Lessons from the Playroom

In this insightful episode, Lisa welcomes back the incredible Liliana Baylon, a bilingual English and Spanish multicultural therapist and cultural ambassador for the Synergetic Play Therapy Institute. Building on their previous conversation about the experiences of immigrants and refugees, Lisa and Liliana delve into the evolving language and understanding around newcomers, which includes migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. Liliana, who has over a decade of clinical experience primarily treating LatinX community members, shares her expertise on the complexities newcomers face beyond migration trauma, such as post-migration trauma, acculturation stress, and assimilation challenges. They discuss the misconceptions and biases that therapists might hold, the multi-faceted traumas newcomers endure, and the importance of creating a culturally aware and curious therapeutic environment. In this episode, you will learn about: The shift from using terms like "migrants" to "newcomers" and the significance behind this change. The global nature of issues faced by newcomers and common misconceptions. The extensive range of traumas experienced by newcomers, including generational, cultural, racial, and educational traumas. The impact of racism and bias on newcomers and how therapists can address these in their practice. The concept of acculturation stress and its effects on mental health. How to support newcomers by fostering curiosity and understanding their unique identities and experiences. Practical tips for intake processes that honor the experiences and identities of newcomers. The importance of relationship-building and staying curious as a part of the healing process. Liliana's powerful TedEx talk about her personal experiences with assimilation and cultural identity. Join Lisa and Liliana for a heartfelt and educational conversation that will deepen your understanding and enhance your therapeutic practice with newcomers. Don't miss out on Liliana's wisdom and practical advice for creating a supportive and culturally aware therapeutic environment. "Beyond simple labels, such as Latina or Immigrant, our individual and collective identities encompass a range of experiences, aptitudes, and viewpoints that add to a complex and nuanced understanding of our shared humanity" - Liliana Baylon Find Liliana's powerful TedEx talk about her personal experiences of assimilation and cultural identity on her website at lilianabaylon.com. 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.

Original air date: January 24, 2019 Child's play is serious business, and games like Peek-a-Boo and Hide-and-Seek are no exception. In this episode, Lisa Dion explores how these seemingly simple games serve as powerful platforms for children to process their emotions. Inspired by her insight, "Games are platforms to help kids process their emotions. Sometimes peek-a-boo and hide-and-go-seek are just about wanting to be seen," we dive deep into the emotional underpinnings of these play activities. Lisa discusses: The emotional significance of Peek-a-Boo and Hide-and-Seek in a child's development. How these games reveal a child's desire to be seen and found. Practical applications for integrating these games into play therapy to support emotional processing. Join us as we uncover the deeper meanings behind these common childhood games and learn how to use them effectively in therapeutic settings to help children express and navigate their emotions. 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.

In this special episode, Lisa welcomes Tammi Van Hollander, LCSW, RPT-S™, to explore a transformative approach to bibliotherapy. Moving beyond the traditional view of books as cognitive tools, Tammi introduces us to using bibliotherapy as a means for co-regulation, attachment, and creating a sense of safety within the therapeutic space. Tammi, who was initially trained in client-centered play therapy, shares her journey of discovering the profound impact that books can have when used as co-regulators. Through her experiences and insights, she reveals how stories can extend beyond mere words, becoming powerful tools that facilitate deeper connections between children and their caregivers. Key Takeaways: Tammi's Journey with Bibliotherapy: How she discovered the power of books as a co-regulation tool. A Paradigm Shift: Using bibliotherapy from a "bottom-up" approach to support attachment, safety, and emotional regulation in children. Integrating Books into Play Therapy: Practical strategies for making books an extension of a child's play, fostering a more client-centered therapeutic experience. Engaging Kids Who Aren't Interested in Reading: Innovative ways to use books beyond just reading the words. Types of Bibliotherapy: Differentiating between developmental, therapeutic, and play-based bibliotherapy. Enhancing Parent-Child Relationships: How books can strengthen the bond between parents and children, addressing attachment and repair in relationships. Attunement and Trusting the Process: The importance of being present and attuned to the child, allowing books and other tools in the therapy space to facilitate healing naturally. *Check out Tammi's new book on Amazon, PESI website, or Tammi's website: The Bibliotherapy Toolbox: 100+ Creative and Playful Story-Based Interventions to Help Kids Create Safety, Overcome Challenges, and Build Resiliency. *Tammi Van Hollander, LCSW, RPT-S™, is a leading expert in attachment, sandtray play therapy, and sensory integration with over 25 years of experience. She holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania and advanced training from the Family and Play Therapy Center in Philadelphia. Tammi is the author of Casey's Greatness Wings and The Bibliotherapy Toolkit, and she delivered a TEDx Talk, "Stories in the Sand: Healing Trauma, Anxiety, and Grief," in 2023. Connect with her on Instagram and Facebook. 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.

Original air date: December 6, 2022 Have you ever wondered what intergenerational trauma looks like in a play therapy session? Or how you can support both the child and the parent in integrating this trauma? In this episode, Lisa Dion is joined by Dr. Arielle Schwartz, renowned author of "The Complex PTSD Workbook" and "The Post-Traumatic Growth Guidebook," to discuss this profound topic. Together, they delve into: Understanding intergenerational trauma and its manifestations in play therapy sessions. Cultivating trans-generational resilience and generational empathy to model for clients and their parents/caregivers. Managing your own intergenerational trauma when it arises during sessions. The importance of self-care in trauma work, including Dr. Schwartz's own daily embodiment practice. Join this enlightening conversation and expand your perspective beyond the client's immediate experiences to consider generational patterns and unresolved traumas within the family system. Discover how these dynamics shape the parent/caregiver-child relationship and learn effective strategies to support healing across generations. About Dr. Arielle Schwartz: Arielle Schwartz, PhD, CCTP-II, E-RYT, is a licensed clinical psychologist, certified complex trauma professional, and Kripalu yoga teacher with a private practice in Boulder, Colorado. As an internationally sought-after teacher and leading voice in healing PTSD and complex trauma, she is the author of six books, including "The Complex PTSD Workbook" and "Therapeutic Yoga for Trauma." Dr. Schwartz offers an integrative, mind-body approach to therapy through her Center for Resilience Informed Therapy. Learn more about her work at www.drarielleschwartz.com. 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.

We're shaking things up and doing something we haven't done in a while. In this episode, Lisa is responding directly to your questions! And today, we have three fantastic questions from our listeners that Lisa will be answering. Jennifer asks: "What do you do if a child wants to bring food or their own toys into the session?" Lisa gives insights and shares different ways to respond. She delves into the therapeutic function of foods and emphasizes the importance of including the child's toys in sessions, in line with Synergetic Play Therapy's philosophy. Sarah asks: "What do you do when a child lies or exaggerates their stories?" Lisa helps us understand why it's not about the specific details of the story and highlights what's more important when working with a child who lies or exaggerates. Jennifer asks: "How do you handle it if a child wants to show their caregiver something they created in the playroom?" Lisa discusses the larger question we need to consider first and then offers various ways to respond to different ways that this can play out. We have three amazing questions that came from YOU! Keep your questions coming and join us for an engaging and insightful episode that deepens your understanding of the little lessons children teach us in the playroom. If you would like to be part of the conversation (...because yes, we're going to keep doing these episodes), send your questions to Lisa at [email protected]. Or even better, send us an audio of your question to share. 🙂 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.

Original air date: November 10, 2019 In this episode, we explore the vital role of play therapists in addressing Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) in the playroom, inspired by Lisa Dion's words: "It's not that children with SPD don't want to regulate; it's that they can't." SPD can present various challenges in the play therapy setting, often making it difficult for children to self-regulate. We will discuss how play therapists can recognize the signs of SPD, adapt their techniques to meet the needs of these children and implement effective strategies to help them develop self-regulation skills. Join us as we provide insights and practical advice for therapists dedicated to supporting children with SPD. 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.

In this special episode, Lisa reconnects with a long-time colleague, Nilüfer Devecigil, who joins her from Turkey. Nilüfer completed her master's degree in psychology in the US and worked closely with Byron and Carol Norton, the pioneers of Experiential Play Therapy. She's also the lead teacher for Experiential Play Therapy in Turkey. With extensive experience in attachment parenting and trauma healing, Nilüfer currently practices as a play therapist for young children and an attachment parenting therapist for pregnant women and new mothers. Listeners, you might not know that Experiential Play Therapy is one of the foundational models that influenced Synergetic Play Therapy. This conversation feels like we're going back to our roots a bit. Episode Highlights: Lisa and Nilüfer's Journey: Discover how Lisa and Nilüfer met over 20 years ago, learning Experiential Play Therapy together. Foundations of Experiential Play Therapy: Understand the philosophy and humanistic approach championed by Byron and Carol Norton. Parent Involvement: Learn how parents are integrally involved in the therapeutic process, making it very relational. Unique Aspects of Experiential Play Therapy: Explore what sets this modality apart, including the five stages of the therapeutic process and the use of themes and metaphors in play. Active Participation in Play: Lisa shares her appreciation for the unique aspect of experiencing play alongside the child, fully engaging in the roles assigned by the child. Healing Through Play: Hear how parents heal alongside their children through this model of play therapy. Framework and Personal Focus: Discover how Nilüfer integrates her focus on attachment and relational work within the framework of Experiential Play Therapy. Double Awareness in Play Therapy: Learn about the concept of dual or "double awareness" and its significance for both child clients and therapists. Therapist's Own Work: Hear why it's so important for us as therapists to do our own therapeutic work. Experience Experiential Play Therapy through numerous examples and stories of how it works with child clients and their parents. Join us for an enlightening conversation that takes us back to the roots of Synergetic Play Therapy and gives a beautiful overview of this impactful therapeutic approach. If you would like to connect with Nilüfer Devecigil, follow her on her Instagram page here. 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.

Whether we consciously remember our early years or not, the body holds onto those experiences in profound ways. In this episode, Lisa Dion delves into the intricacies of early memory, exploring how understanding different types of memory can shed light on the experiences of children under the age of two or three. Join Lisa as she discusses: The science behind early memory and its various forms. Why even if the mind doesn't remember, the body does. How this understanding impacts play therapy and supports healing. Practical approaches to recognizing and working with early memories in therapeutic settings. This episode is essential for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of early childhood development and the lasting impact of early experiences. Tune in to learn how the body holds onto memories and how this knowledge can enhance your therapeutic 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.

Original Air Date: August 16, 2022 Join Lisa as she welcomes Cary Hamilton, an extraordinary expert in play therapy and neurodiversity, for an insightful conversation aimed at transforming how you support parents and caregivers of children with neurodiverse or sensory processing challenges. Cary Hamilton, the Director of Play Therapy at Antioch University in Seattle, owner of Olympia Therapy, and President of the Washington Association for Play Therapy, brings over a decade of experience as an author and international presenter on these topics. Additionally, Cary offers practical guidance through her educational platform, Playful Wisdom, designed to help parents rediscover the joy of parenting. In this episode, discover how to guide parents and caregivers from feelings of overwhelm and confusion to a state of curiosity and deep connection with their child. Cary and Lisa share their lived experiences while covering: Supporting parents/caregivers in trusting their intuition about their child's needs and empowering them in the healing process. Engaging parents/caregivers when they feel shut down, hopeless, or scared, including an amazing question from Cary that fosters complete support and acceptance. Addressing systemic family challenges such as differences in understanding between partners, sibling perceptions, and marital stress. Trusting the child's innate ability to regulate their own dysregulation. Gain a deeper understanding of neurodiversity and sensory processing challenges, and take away invaluable insights from this heartfelt and honest conversation. 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.

Original Air Date: May 10, 2022 In this episode, Lisa welcomes a guest who holds a special place in her heart and professional journey—Felicia Carrol, a leading expert in Gestalt Play Therapy. As a Certified Gestalt Therapist, Lisa draws on one of the foundational theories of Synergetic Play Therapy, making this conversation particularly meaningful. Felicia Carrol, LMFT, RPT-S, is the founder and director of the West Coast Institute for Gestalt Therapy with Children and Adolescents. An international educator, Felicia has conducted training across numerous countries and has contributed extensively to the play therapy field through her publications. As a direct student and close friend of the late Violet Oaklander, Felicia brings a wealth of knowledge and personal anecdotes. Join Lisa and Felicia in a grounding and heartfelt discussion where you will: Discover the history and development of Gestalt Play Therapy, highlighting Violet Oaklander's significant contributions. Gain insight into the principles of Gestalt Play Therapy, including its paradigm and the 4 Pillars established by Violet Oaklander. Explore often overlooked yet powerful concepts such as "being for" your client, the "self-nurturing" technique, and the importance of a dialogic relationship. Learn about common misconceptions in Gestalt Play Therapy and the broader play therapy field, particularly regarding directive versus non-directive modalities. Hear personal and professional stories about Violet Oaklander, celebrating her legacy and the profound impact she had on play therapy. This episode is dedicated to Violet Oaklander, who passed away on September 21, 2021, at the age of 94. A pioneering child and adolescent therapist, Violet is renowned for integrating Gestalt Therapy with play therapy, and her groundbreaking book, "Windows to Our Children," revolutionized the field. Tune in to reconnect with the roots of play therapy and honor the legacy of Violet Oaklander. Thank you, Felicia, for sharing your wisdom and experiences. 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.

In this special episode, Lisa is joined by two extraordinary guests, Isabella Cassina and Claudio Mochi, pioneers using play therapy in international crisis intervention. As co-founders of the INA International Academy for Play Therapy Studies and Psychosocial Projects in Switzerland, Isabella and Claudio have dedicated their careers to supporting children and families in some of the most challenging environments around the world. Isabella, Director of Project Management, and Claudio, Director of the Academy, bring decades of experience and a wealth of knowledge to the table. They have worked in over 30 cities across 15 countries, addressing the needs of those affected by natural disasters, conflicts, and high-risk situations. Together, they developed the "Coping with the Present while Building for the Future" (CPBF) model, which they have shared globally. In this episode, you'll discover: How Isabella and Claudio began their journey in crisis and humanitarian work. The unique challenges and rewards of using play therapy to support children and their families affected by international crises. The philosophy behind "Recovering the Lost Play Time"—a program designed to restore play opportunities for children during migration and other crises. Insights into their model, CPBF, and its impact on mental health professionals worldwide. How to create play sanctuaries and foster a culture of play in international crisis contexts. The MAP (My Awareness Process) as a guiding reference point, emphasizing a comprehensive awareness process rather than just therapeutic techniques. The importance of co-constructing with populations in crisis to ensure program sustainability after providers leave, highlighting the need for community collaboration and cultural sensitivity regarding language, customs, and traditions. Claudio and Isabella also share personal stories from the field, highlighting the emotional impact of their work and the resilience of the children and communities they serve. Learn about their strategies for self-care and the significance of creating safe play environments amidst chaos. This is an inspiring conversation filled with practical insights and heartfelt stories, showcasing the transformative power of play therapy in crisis situations. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from two of the leading experts in the field. For more information about their work and the International Academy of Play Therapy, visit Crisis Play Therapy. Tune in to explore how play therapy can be a beacon of hope in the darkest times and how you can be a part of this vital work. 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.

Original Air Date: December 20, 2022 Prepare for an enlightening conversation as Lisa Dion welcomes a distinguished guest, Dr. Cathy Malchiodi, Founder & Director of the Trauma-Informed Practices and Expressive Arts Therapy Institute. Dr. Malchiodi is a renowned figure in the field of Expressive Arts Therapy, with a wealth of experience and expertise garnered from her extensive presentations and acclaimed books, including the timeless favorite "Understanding Children's Drawings." In this episode, delve into the transformative realm of Expressive Arts Therapy and discover the significance of "rhythmic synchronization" and "action-oriented" interventions in supporting clients on their journey of sensory integration and trauma healing. Dr. Malchiodi introduces a groundbreaking approach to conceptualizing the client's "Window of Tolerance," emphasizing the expansion of their capacity for trauma integration and playfulness. Join us for a grounding conversation that transcends specific techniques, as we explore ways to empower clients in reclaiming and expanding their capacity for authentic self-expression. Dr. Malchiodi eloquently articulates the transformative potential of Expressive Arts Therapy, stating, "Trauma reduces our capacity for expression through movement, sound, enactment, image making, and play. Our job is to help people reclaim that capacity—to manifest a full range of restorative expression and reparative playfulness." Discover the profound impact of Expressive Arts Therapy in fostering healing and restoring vitality. Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights from Dr. Cathy Malchiodi's vast knowledge and experience in trauma-informed practices and expressive arts 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.

In this episode (and most timely for Pride Month), Lisa welcomes Jennifer Shivey, a Licensed Professional Counselor, Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, and Approved Clinical Supervisor with a focus on supporting LGBTQ+ children and their families. Jennifer, who has personal experience as the mother of a transgender child, shares her journey and how it transformed her approach to creating safe and affirming play therapy spaces. You'll gain practical insights on inclusive practices, the importance of understanding evolving language around gender diversity, and how to support both children and their families through their journeys of self-discovery. Jennifer emphasizes the ethical responsibilities of therapists to engage in ongoing education and offers advice for those who may feel challenged by these conversations. This episode is a call to action for therapists to reflect on their practices, understand the profound impact of inclusive therapy, and ensure their playrooms are welcoming spaces for all children. Join us for this vital discussion and learn how you can make a difference in the lives of transgender and gender-diverse children. *Want to take a full 90-minute course on this very topic? Join Jen and other amazing presenters including Marshall Lyles, Val Bruno, and Jodi Mullen for the upcoming Play It Forward: Elevating Play Therapy through Education and Service. This one-day virtual summit on July 25th, 2024 is designed to empower therapists while support play therapy training scholarships awarded through the Synergetic Play Therapy Foundation (....yes, every dollar of your registration). Learn about reflections and reflective functioning in Sandtray therapy with Marshall Lyles. Val Bruno will guide you with navigating legal processes as a play therapist. Jodi Mullen will offer insight into play therapy with sexually traumatized children. And Jennifer Shivey will help you to create an affirming play therapy space for transgender and gender-diverse children and their families. Secure your spot today! 🌟 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.

Original Air Date: January 31, 2023 Prepare for an enriching dialogue as Lisa Dion welcomes esteemed guest Dr. Joyce C. Mills to explore the transformative practice of StoryPlay®. Rooted in Ericksonian principles and resiliency-based approaches, StoryPlay® harnesses the innate inner resources, skills, and strengths of individuals to foster profound healing, growth, and change. Dr. Joyce Mills is a renowned storyteller, trauma specialist, and the visionary behind StoryPlay®, recognized for her exceptional contributions to the field of Play Therapy Training and Child Psychology. Join Lisa and Joyce as they delve into the heart of StoryPlay®, offering playful and profound insights on facilitating healing, honoring children's authenticity, and creating safe spaces for growth. In this enlightening conversation, you'll discover: Strategies for identifying and utilizing clients' inner resources to transcend diagnosis and foster empowerment. Insightful perspectives on recognizing and supporting the struggles of parents and caregivers. The foundational principles of resilience inherent in the StoryPlay® model. The distinction between directive and indirective play therapy approaches. Essential elements of the StoryPlay® model and its transformative potential. Practical techniques for employing Therapeutic Metaphors to facilitate profound change. Listen closely as Dr. Joyce Mills shares her remarkable journey and insights into the healing power of storytelling, revealing how stories serve as medicine for the soul. Join us in celebrating Dr. Mills's invaluable contributions to our field and discover the profound impact of StoryPlay® in promoting healing and growth. 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.

Original Air Date: March 19, 2020 Join us for an enlightening discussion on the vagus nerve, a pivotal component of our overall health and well-being. In this episode, discover why the vagus nerve holds such significance, not only in regulation but also in immunity and the body's capacity for recovery. Explore simple yet effective techniques for stimulating the vagus nerve, promoting its optimal function, and enhancing your overall vitality. Delve into practical strategies that can empower you to harness the power of this vital nerve and support your body's natural ability to thrive. Tune in to uncover the secrets of the vagus nerve and embark on a journey toward enhanced regulation and well-being. 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/colleagues to join us.

In this especially important episode, we shine a spotlight on the harrowing issue of child sex trafficking and explore how we can support the young survivors of this modern-day slave trade. Join Lisa for a deeply insightful conversation with Alejandro (Alex) Castro Croy, a bilingual, bicultural Trauma and Addiction Counselor, and the owner/Lead Clinician of Transcending Consulting Group in Denver, Colorado. Alex brings his extensive experience from training law enforcement professionals and collaborating with the FBI on Crimes Against Children to the discussion. Together, they delve into the complexities of working with children who have endured compounded trauma and exploitation. Alex shares his journey into this challenging field and sheds light on the often-overlooked facets of child sex trafficking, including the surprising demographics it affects and the role of social media. Together they discuss the indicators of sex trafficking and key red flags to watch for. Alex also provides invaluable insights into the physical and behavioral signs that therapists should be aware of to help identify survivors. Learn why some clients might go AWOL or refuse treatment and how clinicians can approach these situations with sensitivity and care. Self-care for therapists is paramount, and Alex emphasizes the importance of mindfulness, debriefing, and the PERMS model—Physical, Emotional, Relational, Mental, and Spiritual domains of self-care—while sharing various intervention techniques and stressing the importance of honoring the human side of both therapist and client. This episode is a must-listen for therapists and anyone in the human services field. We encourage you to breathe and regulate as you listen to this important conversation, and as we navigate the challenging but essential work of supporting child survivors of sex trafficking. Talking Points: Understanding the true scope and demographics of child sex trafficking. The impact of social media and the daytime occurrences of trafficking. Recognizing indicators and key red flags. Identifying physical and behavioral signs of child sex trafficking survivors. The importance of self-care for clinicians and the PERMS model. Various therapeutic interventions: music, play, art, somatic, and narrative therapies. The importance of working with the client's protective strategies. Developing awareness of our own reactions as therapists to clients' trauma stories. Join us for this so-very important conversation to better understand and support the healing journey of child sex trafficking survivors. Additional Resources: For more information about Online training for introduction to Sex Trafficking: https://connect.missingkids.org/learn/learning-plans/4/introduction-to-child-sex-trafficking Physical and Behavioral Indicators: https://www.missingkids.org/content/dam/missingkids/pdfs/CST-Identification-Resource.pdf Reporting Sex trafficking: Local Social services and Police department Call 1-800-THE-LOST (800-843-5678) www.Cybertipline.org

Original Air Date: March 29, 2022 Join Lisa Dion for a poignant and timely conversation with Liliana Baylon, a bilingual and bicultural therapist and Certified Synergetic Play Therapist/Supervisor. In this episode, Liliana shares her profound insights into the experiences and challenges faced by immigrant and refugee families, offering invaluable perspectives that will broaden your cultural awareness and enhance your therapeutic work with clients. Delve into a conversation where you'll learn: The unique experiences and hurdles encountered by immigrants and refugees. Strategies for supporting clients through the grieving process, acknowledging their journey, challenges, and emotional needs. Understanding the nervous system experiences of immigrants and refugees and its impact on their sense of identity and safety. Insights into the perceptions of immigrants and refugees through the lens of the 4 threats to the brain. Techniques for holding space for families dealing with intergenerational disruptions and facilitating repair and reconciliation. The existential crisis faced by immigrants and refugees regarding their global perspective and sense of self. Approaches for helping clients explore their identity, values, and cultural integration. As you listen, embrace moments of reflection and notice any tendencies to advocate, fix, or rescue. Consider how these actions may impact the empowerment journey of your clients, as Liliana emphasizes the importance of holding space with intention and sensitivity. Expand your cultural lens and deepen your connection with immigrant and refugee clients/families by incorporating Liliana's invaluable insights into your practice. This episode invites you to approach your work with curiosity, awareness, and empathy, fostering a more inclusive and supportive therapeutic environment for all. 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/colleagues to join us.

Original Air Date: October 26, 2021 In this episode, Lisa Dion is joined by three important people in her life - Certified Synergetic Play Therapists/Providers Andrea Davidson (Colorado), Johanna Simmons (Vancouver, British Columbia), and Rachel Freeburg (Oregon). Together, they engage in a thought-provoking discussion about the various challenges that play therapists encounter in their practice. Pause and reflect as they explore strategies for addressing common scenarios such as: Children attempting to care for the therapist. Challenges related to teletherapy sessions, including situations where clients do not turn on their screens. Difficulties with transitions, such as reluctance to leave a parent's side or the playroom at the end of a session. Discover surprising insights and practical solutions as these experienced therapists share their wisdom and expertise. Join us for a candid conversation that sheds light on navigating the complexities of play therapy with connection to self and others. 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/colleagues to join us.

Lisa is joined by three remarkable professionals, Jacque Maben, Cara Smith, and Amy Pennington, to uncover the boundless potential of play therapy across various contexts and non-traditional mental health settings. This episode expands the definition of play beyond traditional toys to encompass movement, body experiences, and relational dynamics. Meet our guests: Cara Smith, a Certified Child Life Specialist; Amy Pennington, an Occupational Therapist; and Jacque Maben, an Equine/Animal Assisted Therapist. Learn more about them below. In this episode, each guest infuses the principles of play therapy into their unique practices, resulting in a magical fusion of healing modalities. Cara enlightens us on integrating play into medical settings, using it as a tool to alleviate stress and anxiety surrounding medical procedures. Amy brings play into the realm of occupational therapy, shedding light on how it aids in sensory processing and skill development. Jacque shares her insights into incorporating animals, particularly horses, into play therapy, emphasizing their authenticity and ability to provide a sense of safety. Discover how these professionals serve as external regulators, co-regulating with children toward trauma integration across various contexts. Tune in to explore the myriad forms of play and the transformative power it holds in diverse therapeutic practices, witnessing the beautiful unity that emerges when harnessing play therapy principles for healing in any setting. *Jacque Maben is a Licensed Professional Counselor with certifications in Gestalt Equine Psychotherapy, Synergetic Play Therapy, and EMDR Training. As the founder of Finding Hiawatha, an Animal Assisted Therapy Ranch, she leads a team of therapists and animal co-therapists in empowering clients to embrace their full potential through the healing connection between humans and animals. *Cara Smith, MA and Certified Child Life Specialist has over 17 years of experience in child life and academia. She has worked globally, advocating for children's psychosocial needs and fostering resilience. Currently, Cara integrates mindfulness, interpersonal neurobiology, and play therapy into her clinical practice, emphasizing the healing power of connection and play in building resilience. *Amy Pennington is a board certified Occupational Therapist with 15 years of experience in occupational therapy, specializing in pediatric and adult care across educational and medical settings. She integrates sensory-motor intervention principles and Synergetic Play Therapy into her practice. Passionate about child development, Amy supports students with sensory challenges and promotes neurodiversity-affirming, trauma-informed classrooms in public education.

Original Air Date: November 23, 2021 Join Lisa Dion on a soul-searching expedition as she delves into the profound question: why is it so challenging to relinquish control and accept the reality of "what is" in our lives? In this poignant episode of Lessons from the Playroom, Lisa provides invaluable insights and practical guidance for navigating the complexities of surrender, acknowledging that the journey is often fraught with discomfort and pain. Discover: The underlying reasons behind the struggle to surrender to life's circumstances. Strategies for maintaining a sense of self while navigating the process of letting go. Techniques for recognizing and addressing unmet expectations and the weight of "shoulds," fostering a sense of safety amidst uncertainty. Approaches for working through resistance and mindfully embracing surrender. Powerful methods for fully integrating the experience of surrender, including a transformative technique. Embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment with Lisa Dion as your guide, as you learn to navigate the transformative terrain of surrender and embrace the inherent wisdom of acceptance. 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.

Original Air Date: December 7, 2021 Join us for an insightful journey with our esteemed guest, Marie José Dhaese, a psychotherapist with 50 years of experience, as she shares her profound insights into reconnecting with our sense of self and innate wisdom. As the founder of Holistic Expressive Therapy and the visionary behind a captivating therapeutic "play home," Marie José's work is nothing short of magical. In this captivating episode, Marie José delves into the concept of each individual harboring an inherent kernel of wisdom that propels them towards their fullest potential. Discover how she meticulously attends to the sensory nuances of indoor and outdoor environments, tailoring sessions to her clients' unique needs through a blend of expressive therapies. Explore Marie José's distinctive approach to healing, where she: Addresses clients' physical, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual needs comprehensively. Transcends rigid protocols to distinguish between therapy and genuine healing. Facilitates healing holistically, nurturing both the internal and external landscapes. Guides clients to tap into their inner reservoirs of strength and resilience before delving into deeper therapeutic exploration. Unlock the transformative power of Marie José's approach and embark on a journey towards holistic healing and self-discovery. 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.

In this episode, Lisa is joined by special guest Brian Keating, a Certified Synergetic Play Therapist and Certified Group Psychotherapist. Brian specializes in tele-play therapy and is a contributing author to Advances in Online Therapy: Emergence of a New Paradigm. He's presented on topics including grief, childhood bereavement, and the therapeutic use of the video game Minecraft, which is the focus of this episode. Join Lisa and Brian as they demystify the use of video games in therapy, with a particular focus on Minecraft, the most popular and successful video game ever to hit the market. Here are just a few of the key takeaways from this episode: Gain insight into Minecraft's therapeutic potential and ways to integrate it into the therapeutic process. Explore transitioning from a "doing" to "being" perspective of Minecraft during therapy. Understand various modes of gameplay and the therapeutic themes they evoke, including how Minecraft is a version of sandtray and art therapy. Learn to communicate gaming's therapeutic benefits to parents and caregivers. Examples of directive interventions and non-directive interventions when playing the game. Understand how video games can support a client with body awareness and how to regulate their nervous system. Reflect on using Minecraft in one-on-one versus group therapy settings and learn from Brian's experiences (including his mistakes) with video games in therapy. Tune in and discover the transformative potential of incorporating something as seemingly simple as a video game into your therapy sessions. Uncover the therapeutic magic behind Minecraft and how special it is for kids when we speak their language! *For those not familiar, Minecraft is a sandbox video game that allows players to build and explore virtual worlds made up of blocks. It offers various modes, including Survival mode where players must gather resources, craft tools, and fend off enemies, and Creative mode where players have unlimited resources to build anything they can imagine. 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.

Original Air Date: March 28, 2023 Join Lisa for a crucial conversation addressing a topic often overlooked in the therapy community: the profound impact of trauma exposure on therapists and helpers alike. As therapists, we find ourselves on the front lines, intimately engaging with trauma exposure day after day, session after session. Despite the ideal of remaining objective observers, the reality is that we are deeply affected by the traumas our clients share. This episode sheds light on the inevitability of experiencing secondary impacts such as compassion fatigue, vicarious trauma, or secondary traumatization. Discover: How every therapist inevitably experiences a secondary impact when working with clients in trauma, crisis, or challenge. The effects of being impacted by the same traumas as our clients. The occurrence of our own unresolved traumas surfacing in the therapy room. Strategies for reconnecting with ourselves both inside and outside the therapy session, particularly during moments of activation. Listen and take a moment to honor your journey as a therapist. Reflect on the sacrifices you make and explore ways to mitigate the impact of trauma exposure. Embrace the wisdom of learning to be with ourselves through these challenges and cultivate a lifestyle that supports our chosen career path. You are extraordinary! Much love on your 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.

Original Air Date: March 14, 2022 Join Lisa and Judy Norman, Certified SPT therapist/supervisor and SPT co-teacher, as they unveil the inception of the Synergetic Education Institute (https://synergeticeducation.com/). 🎉🙌 Years in the making, their journey highlights the profound impact of integrating Synergetic Play Therapy principles into school settings to empower educators, school-based mental health professionals, and educational leaders. Their success story has garnered recognition from renowned developmental trauma expert Heather Forbes, Founder of Beyond Consequences Institute and author of "Help for Billy", who lauds one of their schools as the pinnacle of trauma-informed education. (...wow, thank you Heather 🙏💕) In this transformative episode, you'll delve into: Strategies for play therapists to collaborate effectively with schools Techniques to empower educators by shifting mindsets The 5 developmental stages of an educator's journey in meeting children's needs A redefined perspective on trauma-informed education How to redefine self-care and help teachers develop a deeper relationship within themselves (SPT-style) Practical resources to enrich your practice today! Tune in and explore why Heather Forbes hails Judy and the Synergetic Education Institute's work as pioneering "the most advanced trauma-informed school(s)" she's ever encountered - a testament to creating environments where every student feels that "they matter and are important." 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.

Join Lisa in this inspiring episode as she sits down with Amit Chintan Ramlall and his father, Dr. Kumar Ramlall, for a heartfelt conversation about navigating life with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Despite facing challenges with independent speech, Amit shares his remarkable journey and how he has embraced his talents and gifts to defy expectations. Drawing from their personal experiences, Lisa, Amit, and Kumar delve into the misconceptions surrounding ASD and the importance of assuming competence in all clients. They explore the journey of self-discovery, highlighting the invaluable lessons learned from Amit's unique perspective on human behavior. Through anecdotes and insights, they challenge conventional thinking in therapy, emphasizing the need to meet clients where they are and foster genuine connection. Amit's hunger for understanding Autism and his own journey led to the creation of the Chintan Project, which transforms challenges into opportunities for businesses, showcasing the power of resilience and determination. Amit's story also illustrates the complexity of sensory compensation and its impact on neuroplasticity, especially concerning Autism. While neuroplasticity is a powerful tool, we can sometimes assume clients' needs solely based on it. Amit's experience challenges such assumptions, emphasizing the importance of understanding individual perspectives. This episode offers a profound reminder to approach therapy with curiosity and humility, recognizing the depth of potential within every individual. Tune in to discover the transformative power of assuming competence and embracing alternative perspectives in therapy. [Closing Line: Assume competence - there's always more to uncover for all of your clients!] *This conversation was inspired many years ago when Lisa met Amit when he was 8 years old at a conference (...he is now 22 years old). They were having lunch together and Amit shared that he would love for people to understand his journey and what it's like to have Autism Spectrum Disorder and a severe developmental delay. **Please note: Research supports that the majority of Autistic people prefer identity-first language (Autistic person). Amit preferred person-first language (person with Autism) and thus he uses that and we honored his choice when referencing Autism in this way. ***For a transcript of this episode, please visit our website at synergeticplaytherapy.com. Learn more about Amit Chintan Ramlall and his father, Dr. Kumar Ramlall: *Amit Chintan Ramlall, who has Autism Spectrum Disorder, possesses a unique gift for helping leaders transform their challenges into sources of strength. He embarked on a journey of self-improvement, studying the works of great thinkers and change-makers, which helped him thrive because of his challenges, not despite them. A polymath with a vast knowledge base from reading over 14,000 non-fiction books since age 3, he integrates this knowledge with his unique insights to fulfill his deepest desire to help people discover and manifest their life's purpose. Co-founding the Chintan Project with his father, Dr. Kumar Ramlall, Amit believes that each person or team has a distinct purpose, enabling them to shine and make a significant impact. *Dr. Kumar Ramlall, an entrepreneur and medical specialist, co-founded the Chintan Project, InspiroMed Clinics, Inspiram Group, and Chinvest Group. As a respected consultant and physician, he has a distinguished academic background and extensive experience. Together, they aim to help clients leverage their unique purpose and challenges for greater impact and rewards. 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.

Original Air Date: July 29, 2020 Discover the profound language of the body in therapy! In this episode, Lisa delves into the power of attuning to both our own and the child's body language, crucial for fostering co-regulation in therapeutic settings. Gain valuable techniques for staying within your window of tolerance to guide children through their discomfort. Join Lisa to explore the unerring wisdom of the body and learn to deepen your ability to listen and respond effectively to your clients. "The body never lies. The body is always revealing the truth relative to the individual's perception in any given moment." - Lisa Dion 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.

In today's episode, we delve into one of the most requested topics of the past year. Dr. Montserrat Casado joins Lisa to shed light on PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) and PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections), offering invaluable insights for supporting children, parents, and therapists. Tune in as Montse and Lisa engage in a captivating conversation, debunking misconceptions about PANS/PANDAS, and offering new ways of understanding and supporting clients and caregivers. Discover Montse's personal journey and her decade-long mission to educate therapists on understanding PANS/PANDAS in children. Key topics covered: Understanding PANS/PANDAS: Definitions and associated symptoms, including the gut-brain connection. Impact on immune responses and brain inflammation. Primary issues such as OCD, rage/aggression, developmental regression, and restrictive eating. Exploring underlying factors such as infections and toxicity. Trauma responses and navigating overactive reactions. The complexities of parenting a child with medical challenges and behavioral issues. How PANS/PANDAS impact nervous system regulation and dysregulation Counseling strategies with a focus on the brain and systemic therapy approaches. Supporting attachment and strengthening the parent-child relationship. Hope for healing: Insights into therapeutic strategies and fostering resilience in children with PANS/PANDAS. Wow, wow, wow! 😳🤯 Don't miss this enlightening discussion! Tune in now to gain invaluable insights into supporting children with PANS/PANDAS. 💖 Find the resource Montse recommends here: https://aspire.care/ *Dr. Montse Casado was a professor of counseling for 17 years training school counselors, mental health counselors, play therapists and marriage and family therapists. Montse loves working with children and families whether in therapy, schools or empowerment parenting workshops. As an educator, she has done many workshops over the years helping families and clinicians understand children through a holistic, trauma-focused and strength based approach. Her work integrates Play Therapy, Expressive Arts, Trauma, Attachment, Resiliency, Strength-Based Parenting and Nature based activities. Dr. Montse is currently working as a Child/Family Therapist, Parent Educator and Expressive Arts Coach/Educator in North Carolina. One of her passions is to educate child therapists as to how to Understand PANS/PANDAS in Children. 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.

Original Air Date: February 15, 2022 In this Lessons from the Playroom episode, Lisa discusses the #1 thing that will get you off track as a therapist ... and it's trying to be someone you're not! Despite messages that might suggest differently, authenticity and "being yourself" is not easy and has so many implications for therapists. Join Lisa in a conversation to explore: How you know when you're trying to be someone you're not; Why it's so important to be yourself in the playroom; How to show up most like yourself and embody what feels true for you as a therapist; and How to access a deeper level of attunement that is needed to support your clients. Tune in and join Lisa on the journey to learn more about this most essential ingredient to your client's healing journey - and this time it's about discovering who you are as a therapist. 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.

Join us in this enlightening episode as we delve into uncharted territory with guest Dave Hompes, a renowned author, nutritionist, functional medicine practitioner, and mind-body coach. With his extensive expertise in integrative approaches to health, Dave sheds light on the intricate connection between psychology and the dynamics of the mind and body. In this captivating conversation, discover: Insights into the profound relationship between nutrition and mental health through compelling case studies, including epilepsy, Autism Spectrum, Tourette syndrome, and more. The most important question you can ask when faced with a client's challenge or issue. Recognizing subtle clues indicating a potential mind-body or body-mind correlation. How individual genetics, nutrient needs, and environmental factors contribute to mind and body symptoms. How the stories that people tell are sometimes more telling than lab results when understanding health issues. Prepare to be intrigued and enlightened as we explore the intricate interplay between mind and body in this thought-provoking episode! *Dave Hompes is an author, nutritionist, functional medicine practitioner, and mind-body coach with extensive expertise in integrative approaches to health. During a career spanning almost 25 years he has worked with clients from all ages and many backgrounds, from toddlers, teens, adults and the elderly to professional athletes and celebrities. He employs a wide range of therapeutic methods to help people overcome digestive, hormonal, immune, detox, neurological, and energy-based imbalances. Dave embraces a multidimensional view of human nature, considering biological, philosophical, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects in his work. He has recently founded the Higher Minded Health Academy with the goal of training polymathically-minded health and wellbeing practitioners. 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.

Original Air Date: March 1st 2022 This next Lessons from the Playroom guest gave Lisa the most amazing surprise when she jumped on - it filled Lisa with so much joy, delight and an urge to connect … And this is totally what they're talking about today - how to captivate, engage, be with (along with what to do), and create a playful connection with your child clients during the initial play therapy session. Lisa is joined by the one and only Liana Lowenstein. Liana is a Registered Clinical Social Worker, Certified Play Therapist - Supervisor, and Certified TF-CBT therapist who has been working with children and their families in Toronto, Canada for 32 years. She has 12 books (and is about to release her 13th!!) used by mental health professionals all over the world. Join Lisa and Liana in a conversation about: How to engage children (and their parents/caregivers) in the initial session (Liana will give tons of ideas, games and activities); Knowing when a child is engaging and what to do if they're feeling anxious or struggling to connect; How to bring your play techniques, ideas and activities to life in an attuned way for your clients; and The significance of "being with" your client in order to facilitate "the doing" aspects of a play therapy session Listen to today's episode and discover some really, really cool play therapy activities, techniques, strategies and ideas to use with your clients. 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.

Join Lisa as she hosts Tara McDonald and Karen O'Neill from PIP Solutions UK in an engaging discussion on the versatile practice of play therapy across the lifespan, with an added focus on the concept of symbolic repair. Prepare to be captivated by this episode, as it is filled with insightful content that you'll want to jot down or take notes! Key Insights: Discover the various forms that play therapy can take, spanning from infancy through childhood, adolescence, and into adulthood. Embrace the notion of allowing oneself to be playful, whether interacting with a parent-child dyad or engaging with a client in their senior years. Understand the importance of tailoring play therapy to suit the developmental stage of the client, even if it diverges from conventional perceptions of "play therapy." Learn strategies for creating a neuroception of safety for adults around play, including ways to invite parents and caregivers to be playful in their interactions with their children. Explore the concept of "Symbolic Repair" in psychotherapy and its application across different stages of life. Discover the timeless game that transcends any age! Learn about its captivating nature and how it manifests at every stage of life. 🥰 Join Tara, Karen, and Lisa for an enlightening conversation that delves into the myriad ways play can be integrated into people's lives at any age, offering opportunities for profound healing through symbolic repair. Prepare to be intrigued and delighted! *Learn more about Tara & Karen and their training institute PIP Solutions UK here. What is also so exciting is that Tara and Karen will be hosting Lisa for a 3-day in-person Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy program in October 2024 in Cheshire, UK. Get all the details here and join us in 2024! 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.

Original Air Date: September 28, 2021 Embark on a transformative journey with Lisa Dion in this compelling episode as she navigates the fundamental question at the core of play therapy practice: "How do I empower parents/caregivers to become a co-regulator or external regulator for their child?" Guided by the mantra of treating parents/caregivers the way we wish them to treat their children, Lisa delves into the intricacies of supporting parents who may lack a regulation template, struggle with the art of regulation, or find their own internal disorganization echoing in their child's disarray. In this insightful episode, you'll discover: Strategies to support parents/caregivers without a regulation template or facing internal disorganization, fostering a ripple effect. The profound realization that all behaviors, both by the child and the parent/caregiver, are rooted in the pursuit of regulation. Four actionable steps to empower and prepare parents/caregivers to seamlessly step into the role of external regulator for their child. Guidance for situations where a parent/caregiver might not yet be ready to develop the essential skills of being the external regulator. Join Lisa in unraveling the secrets to nurturing resilient families and creating a roadmap for parents/caregivers to confidently embrace their role as co-regulators or external regulators. This episode is a must-listen for therapists, parents, and anyone wanting to support transformative parent-child dynamics. 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.

In this episode, we're turning the tables back toward Lisa's direction to discuss what it takes to make hard decisions (both personal and professional), the courage it takes to make the hard decisions, and the reasons we don't make hard decisions. And joining Lisa for this discussion is the perfect person to have the conversation - Robert Abel, Jr., Operations Director for the Synergetic Play Therapy Institute. Join us for a deep dive into the world of decision-making, touching on: Understanding the neurobiology and relational aspects that make decision-making challenging. Cultivating the courage to authentically express ourselves and face difficult choices head-on. Unveiling some of the tough decisions therapists encounter in their clinical practice. Exploring what happens when we don't make the hard decisions (... hint: it has something to do with the mind and body). Navigating the decision-making process as therapists concerning the well-being of children, such as mandatory reporting. Supporting a child in making hard decisions including discovering who they actually are versus who they think they should be (... perhaps our most important work). You'll also hear some of the hard decisions Lisa has had to make in her life (personally and professionally), how these decisions have been instrumental on her life journey, and why her favorite quote is "I'd rather have the whole world against me than me against my own soul" (source: Dr. John Demartini). Tune in to this captivating episode and unravel the significance of embracing hard decisions. Gain insights into the profound impact they can have, allowing us to authentically express ourselves and allow ourselves to be fully loved for who we are. 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.

Original Air Date: January 16, 2023 Lisa is joined by an incredibly important person in her life - Duey Freeman, a former professor at Naropa University (Lisa's alma mater) and founder of the Gestalt Institute of the Rockies and the Gestalt Equine Institute. Duey, a true "elder" (as he is described by many) and mentor in the field of attachment and human development, was Lisa's former graduate school professor and has been one the most instrumental professors in her career. (see below for Duey's full bio*) Get ready to learn about a new way to conceptualize the attachment process and human development- a theory that just may be a foundational piece of missing information in your work as a therapist, as well as how Duey uses equine therapy to re-heal attachment disruptions. This podcast isn't just for those that work for horses - this information is a must hear for everyone! Here's what you'll hear in this episode … An attachment and human development theory that is usable clinically when working with people - the Freeman Attachment Cycle (Lisa integrates this model into her Synergetic Play Therapy courses); The reason why we're always supporting clients in working through the first stages of development ("Is the world ok?" and "Am I ok?") whether we're working with a child that is 3 years old or 50 years old; What happens for a child when their attachment and developmental needs are not met; How to bring instinct and intuition back into all our relationships and into all our therapeutic relationships; and How Duey's work with horses and equine therapy can give us greater understanding about our work in the playroom (plus you'll hear something amazing about what happens when a person is put on a horse and having them be moved by a horse...it's absolutely amazing!) This one will not only give you an amazing new lens from which to see your client work and how to become a therapist WITH your clients, but connect you to your own attachment and life experiences at a really deep level (...It might even bring tears to your eyes). *Duey Freeman is a sought after teacher, trainer, licensed therapist, and equine professional around the world. He has traveled to teach professionally in over 8 countries, has developed a practical attachment theory and human development theory that is taught to thousands of university students, has over 80,000 direct client hours, and co-founded both the Gestalt Equine Institute and the Gestalt Institute of the Rockies. He provides supervision to therapists and graduate students, does business and land consultations for new equine therapy sites, and models being a life-long student to your passions. Podcast Resources: Freeman Attachment Cycle 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.

Original Air Date: July 6, 2021 Goodbyes can stir up complex emotions for our clients, their families, and even us as therapists. In this week's episode, join Lisa Dion as she delves into the art of saying goodbye in the therapeutic context. Discover valuable insights on recognizing the right moment for a child to transition and gain practical strategies to offer essential support to both the child and their parents or caregivers, especially in those challenging moments when saying goodbye feels particularly tough. Lisa shares her wisdom on this essential aspect of therapeutic work, ensuring that goodbyes become moments of growth and resilience for all involved. 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.

In this episode, Lisa is joined by Tammy Schamuhn, the Co-Founder and Director of the Institute of Child Psychology and host of the Child Psych podcast. Together, they delve into the essential topic of identifying the roadblocks that sometimes get in a parent/caregiver's way of fully supporting their child's therapy and healing process. Tammy, an unwavering advocate for parents, shares insights from her experience, discussing the challenges parents face and the importance of involving them in the therapeutic journey. With a co-authored parenting handbook set to release in the upcoming year, Tammy speaks to the complexities of parenting and the need to engage and support parents/caregivers in the child's therapy process. Discover more about: The reasons therapists may hesitate to directly engage with parents/caregivers when the child is the focal point of treatment. The struggles parents/caregivers face, especially in dealing with shame. Strategies to align with parents/caregivers, fostering holistic support for the child's healing journey. Roadblocks for parents/caregivers in fully supporting their child's therapy process, ranging from internal beliefs and unresolved childhood wounds to societal expectations and environmental influences. The key to empowering parents/caregivers to be co-regulators for their child (... Hint: It involves developing sometimes new templates). Helping parents/caregivers in uncoupling their projections to gain a holistic perspective of their child's challenges. The pivotal role parents/caregivers play in a child's therapy process and how empowering them enhances the child's healing journey. Don't miss this enlightening episode, serving as a poignant reminder to prioritize parents/caregivers in the therapeutic equation. Explore the roadblocks parents/caregivers face and discover how to support them in becoming agents of healing for their children. 🎉 And we're so excited to announce a new partnership between The Synergetic Play Therapy Institute and the Institute of Child Psychology. SPTI courses will now be available at ICP through a unique subscription model, providing therapists with an additional valuable resource. Check it out here. 💜 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.

Original Air Date: April 12, 2022 Lisa Dion met her next guest at her very first APT conference. She was doing a presentation on supervision. As Lisa sat in her course, she remembers thinking, "Who is this woman?! Wow!" She was so captivated by her and her teaching. And today, Lisa is delighted to be joined by Paris Goodyear-Brown, the creator of the TraumaPlay™ model, the founder and Clinical Director of Nurture House, and the Executive Director of the TraumaPlay™ Institute. She is an internationally renowned speaker, a prolific author, and a master clinician. Join them as they talk about how holding hard stories can be complicated, challenging, and at times confusing especially when your own stuff as a therapist comes up … Because in a sense, we're all dedicated (... probably not consciously) to a lifelong inner-process and journey of self reflection and discovery as a way of being in service to others … Learn more about how knowing many play therapy modalities helps you to be able to say "yes, yes, and yes" to all the clients that walk in your doors; How to hold both your client's stories and your own stories in connected, fun and compassionate ways; Learn more about TraumaPlay and this beautiful idea of the "cascade of care" and the "Play Therapist Pallett" technique as ways to mitigate hearing hard stories; Ways to practice self-care as a therapist and "detox" the trauma energy after a session; How to help parents/caregivers hold their own and their child's hard stories, especially when grief and gratitude doesn't go hand-in-hand. Listen to today's episode and discover not only how to show up for yourself and your clients in ways that are connected and compassionate, but a way of walking alongside your clients as they "tell" their hard stories. 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.

We have a really fun topic today! Lisa is joined by the fantabulous Maria Laquerre Diego to unravel the intriguing world of villains in play therapy! (...Learn more about Maria and some of the amazing trainings she offers to play therapists below.) In this episode, Maria shares her experiences incorporating villain characters into therapy, providing clients with a unique opportunity to explore their identities and feel seen. Get ready to talk about all things villainous! Join Maria and Lisa and discover: The significance of viewing villains as complex characters with their own motivations and narratives, offering a fresh perspective on clients' struggles and the realization that villains are not diagnosable. Insight into the indispensable role of villains in our lives, exploring why heroes cannot exist without their counterparts. An exploration of the perspective-dependent nature of labeling heroes and villains, challenging binary thinking. The connection between a child's perception of themselves or their world and their attraction to both hero and villain characters. Practical applications, including the use of sand tray figures and dress-up items, to delve into the duality within oneself. The encouragement to follow the client's lead, allowing them to be the expert in their process, whether identifying with heroes or villains. This episode will challenge the binary thinking of good and bad and help to embrace the nuanced nature of traits based on individual perspectives. Join the conversation as Maria and Lisa invite you to explore your own perceived "hero" and "villainous" qualities with curiosity and without judgment. It's time to own and celebrate all the parts within us! *A self-described geek, Maria Laquerre Diego, LMFT, RPT-S is a therapist turned CEO. In addition to supporting mental health providers, Maria takes an active role in addressing the continued stigma of mental health services through the use of pop culture – everything from movies and television shows to superheroes and Disney characters. Maria has spoken about mental health at several local events, has served as an officer on professional boards, and has provided training to clinicians all over the country. Check out her upcoming play therapy conference, Play Therapy: To Infinity & Beyond!, scheduled March 5-10, 2024 at the fantabulous Disneyland Resort! 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.

Original Air Date: November 8, 2022 In this episode the tables are turned and the lovely Jackie Flynn, host of the Play Therapy Community Podcast/Facebook group and the Neuroscience of Play Therapy Summits, interviews Lisa about how play therapy and being a play therapist has become a spiritual practice for her over the years. Join Lisa and Jackie as they talk about: What spiritual practice means and how doing our own "work" as a therapist can become a spiritual practice; How the playroom is a giant "meditation cushion" for therapists to grow within themselves as human beings; How to hold a larger perspective as a therapist and engage in a deeply self-reflective practice as a way of supporting the client in their own reflective awareness and healing journey; How the moment itself has everything we need in order to navigate whatever is arising in the client's therapeutic work - Nothing is missing. The Synergetic Play Therapy concept of "One Foot In/One Foot Out" and how this is a contemplative practice in action in the playroom; and How being authentically with ourselves as therapists can support us in truly helping our clients in the most profound ways possible. In this episode, you'll also hear how Lisa's very first play therapy session revealed to her, not only how to help children in their healing journey, but how to experience the playroom as a place of curiosity for what needs to be developed and worked within herself so that she could continue to develop herself as a therapist. A message from Lisa to all of her listeners - Give yourself permission to find safe places and connections that allow you to look inward; get curious about what parts of you are showing up in the playroom that are asking you to be in relationship with them; and a deeper invitation to be with the parts of yourself that are emerging - because as you know, you are the most important toy in the playroom. 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.

Join Lisa Dion and Tracy Turner-Bumberry in this episode to explore the fascinating world of mandalas and their application in our work with children (... a super cool and likely unexplored tool in your clinical practice). In today's conversation, Tracy will unravel the mystery behind mandalas and share her insights into their powerful use in therapy. Tracy is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Play Therapist/Supervisor. She brings a wealth of expertise to our discussion as a Certified AutPlay Trainer and Therapist, a Certified Animal Assisted Play Therapist, and a Certified DBT Therapist. Tracy is also a national speaker on a variety of play therapy topics and a published author with her notable book, "2,4,6,8 This is How We Regulate." Join Lisa and Tracy for a deep dive into the transformative magic of mandalas and learn about: What a Mandala is, its multicultural roots, and the therapeutic power they hold for children and their families; How Tracy uses terms such as "circle art" and "circle play" to demystify mandalas in the therapy process; How to embrace curiosity and playfulness in exploring circle play, focusing on the process and meaning; Practical applications including templates and Tracy's Wellness Mandala practice; Adaptation of circle play for neurodivergent clients with emphasis on creation of a safe space; Dos and don'ts of using Mandalas in therapy, emphasizing a child-led, non-interpretative approach; Different ways to use Mandalas directively and non-directively, and with individual clients and with their families; Ways to enrich the therapeutic process using music during circle play and the significance of creating a quiet, introspective space; Tracy's insights into recurring themes in mandala creation, such as centering, use of color, ideas of completion or incompletion, and impermanence; and The essence of the "safe circle" and its role in providing a sacred and protected space for authentic expression. Tune in and uncover the magic of mandalas and their powerful application in the therapy process for our clients and their 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.

Original Air Date: April 15, 2018 Lisa Dion is joined by Jessica Schaffer, Registered Play Therapist, Certified Synergetic Play Therapist and Certified Sleep Consultant to help us understand sleep issues for children. From the refusal to go to sleep to an inability to stay asleep, a child's tossing and turning speak volumes. But why do some children want to ban the bed? And how does this look inside the playroom? A play therapist who also happens to be a sleep specialist helps us uncover the answers. "Sleep is the largest separation we go through everyday." - Jessica Schaffer, RPT, Infant Sleep Specialist 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.

Original Air Date: March 15, 2021 Sometimes we can get stuck in either/or thinking when it comes to whether we use non-directive or directive play therapy modalities. But what if we could understand the significance and potential for both? What if we could go beyond to see that one is not better than the other? And what if we could honor that there are many paths to healing and that all theories serve a purpose? Join Lisa as she discusses how it's possible to combine different theories and approaches, why we might do this, and how to make a decision not based on external pressures, but instead based on the client goals, what the therapist needs, the timeframe, and the context in which the therapist may need to do play therapy. Because ultimately, both paths will get us to the end result. 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.

We're so excited for this next topic. It's a topic that's never been addressed on this podcast series and a topic that is rarely explored in the field of play therapy. So settle in, grab something to take notes because Lisa is joined by Ludmila (Mila) Golovine to talk about using interpreters in play therapy. Mila is the CEO and President of MasterWord Services, Inc. As a professional interpreter, Mila is familiar with the toll interpreting for survivors may have on the interpreters themselves. For the past 15 years, she has applied her training in Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) therapy, Synergetic Play Therapy and Trauma Informed Care, as well as skills as a Master Certified Neuro-Linguistic Programming Practitioner and a Certified Demartini Method Facilitator to tirelessly help promote health and wellness for language professionals and raise awareness about the experiences of human trafficking survivors and their language access needs. See below to know a bit more about Mila and her organization MasterWord Services. We know that interpreters are sometimes used in play therapy, but there's not a lot of training for play therapists to understand what the interpreter experience is or how to attune and work collaboratively with the interpreter in the shared goal of helping the child heal. This is a brilliant and powerful conversation! And has so much helpful information for us as therapists. In this episode you'll learn about …. The role of the interpreter and how to become aware of the language that is most comfortable for our clients; How to recognize the different cues in our play therapy sessions for our clients when we are speaking to the person in their primary language or in the language in which their trauma occurred; How the play therapist can be both the external regulator for both the child and the interpreter who is also becoming activated as they are channeling the trauma information through them (...as Mila shares, sometimes the interpreter becomes even more deeply affected than the therapist in the room); How to set boundaries in a session that support interpreters who are asked to come into the session and relieve a trauma in a way to help us understand what the child is going through (...that's a huge ask! Let's appreciate this and make sure we are supporting interpreters in being in their window of tolerance.); The need for awareness and attuned collaboration between a play therapist and interpreter when facilitating healing for a client; Why we do not want to use family members as interpreters; The challenge interpreters have in the interpretation process itself (e.g., cultural cues, body language and non-verbal cues being different, etc.); The possible ruptures and challenges that can occur within the client-interpreter-therapist relationship with differences in culture and language and how to support interpreters in more mindfully aware ways; The attribution bias and how this can show up in the therapy session in the relationship between client and therapist; and The important takeaways and calls to action that Mila has for all of us as therapists when working with children and their families when there are language/cultural differences. Plus, check out the amazing trauma-informed resources that Mila has on her website MasterWord.com for interpreters that you can share with the interpreters you work with. *Ludmila is also an advocate for social justice and is a nationally and internationally recognized speaker. Her work has been recognized by numerous awards, including California Healthcare Interpreting Association (CHIA) Trainer of the Year Award, Houston Business Journal's Women Who Mean Business Award; Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Gulf Coast Area regional winner, and Congressional Recognition G7 "Excellence in International Service" award. She's a rockstar!!!! Thank you Mila for your vision and your heart 💕 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.

Original Air Date: September 13, 2022 If you've ever studied with Lisa Dion, you know she loves talking about the nervous system. And in this episode, she's going to talk about the collective nervous systems within families and how to help support the regulation of the family system. If you're just as excited about this topic as Lisa, you'll definitely want to take notes for this one … Here's what you'll hear … How nervous system expressions occur within the context of families; How all behavior (even what we term as dysfunctional) is actually functional and has a purpose; How the family system is always in balance and how it is always attempting to equilibrate itself; How to become the external regulator to help regulate the family nervous system; and How to use this information clinically to inform your therapeutic work. Plus, learn a powerful tip that will help you shift the collective nervous system of the family unit in a most transformative way. 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.

Original Air Date: October 25, 2022 The one-and-only Bonnie Badenoch* joins Lisa for this beautiful conversation about non-judgmental presence and how this is so critical in our role as therapists. In this episode, you'll hear: How, as a profession, we've become concretized into the left hemisphere (e.g., in a movement toward protocols, interventions, and evidence-based therapies) and how this has pulled us more into the role of experts trying to "fix" people; What holding a "non-judgement" presence means; What the "inner community" is, how to be aware and work with our inner community in order to be present with our clients; How to return to a non-judgmental presence in moments when we experience judgment (and how to even recognize when we're in a place of judgment); The 2 pillars of non-judgmental presence and the importance of this in our work; and How to engage in our own reflective processes and having supportive others who can truly hold a nonjudgmental space for you. Listen to this beautiful conversation that gets us back into the right hemisphere in our work as therapists and back to trusting the wisdom of the client in their own healing process. Discover how to bring more non-judgmental presence in your clinical work and how to offer this same space for yourself. Bonnie is moving toward retirement, and we're so grateful that she could join. Thank you Bonnie and much love on the journey 🙏💕 *Bonnie Badenoch, LMFT, has been a therapist, mentor, teacher, and author, spending the last 17 years integrating the discoveries of relational neuroscience into the art of therapy. In 2008, she co-founded the nonprofit agency Nurturing the Heart with the Brain in Mind to offer this work to the community of therapists, healthcare providers, and others interested in becoming therapeutic presences in the world. For 30 she has supported trauma survivors and those with significant attachment wounds to reshape their neural landscapes for a life of meaning, resilience, and warm relationships. Her conviction that wisdom about the relational brain can support healing experiences for people at every age led to the publication of Being a Brain-Wise Therapist: A Practical Guide to Interpersonal Neurobiology in 2008 and The Brain-Savvy Therapist's Workbook in 2011. Bonnie's latest writing is The Heart of Trauma: Healing the Embodied Brain in the Context of Relationships (2017). These books seek to build a bridge between science and practice with clarity, compassion, and heart. 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.

Join Lisa Dion for a discussion on a topic that has been requested more than once since the beginning of this podcast, and it's something we all experience (Yes … therapists, parents, children … all human beings on this planet!) …. We're diving into the intriguing topic of negative self-talk and why we actually can't get rid of it (... no matter how many positive self-affirmations we say to ourselves). Through a compelling exploration of the multifaceted dimensions of negative self-talk, discover the brilliant purpose of negative self-talk. Here's what you'll hear in this episode: How negative self-talk emerges (hint: It involves thoughts like "I should," "I shouldn't," "I need to," "I have to," and "I'm not good enough"). The limitations of the positive thinking movement and why we actually can't get rid of negative self-talk. The function of negative self-talk (...it's likely not what you think). The neuroscience behind negative self-talk and how it's a homeostatic mechanism in the mind that is actually trying to support you (... what?!). A shift in our understanding of depression and when we or someone else is experiencing high levels of negative self-talk. What actually helps us quiet negative self-talk (...again, probably not what you're thinking). How to come to a place of honoring yourself, your choices, and your unique way of moving through the world, while recognizing the valuable role of negative self-talk Tune in to this perspective-shifting episode and gain valuable insights into understanding and utilizing negative self-talk as a tool for growth and congruence. You'll also come to recognize that, in the journey toward authenticity, negative self-talk can be your ally rather than your adversary, helping you navigate the complexities of life with wisdom and deep self-appreciation 💕 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.

Original Air Date: March 1, 2021 Countertransference is not something we can avoid, get out of, check at the door, or even separate from ourselves ... In this episode, Lisa discusses how transference and countertransference is really the therapeutic landscape from which to support our clients in a process of deep integration and healing. Using a lens of Synergetic Play Therapy®, Lisa offers an understanding of how countertransference is not something to be afraid of, but something that offers incredible wisdom and a window into the inner experiences of our clients. It gives us an opportunity to become curious about our beliefs, both that keep us from being fully present and authentic, and that support us in being more deeply present, more deeply resonant, and ultimately, more deeply attuned. As beautifully stated by Sebern F. Fisher in her book, Neurofeedback in the Treatment of Developmental Trauma: Calming the Fear-Driven Brain, "Countertransference and transference are always co-arising & co-constructing at the place where the therapist's experience meets that of the patient." 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.

In this engaging episode, Lisa Dion brings together three guests that are near-and-dear to her heart: Michelle Wayman, Mili Shoemaker, and Lisa Walton. All three are either Certified Synergetic Play Therapists or Certified Synergetic Play Providers and are joining her from diverse corners of the world - Argentina, Australia and the United States. Together, they embark on a profound exploration of the intricate connections between the therapist and their clients, with a particular emphasis on the intriguing question of why therapists seem to attract the clients they do. Have you ever found yourself wondering why certain clients gravitate towards you? Have you ever noticed patterns where clients with similar struggles appear in waves on your caseload? Or, that you have clients struggling with the same type of challenges? If so, perhaps this isn't just a coincidence! In this episode, Lisa and these amazing therapists explore the multifaceted reasons behind the client-therapist connection. They discuss how therapists often manifest clients who reflect aspects of their own experiences and challenges, shedding light on the idea that the clients we attract serve as mirrors, guiding us toward self-discovery and growth. Join us as we delve into: Why the clients who enter our therapeutic spaces are not random and what they reveal to us about our own journeys. How our clients are actually our teachers, mirroring back reflections of our own experiences that we might be avoiding or haven't yet integrated. Why countertransference is not something to fear, but actually something we can embrace to be better therapists for our clients. How having an understanding of why we attract the clients we do can transform our work, infusing it with curiosity and self-awareness and offering our clients deeper experiences of co-regulation and healing. It's a phenomenon that indeed warrants introspection. In this enlightening discussion, you'll discover that clients are not just recipients of therapy—they are our teachers. The moment we gain awareness about why we attract certain clients, we embark on a journey of self-discovery that enriches both our professional practice and personal growth. This podcast episode is dedicated to every one of our little mirrors who have walked into our therapy spaces and showed up in our lives … helping reveal to us our unfinished business so we can know where to shine the spotlight, where to do our own work, and where to keep healing within ourselves … and offering us the gift of healing within ourselves in order for us to keep showing up for our others in more expansive and meaningful ways 💕 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.

Original Air Date: April 13, 2021 How do we know when we are grumpy, tired, overheated, or overwhelmed? ... Lisa talks about this 8th sense called Interoception or the "How do we know" sense, which is absolutely critical to enhancing a child's regulatory capacity ... Why? Because what we see in the playroom is actually not behavioral issues, but really the child's inability to stay connected and regulate through the activation of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS). But what does this have to do with Interoception? ... Regulation and attunement starts with our interoceptive capacity. We can teach children tons of regulation strategies, but if they cannot register the clues that let them know they need to regulate in the first place, what we've done is just handed them tools that they have no clue how or when to use. And as therapists we need to have this capacity enhanced in us! Lisa shares ideas for starting to develop the interoceptive capacity in ourselves as therapists and our child clients, in this really important discussion that tells us that our body might actually be the most important toy in the playroom. 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.

In this episode, Lisa Dion is joined by the fantabulous and oh-so-knowledgeable Heather Fairlee Denbrough, a Certified Synergetic Play Therapist/Supervisor, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and Registered Play Therapist Supervisor. Together, they tackle one of the most requested and also one of the most scariest topics for therapists … providing support to children dealing with suicidal ideation and attempts. This episode is a valuable resource for any caregiver or professional working with children. Join Lisa and Heather as they shed light on this important and often misunderstood topic, providing insights, strategies, and hope for supporting children who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts. Don't miss out on this crucial conversation! Key Takeaways: Recognizing subtle signs of suicidal ideation in children Creating a safe space for children to express their feelings Holding space for children through play to explore and shift their stories and perceptions Developing structured safety plans with children and caregivers, identifying red flags and triggers Facilitating open dialogue on suicidal ideation with both children and caregivers Prioritizing self-care for therapists and managing the emotional impact (... Heather shares valuable and powerful techniques and tools that help her maintain her own felt safety during sessions) Preparing for challenging scenarios and accessing support networks during tough times (...there's lots of support and resources so don't feel you have to tackle this alone!) Listen and join this conversation that sheds light on childhood suicidality, providing guidance on navigating it with empathy, connection, and compassion. ❤️ (Please note: This podcast episode is for educational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice.) 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.