Lessons From The Playroom

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

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 pare

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 Ap

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 int

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 faci

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 Res

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, p

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

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 healin

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 gam

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

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/).

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 resilienc

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 you

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 re

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 P

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 int

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

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

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