” identify strengths they already use in other contexts.

• Frame parenting challenges as adventures they can navigate (with backup).

After all, even Star-Lord becomes more confident when he realizes his crew has his back.

Gamora & Nebula – Healing Old Wounds

Sisters. Rivals. Survivors of the same trauma. In family therapy, we often encounter sibling or caregiver relationships with decades-old hurts simmering under the surface.

Using therapeutic storytelling and sand tray interventions, we’ll look at ways to:

• Create space for acknowledgment without forcing forgiveness.

• Explore parallel play activities to rebuild trust at a safe distance.

Gamora and Nebula’s journey reminds us that reconciliation can be slow — but even guarded relationships can move toward repair.

Why the Guardians Matter in Play Therapy

Pop culture metaphors aren’t just fun — they stick. Families remember them. Therapists can adapt them. And sometimes, a child will open up faster when they realize you know who Rocket and Groot are.

At the 2025 SITH Conference, we’ll blend:

• Evidence-based family therapy frameworks

• Play and creative arts interventions

• Pop culture parallels that make the work accessible, memorable, and yes — even enjoyable

The Guardians aren’t perfect — in fact, they’re gloriously imperfect. But they remind us of something essential in our therapy work:

Every member of a system has a role, a voice, and a potential for change — even if that change starts in chaos.

So, grab your metaphorical cassette player, tune up the Milano, and join me in October as we explore the Force Within the Family — with a little help from our galaxy-saving friends.