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Original Air Date: July 19, 2022
In this playful and insightful episode, Lisa is joined by Certified Synergetic Play Therapists Andrea Davidson, Johanna Simmons, and Rachel Freeburg for a lively discussion on the beauty and power of messes in the playroom. From spilled paint to sensory chaos, they dive into the therapeutic opportunities that arise when we embrace the mess.
Here’s what you’ll discover:
How to explain and normalize messy play to parents and caregivers, helping them see its value; Turning messes into teachable moments for boundaries, containment, and personal growth; Supporting children in expressing themselves and meeting sensory needs through messy play; Deciding when (and when not) to have a child clean up based on their treatment goals; Tools and strategies for therapists to stay within their window of tolerance when messiness gets overwhelming; and How to understand and approach messes through the lens of nervous system regulation and dysregulation.🎧 Tune in to transform how you see messes in the playroom and discover practical tips for integrating messy play into your practice with confidence and ease. Let’s get messy! 🎨✨
Podcast Resources:
Synergetic Play Therapy Institute Synergetic Play Therapy Learning Website FREE Resources to support you on your play therapy journey Aggression in Play Therapy: A Neurobiological Approach to Integrating Intensity* If you enjoy this podcast, please give us a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcast, subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and invite your friends/fellow colleagues to join us.
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"Every child has the capacity to heal and grow, but it starts with meeting them where they are—with respect, curiosity, and an understanding of their unique needs." – Hannah Young
In this episode, Lisa sits down with Hannah Young, an accredited play therapist, clinical supervisor, and child-parent relationship practitioner, for a deeply moving conversation about the role of poetry in play therapy. Hannah shares how poetry can serve as a bridge between a child’s inner world and therapeutic processing—offering a powerful way to witness, contain, and reflect their experiences.
With her unique blend of clinical expertise and personal storytelling, Hannah invites us to reimagine the role of language in the playroom—not just as a form of communication, but as a gift of presence, attunement, and deep connection.
Together, Lisa and Hannah explore:
✨ Poetry as a therapeutic tool – How writing and reflecting through poetry can deepen attunement and support self-regulation for both therapists and children.
✨ Capturing the unsaid – Using poetry to put words to children’s experiences, especially in moments of struggle, transition, or emotional overwhelm.
✨ Bringing case notes to life – How therapists can transform their clinical reflections into mindful, compassionate narratives.
✨ Offering poetry back to the child – Ethical considerations, creative approaches, and the profound impact of witnessing a child’s experience through poetry.
✨ The rhythm of healing – Understanding how poetry mirrors the tempo and flow of the therapeutic relationship.And this episode takes an unexpected turn as Lisa is brought to tears for the first time on the podcast, moved by the depth and beauty of Hannah’s words. In a moment of profound resonance, Lisa experiences firsthand the power of poetry to touch the heart, validate emotions, and create space for healing.
Join Lisa and Hannah for this heartfelt and illuminating episode, and discover how to integrate poetry into your practice in a way that is accessible, meaningful, and transformative. ✨🔗
Podcast Resources:
Learn more about Hannah’s work at https://beyondthelookingglass.org Synergetic Play Therapy Institute Synergetic Play Therapy Learning Website FREE Resources to support you on your play therapy journey Aggression in Play Therapy: A Neurobiological Approach to Integrating Intensity* If you enjoy this podcast, please give us a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcast, subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and invite your friends/fellow colleagues to join us.
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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Original Air Date: April 18, 2023
In this heartfelt episode, Lisa welcomes Ann Beckley-Forest for a deep dive into working with children and families navigating adoption, foster care, or placement experiences. With her extensive expertise in EMDR Therapy and play therapy, Ann shares insights that will expand your understanding of attachment trauma and offer practical approaches to support this unique population.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
What attachment trauma or attachment wounding is (hint: it’s about “the important good things that didn’t happen”); How adoptee-led movements are reshaping language, perspectives, and practices around adoption, honoring all parts of the adoption triad; The impact of a child’s trauma history on the collective nervous system of adoptive/foster families; Why unprocessed trauma persists in childhood and how therapists can address it effectively in sessions; Reparative treatment approaches that prioritize attuned experiences over cognitive processes.Whether you’re new to this work or seeking to deepen your understanding, this conversation will provide valuable insights and actionable ideas for supporting children with complex placement histories.
🎧 Start or continue your learning journey with Ann and Lisa today, and discover how you can make a profound difference in the lives of these children and families.
Podcast Resources:
Synergetic Play Therapy Institute Synergetic Play Therapy Learning Website FREE Resources to support you on your play therapy journey Aggression in Play Therapy: A Neurobiological Approach to Integrating Intensity* If you enjoy this podcast, please give us a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcast, subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and invite your friends/fellow colleagues to join us.
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"We all walk around in our little cultural bubble, and sometimes, without realizing it, that bubble shapes how we show up in the playroom." – Dr. Carmen Cubillo
In this thought-provoking episode, Lisa sits down with Dr. Carmen Cubillo, a clinical psychologist, Registered Play Therapist, and cultural advocate based in Australia, for an essential conversation about culture—our own, our clients’, and how both shape the therapeutic relationship.
Together, Lisa and Carmen dive into:
✨ The therapist’s cultural lens: How our personal cultural background influences the way we show up in the playroom and why it’s crucial to reflect on it.
✨ Layers of cultural curiosity: Beyond heritage, how systemic and societal influences shape our clients' experiences and why we must stay open and adaptable.
✨ Cultural safety in therapy: What it means to be a culturally safe therapist and how unconscious biases can create barriers to connection.
✨ The importance of rupture and repair: Why acknowledging cultural missteps—rather than avoiding them—deepens trust and strengthens relationships.
✨ Connecting to the land: How understanding the cultural history of where you live can ground your practice and help you become more attuned to the experiences of the children and families you work with.This episode is an invitation to lean into cultural awareness, embrace the discomfort of learning, and grow into more attuned and connected therapists. With Carmen’s wisdom, vulnerability, and deep experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, this conversation will challenge, inspire, and expand your perspective.
💡 Join Lisa and Carmen for this transformative discussion and take your cultural curiosity to the next level.
🔗 Resources Mentioned:
Learn more about Dr. Carmen Kubio and her work in culturally responsive play therapy.🎧 Tune in, reflect, and lean on in. 💜
Podcast Resources:
Synergetic Play Therapy Institute Synergetic Play Therapy Learning Website FREE Resources to support you on your play therapy journey Aggression in Play Therapy: A Neurobiological Approach to Integrating Intensity* If you enjoy this podcast, please give us a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcast, subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and invite your friends/fellow colleagues to join us.
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Original Air Date: October 11, 2022
In this exciting episode, Lisa is joined by the extraordinary Terry Kottman, founder of Adlerian Play Therapy, to explore the heart and soul of this impactful therapeutic approach. Known for her fun, engaging style and groundbreaking contributions to play therapy, Terry shares her wisdom, humor, and deep insights into how therapists can elevate their practice.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
How to bring more of yourself into your sessions to create authentic connections; Tips for custom-designing sessions to meet the unique needs of each client; Ways to deepen your client’s self-awareness (… and what it means to “spit in the client’s soup”); Strategies for navigating therapeutic work when the process doesn’t follow clear-cut phases; and Insights into attuning not only to your client but to their entire treatment process—an advanced “meta-attunement” approach.🎧 Tune in to be inspired by Terry’s brilliance, practical advice, and her ability to re-energize your passion for play therapy. Prepare to feel jazzed about your work and ready to embrace new possibilities in your sessions! ✨
Podcast Resources:
Synergetic Play Therapy Institute: https://synergeticplaytherapy.com/ Synergetic Play Therapy Learning Website: https://learn.synergeticplaytherapy.com/ FREE Resources to support you on your play therapy journey: https://synergeticplaytherapy.com/free-resources/ Aggression in Play Therapy: https://synergeticplaytherapy.com/books/* If you enjoy this podcast, please give us a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcast, subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and invite your friends/fellow colleagues to join us.
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“So much of our healing lies in our ability to come home to ourselves.” – Lisa Dion
In this episode, Lisa is joined by Mili Shoemaker, a Synergetic Play Therapy supervisor trainer, long-time consultant, and dear friend. Together, they dive into one of the most foundational concepts in Synergetic Play Therapy: attachment to self.
Join Lisa and Mili as they explore:
How attachment to self differs from traditional attachment theories. Why moments of mindful awareness are key to healing and integration. The connection between attachment styles, perception, and self-regulation. Practical ways therapists can foster attachment to self within themselves and their clients. Personal stories and reflections on the profound impact of this concept in therapy and beyond.Lisa also shares actionable insights, including a reflective exercise to observe and strengthen your connection to self throughout your week.
Whether you’re a therapist, a parent, or someone curious about deepening your self-awareness, this episode is packed with transformative insights.
Grab a notebook, and tune in to learn why attachment to self is not only the cornerstone of healing but also the foundation for developing secure relationships with others.
Resources mentioned:
👉 The Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy Course – https://learn.synergeticplaytherapy.com/spt-signature-programs/Podcast Resources:
Synergetic Play Therapy Institute Synergetic Play Therapy Learning Website FREE Resources to support you on your play therapy journey Aggression in Play Therapy: A Neurobiological Approach to Integrating Intensity* If you enjoy this podcast, please give us a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcast, subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and invite your friends/fellow colleagues to join us.
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Original Air Date: March 14, 2023
In this episode, Lisa is joined by the trailblazing Dr. Risë VanFleet for an inspiring conversation about Filial Therapy—a transformative model where parents and caregivers play a central role in their child’s therapeutic journey.
Dr. VanFleet shares her incredible expertise in this psychoeducational approach, offering insights into how Filial Therapy strengthens the parent-child relationship and enhances therapy outcomes.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
The fascinating history of Filial Therapy and the theoretical foundations that drive its success; Why Filial Therapy is a psychoeducational model, not a medical one; The 7 essential components that make Filial Therapy both elegant and effective; How parents and caregivers become the primary change agents for their child; Ways to integrate Filial Therapy with other therapeutic approaches for even greater impact.🎧 Tune in to hear how this empowering model can deepen the therapeutic process and learn practical tools to bring Filial Therapy into your practice. Dr. VanFleet’s inspiring journey into the field of play therapy adds a personal touch to this enriching discussion!
Podcast Resources:
Synergetic Play Therapy Institute Synergetic Play Therapy Learning Website FREE Resources to support you on your play therapy journey Aggression in Play Therapy: A Neurobiological Approach to Integrating Intensity* If you enjoy this podcast, please give us a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcast, subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and invite your friends/fellow colleagues to join us.
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“Every child has the capacity to heal and grow, but it starts with meeting them where they are—with respect, curiosity, and an understanding of their unique needs.” – Natascha Lawrence
In this episode, Lisa reconnects with Natascha Lawrence, a Synergetic Play Therapy Supervisor, EMDR Practitioner, and founder of the FASD Institute, for an essential conversation about supporting children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) through play therapy. This is Part 2 of their dialogue, revisiting a topic that rarely gets the attention it deserves in the field of play therapy.
Together, Lisa and Natascha dive into:
What play therapists need to know about FASD: A holistic understanding of FASD as a whole-body diagnosis and its implications for therapeutic practice. Creating neurodivergent-friendly play spaces: Practical steps to make playrooms sensory-safe and accessible for children with FASD and other neurodiverse conditions. The FASD iceberg analogy: Understanding the layers beneath the surface and how they influence behavior, communication, and regulation. Challenging the stigma: Reframing the narrative for children with FASD and their families, starting with compassion and respect. Supporting caregivers: Why empowering parents and destigmatizing FASD is vital for meaningful therapeutic outcomes.With Natascha’s blend of professional expertise and personal insights as a parent of a child with FASD, this conversation provides invaluable tools and perspectives for therapists and caregivers alike.
Join Lisa and Natascha for this heartfelt and eye-opening episode, and discover how to make your play therapy practice more inclusive, effective, and empowering for children with FASD. 🌟
Podcast Resources:
Learn more about Natascha’s work and the FASD Institute: www.fasdinstitute.com Synergetic Play Therapy Institute Synergetic Play Therapy Learning Website FREE Resources to support you on your play therapy journey Aggression in Play Therapy: A Neurobiological Approach to Integrating Intensity* If you enjoy this podcast, please give us a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcast, subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and invite your friends/fellow colleagues to join us.
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Original Air Date: May 11, 2021
Separation anxiety is a common challenge in the therapy room—whether it’s the child hesitant to leave their caregiver or the parent struggling to step away. In this episode, Lisa unpacks the nuances of separation anxiety and provides actionable tools for therapists to navigate this tender dynamic.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
What separation anxiety is, its potential causes, and how to differentiate between normal developmental behavior and when additional support is needed; Creative and playful rituals that foster co-regulation between the child and parent/caregiver; Strategies to help children cultivate an internal sense of safety; Effective interventions for managing separation anxiety in the playroom, including how to support children in expanding their window of tolerance for transitions and separations.🎧 Tune in for practical insights, playful tools, and a deeper understanding of how to support children and their families through the challenges of separation anxiety in therapy.
Podcast Resources:
Synergetic Play Therapy Institute Synergetic Play Therapy Learning Website FREE Resources to support you on your play therapy journey Aggression in Play Therapy: A Neurobiological Approach to Integrating Intensity* If you enjoy this podcast, please give us a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcast, subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and invite your friends/fellow colleagues to join us.
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"Your fear will always be the ceiling of your innovation." – Lisa Dion
In this special post New Year’s episode, Lisa is joined by Jen Taylor, therapist, educator, and mastermind behind Jen Taylor Productions. Together, they kick off the first month of 2025 with an inspiring conversation about goal-setting, vision, and how therapists can master the business side of their practice to create greater impact.
Lisa and Jen dive into:
The psychology of setting congruent goals that align with your values and what inspires you the most. Why “fantasy goals” often fail and how to replace them with actionable, meaningful ones. The critical difference between resolutions and sustainable visions for growth. How to manage fear and navigate challenges as a therapist and entrepreneur. A behind-the-scenes look at Lisa’s Business of Therapy course, which blends strategic planning with emotional and psychological insights to help therapists succeed.This episode will leave you inspired and ready to tackle this coming year with a clear vision and renewed energy. Whether you’re looking to build your private practice, expand your offerings, or simply align your goals with what inspires you, this conversation offers practical tools and heartfelt wisdom.
Resources Mentioned:
The Business of Therapy Course: https://learn.synergeticplaytherapy.com/business-of-therapy/
Podcast Resources:
Synergetic Play Therapy Institute Synergetic Play Therapy Learning Website FREE Resources to support you on your play therapy journey Aggression in Play Therapy: A Neurobiological Approach to Integrating Intensity* If you enjoy this podcast, please give us a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcast, subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and invite your friends/fellow colleagues to join us.
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Original Air Date: June 21, 2022
In this heartfelt episode, Lisa, dives into the tender and often challenging topic of the “shoulds” and “should nots” that we carry as clinicians. These inner judgments—those persistent whispers of self-criticism—show up in the playroom, in our work with parents and caregivers, and even in our personal lives.
Joined by two Certified Synergetic Play Therapists, Helen Ritchie and Kristina Dixon, Lisa leads a deeply personal and empowering conversation to help therapists explore and transform these inner dialogues.
Here’s what you’ll discover:
Why “shoulds” and unmet expectations trigger a threat response in the brain; Common “shoulds” clinicians face (… and an invitation to reflect on your own); How to navigate the “shoulds” and “should nots” in therapy sessions, with parents/caregivers, and in your personal life; Practical insights for newer therapists grappling with self-doubt and the “Am I ok?” question; Personal stories, including Lisa’s own experiences with these challenges, showing how even seasoned therapists aren’t immune to the “shoulds.”🎧 Tune in to reconnect with a deeper trust in yourself as a play therapist and celebrate the incredible work you do every day. Big hugs and much love on this journey! 💕
Podcast Resources:
Synergetic Play Therapy Institute Synergetic Play Therapy Learning Website FREE Resources to support you on your play therapy journey Aggression in Play Therapy: A Neurobiological Approach to Integrating Intensity* If you enjoy this podcast, please give us a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcast, subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and invite your friends/fellow colleagues to join us.
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"So much of play therapy is about clearing away the conditions that limit children from discovering who they are." - Georgie Wissen Vincent
In this episode, Lisa is joined by Georgie Wissen Vincent. She is a play therapist, co-founder of the Play Strong Institute, and co-author of The Way of Play: Using Little Moments of Big Connection to Raise Calm and Confident Kids with Dr. Tina Payne Bryson, renowned psychotherapist, speaker, and author specializing in parenting and child development (...you likely know her from her co-parenting books with Dr. Dan Siegel). Together, they dive into the magic of play—not only as a therapeutic tool but as a way to strengthen relationships and foster meaningful connections.
Together, Lisa and Georgie explore:
Why play is more than just an activity—it’s a language. The importance of involving parents in the therapeutic process and how to make it meaningful. A sneak peek into The Way of Play’s “Play Strong Strategies” that blend neuroscience with practical tools for connection. How this book fills a gap in resources for parents and therapists alike, offering an approachable way to communicate the magic of play. Georgie’s reflections on customizing play therapy to meet the unique needs of every child and family. Tips for therapists to reconnect with their own playfulness.Grab a notebook, and tune in for a conversation that will leave you feeling inspired and ready to bring new energy into your play therapy practice!
Podcast Resources:
The Way of Play Book: www.playstronginstitute.com Synergetic Play Therapy Institute: https://synergeticplaytherapy.com/ Synergetic Play Therapy Learning Website: https://learn.synergeticplaytherapy.com/ FREE Resources to support you on your play therapy journey: https://synergeticplaytherapy.com/free-resources/ Aggression in Play Therapy: https://synergeticplaytherapy.com/books/ -
Original Air Date: June 19, 2017
In this insightful podcast, delve into the transformative power of gratitude with guidance from Lisa Dion. While it's effortless to appreciate the positives in our lives, what about the challenges? Discover how cultivating gratitude can expand your window of tolerance and foster a compassionate heart.
Explore the profound notion that clients enter our playrooms with purpose, serving as valuable teachers on our journey. Join us as we uncover the wisdom and blessings hidden within life's trials, embracing gratitude as a pathway to growth and understanding.
Podcast Resources:
Synergetic Play Therapy Institute Synergetic Play Therapy Learning Website FREE Resources to support you on your play therapy journey Aggression in Play Therapy: A Neurobiological Approach to Integrating Intensity* If you enjoy this podcast, please give us a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcast, subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and invite your friends/fellow colleagues to join us.
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"Working with families isn’t about fixing individuals; it’s about finding the rhythm where everyone can grow together." – Dr. Stacy Jagger
In this episode, Lisa welcomes back the inspiring Dr. Stacy Jagger, affectionately known as “Dr. Sassy,” to dive into a topic that has shockingly never been fully explored in the series: working with the entire family system in play therapy. With her groundbreaking Mountain Method and a reputation for blending bold truth-telling with heartfelt humor, Dr. Stacy shares her unique approach to supporting families as a unit, rather than focusing solely on the child as the client.
Together, Lisa and Dr. Stacy discuss:
Reframing the family as the client: Why working with the entire system transforms outcomes. A step-by-step roadmap: The Mountain Method’s stages and how to engage every family member in the healing journey. The role of creativity and intuition: How therapists can embrace their inner artist to navigate family dynamics. Addressing resistance: Strategies for working with families who are hesitant to engage in the process. Healing through play: The profound impact of helping parents reconnect with their own inner child to better connect with their children.With her refreshing honesty and deep compassion, Dr. Stacy inspires therapists to think beyond traditional methods and reimagine what’s possible when the whole family becomes part of the healing process.
Join Lisa and Dr. Stacy for a conversation that’s as insightful as it is empowering, and discover practical tools and encouragement to bring more creativity, authenticity, and connection to your work with families.
Tune in to uncover how you, too, can support families in climbing their own mountains of transformation. 🌟
Podcast Resources:
Dr. Stacy Jagger’s work: www.drsassy.com The Mountain Method: www.themountainmethod.com Synergetic Play Therapy Institute: https://synergeticplaytherapy.com/ Synergetic Play Therapy Learning Website: https://learn.synergeticplaytherapy.com/ FREE Resources to support you on your play therapy journey: https://synergeticplaytherapy.com/free-resources/ Aggression in Play Therapy: https://synergeticplaytherapy.com/books/* If you enjoy this podcast, please give us a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcast, subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and invite your friends/fellow colleagues to join us.
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Original air date: September 27, 2022
Do you know what bibliotherapy is or how to incorporate it into your client sessions? We're resharing this episode in which Lisa Dion is joined by Althea T. Simpson, the founder of Brighter Day Therapeutic Solutions and Unicorn Life Training. Althea is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, Certified LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Facilitator, and host of the podcast Chronicles of a Play Therapist. Her innovative approaches have been a tremendous inspiration in the play therapy field.
Discover the therapeutic potential of books and learn creative ways to use bibliotherapy with your clients, including:
How bibliotherapy helps children navigate psychological, emotional, and social challenges. Choosing books relevant to a client's personal situation and developmental needs. Utilizing bibliotherapy in Teletherapy sessions. Engaging children in reflective activities such as art-based expressions, LEGO, sand tray, journal writing, and group discussions.Althea also shares some of her favorite books for the playroom, including her top must-have book, and introduces her recently published book, "Hurt to Healing: Child Witnesses of Domestic Violence and Their Invisible Injuries," which intertwines her professional and personal experiences.
Join us for an inspiring conversation that highlights the creative and healing power of bibliotherapy in play therapy sessions.
Podcast Resources:
Synergetic Play Therapy Institute: https://synergeticplaytherapy.com/ Synergetic Play Therapy Learning Website: https://learn.synergeticplaytherapy.com/ FREE Resources to support you on your play therapy journey: https://synergeticplaytherapy.com/free-resources/ Aggression in Play Therapy: https://synergeticplaytherapy.com/books/* If you enjoy this podcast, please give us a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcast, subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and invite your friends/fellow colleagues to join us.
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We’re diving into another special Q&A episode of Lessons from the Playroom! Lisa is answering three thought-provoking questions from our listeners, offering insights into some of the tricky moments that arise in the playroom.
Tune in as Lisa explores messes, transitions, and those unexpected trips to the bathroom, unpacking what they might signify for the therapeutic process and how to respond with intention.
This week’s questions include:
Jasmine asks: "What do you do when a child makes huge messes [in the playroom]?"
Lisa explores the art of setting boundaries while respecting the therapeutic needs behind the mess.
Amy asks: "How do you help a child transition when they don’t want to leave the session?"
Lisa shares insights into the emotional significance of endings and how to make transitions smoother and more meaningful.
Heather asks: "What do I do when a child keeps leaving the session to go to the bathroom?"
You're invited to get curious about what is happening beneath the surface and what this behavior might reveal about the child’s inner process.
This episode is packed with rich insights and practical takeaways to help you navigate some of the trickiest moments in therapy.
We love hearing from you! Have a question or scenario you’d like Lisa to discuss? Send your questions to [email protected] or submit an audio clip. Your stories inspire meaningful growth and learning for all of us.
Podcast Resources:
Synergetic Play Therapy Institute Synergetic Play Therapy Learning Website FREE Resources to support you on your play therapy journey Aggression in Play Therapy: A Neurobiological Approach to Integrating Intensity* If you enjoy this podcast, please give us a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcast, subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and invite your friends/fellow colleagues to join us.
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Original air date: February 13, 2023
In this special episode, Lisa welcomes Dr. Robert Jason Grant, creator of AutPlay Therapy, to explore his integrative approach to family play therapy designed specifically for neurodivergent children and their families. Dr. Grant, a Licensed Professional Counselor, Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, and dedicated Neurodiversity Advocate, shares his extensive experience in sensory differences, Autism, ADHD, group play therapy, and more.
Join the conversation as Robert offers insights on creating a play therapy environment that respects play preferences, honoring each child’s unique presentation and making therapy a safe space for neurodivergent and neurotypical clients alike.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
The inspiration behind AutPlay® Therapy and ways to incorporate it for children with sensory needs; A deeper understanding of neurodivergence and the connection between neurodivergent and neurotypical clients; Practical applications of the Neurodiversity Paradigm in therapeutic settings; Techniques to help children feel seen, valued, and respected at a profound level; And ways to integrate neurodiversity-affirming practices into your therapeutic approach.This conversation is rich with insights and compassion, offering valuable tools for therapists seeking to support neurodivergent children and their families on their mental health journey.
Podcast Resources:
Synergetic Play Therapy Institute Synergetic Play Therapy Learning Website FREE Resources to support you on your play therapy journey Aggression in Play Therapy: A Neurobiological Approach to Integrating Intensity* If you enjoy this podcast, please give us a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcast, subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and invite your friends/fellow colleagues to join us.
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Original Air Date: June 12, 2021
In this episode, Lisa dives into the sensitive topic of death and dying as it appears in the playroom, offering guidance and practical insights for therapists. She addresses common questions, such as:
What role does death & dying play have for children in the therapeutic space? How can we remain grounded and present when a child explores these themes? How do we embrace vulnerability and stay connected to ourselves, even in discomfort, to support the child’s integration?Lisa provides strategies to help therapists approach these experiences with compassion, presence, and openness.
Podcast Resources:
Synergetic Play Therapy Institute Synergetic Play Therapy Learning Website FREE Resources to support you on your play therapy journey Aggression in Play Therapy: A Neurobiological Approach to Integrating Intensity* If you enjoy this podcast, please give us a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcast, subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and invite your friends/fellow colleagues to join us.
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In this heartfelt episode, Lisa Dion, founder of Synergetic Play Therapy, steps into the spotlight as she's interviewed by long-time colleague and Certified SPT Supervisor, Polly Douglass. Together, they explore Lisa’s deeply personal experience of transitioning into the “empty nester” phase of life when her daughter left for college.
This episode isn’t just for parents—whether you're facing a significant life change, are a therapist supporting others through transitions, or are simply curious about navigating life’s changes, this conversation offers deep insights on how to move through them with intention and grace.
In this episode, you'll discover:
How the principles of Synergetic Play Therapy support navigating major life transitions Lisa’s personal reflections on the "empty nester" experience and conscious endings Navigating parallel processes during life transitions with others The importance of finding new routines during times of change The emotional waves that come with transitions and how to stay connected to yourselfJoin Lisa and Polly for an intimate, thoughtful conversation that will resonate with anyone moving through the unknowns of change—whether you’re an empty nester or simply navigating life’s evolving journey.
Podcast Resources:
Synergetic Play Therapy Institute Synergetic Play Therapy Learning Website FREE Resources to support you on your play therapy journey Aggression in Play Therapy: A Neurobiological Approach to Integrating Intensity* If you enjoy this podcast, please give us a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcast, subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and invite your friends/fellow colleagues to join us.
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Original Air Date: May 2, 2019
"The majority of relationship, any relationship, is rupture. Repair is the remedy." - Lisa Dion
In relationships—whether with clients or ourselves—rupture and repair are essential. Mis-attunement isn’t something we can avoid, nor should we. It’s actually a key ingredient in the recipe for building trust. Each moment of rupture and repair forms the bedrock of connection, opening the doors to genuine healing and growth.
Rupture, repair, repeat—this rhythm isn’t just something we experience; it’s something we practice.
Podcast Resources:
Synergetic Play Therapy Institute Synergetic Play Therapy Learning Website FREE Resources to support you on your play therapy journey Aggression in Play Therapy: A Neurobiological Approach to Integrating Intensity* If you enjoy this podcast, please give us a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcast, subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and invite your friends/fellow colleagues to join us.
- Visa fler
