Shows
Lessons from the PlayroomSupporting Children Through Suicidal Thoughts: Insights for Caregivers and Therapists (Best Of)Original Air Date: October 10, 2023 In this powerful episode, Lisa Dion is joined by the incredible Heather Fairlee Denbrough—Certified Synergetic Play Therapist/Supervisor, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and Registered Play Therapist Supervisor—to tackle one of the most challenging and important topics in child therapy: supporting children experiencing suicidal ideation or attempts. This conversation is an essential resource for caregivers and professionals alike. Lisa and Heather offer practical guidance, hope, and strategies to help children navigate these overwhelming experiences safely and compassionately. What You'll Learn: How to recognize subtle signs of suici...
2025-10-2847 min
Lessons from the PlayroomBroken Toys and Other Hidden Messages in Play (Best Of)Original Air Date: September 19, 2019 "Broken toys may be a metaphor for how children see themselves." – Lisa Dion In this episode, Lisa tackles the "little" questions that often carry big meaning in the playroom. What do you do with broken toys? How should you handle food, lying, or a child wanting to take a toy home? Each situation offers insight into a child's inner world and an opportunity for connection, growth, and understanding. Tune in as Lisa shares practical strategies and thoughtful reflections to turn everyday playroom moments into meaningful learning experiences. Ad...
2025-10-2121 min
Lessons from the PlayroomMulticulturalism in Play Therapy with Dr. Dee Ray (Best Of)Original Air Date: July 30, 2023 In this deeply insightful episode, Lisa Dion is joined by Dr. Dee Ray, an expert in the field of multicultural play therapy, to discuss an incredibly important and timely topic for every play therapist: Multiculturalism in Play Therapy. If you don't already own Dee's book, Multicultural Play Therapy, you'll definitely want to grab a copy after listening to this conversation—it's an essential resource for therapists working with children! In this episode, you'll hear Dr. Ray's wisdom on how to integrate multiculturalism into your play therapy practice to connect more deeply wi...
2025-10-0749 min
Lessons from the PlayroomPerfectionism in the Playroom: What's Really Going On Beneath the Surface? (Best Of)"Perfectionism is the strategy the child is using to manage their anxiety and fear." – Lisa Dion That child who needs everything just right? Who gets upset when the block tower falls or the drawing isn't "perfect"? There's more going on than meets the eye. In this episode, Lisa unpacks the deeper truth behind perfectionism in the playroom—and why it's not just about wanting to do things well. At its core, perfectionism is often a protective strategy, a way for a child to manage inner uncertainty, fear, and anxiety. You'll learn how to reco...
2025-09-3020 min
Lessons from the Playroom✨ 200: The Final Chapter—Listening to the Wisdom of the Body (with Avery Dion) ✨This is both a milestone and a farewell. After years of heartfelt conversations, transformative insights, and connections across the globe, Lessons from the Playroom reaches its 200th—and final—episode (at least for now). To mark this occasion, Lisa is joined by someone who has been part of the podcast from the very beginning: her daughter, Avery Dion. Many listeners will remember Avery's sweet childhood voice in the podcast jingle—today, at 19 years old, she returns for her third and most profound conversation with Lisa. Together, they explore what it truly means that the body keeps...
2025-09-0946 min
Lessons from the PlayroomVicarious Trauma & Compassion Fatigue: What Every Therapist Needs to Know (Best Of)Original Air Date: May 3, 2020 The word compassion means 'to suffer with' or merge with. This is different than empathy." – Lisa Dion As play therapists, we hold so much. And often, we don't realize how deeply the work impacts us—especially when we're navigating crises both personally and professionally. In this essential episode, Lisa explores the nuanced differences between vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue—experiences that are far more common in the field than we may recognize. She also reflects on what happens when therapists are living through the same crises as their clients (as man...
2025-08-1921 min
Lessons from the PlayroomSpecial: Understanding Sexualized Play in Therapy with Dr. Jodi MullenOne of the most highly requested topics in play therapy is finally here—understanding sexualized play in the playroom. In this deeply insightful episode, Lisa Dion is joined by Dr. Jodi Mullen, a leading expert in play therapy and child trauma, to explore what it means when sexualized play emerges in sessions. 🔹 How to trust your felt sense as a clinician when sexualized play appears 🔹 Identifying red flags and themes that may indicate sexual trauma 🔹 Understanding transference and countertransference as clinical clues 🔹 The key differences between medical trauma vs. sexualized trauma 🔹 How aggression presents in child...
2025-07-0848 min
Lessons from the Playroom195. When the Body Remembers: Psychosensory Healing, Play Therapy & the Wisdom Within with Kim BarthelShe's back—and the energy in the room just elevated. In one of the most moving and illuminating episodes to date, Lisa Dion reunites with internationally renowned occupational therapist, author, and teacher Kim Barthel—one of the most beloved guests in the podcast's history. Together, they take us deep into the world of psycho-sensory interventions, a term Kim coined decades ago during a pivotal moment that forever changed her clinical approach. Through a powerful real-life case study, this conversation explores how the body holds the story of trauma, how sensation can unlock memory, and why true healing happ...
2025-07-0142 min
Lessons from the PlayroomSpecial: The 3 Types of Relationships in Play Therapy with Parents & CaregiversWhat makes working with parents and caregivers feel smooth—or challenging—in play therapy? In this insightful episode, Lisa Dion explores three distinct types of relationships that shape our interactions with parents and caregivers in the therapeutic process. Understanding these dynamics can transform your approach, helping you create deeper, more conscious relationships that honor both you as a therapist and the parents you support. 🔹 Discover the three types of relationships that influence every interaction in and beyond the playroom 🔹 Learn how these relationship dynamics shape your work with parents and caregivers 🔹 Uncover why certain parent-therapist relationships...
2025-06-2427 min
Lessons from the PlayroomSpecial: Reflective & Relational Play Therapy Supervision: A Deep Dive with Lisa Dion & GuestsWhat makes play therapy supervision truly effective? In this first-ever Lessons from the Playroom episode on supervision, Lisa Dion is joined by Polly Douglass, Kim Buller, and Khris Rolfe—three extraordinary play therapists and top supervisors at the Synergetic Play Therapy Institute. Together, they explore the power of reflective and relational supervision and how it transforms both supervisees and their clients. Whether you're currently in supervision or serving as a supervisor, this episode will offer invaluable insights into: 🔹 What it means to be reflective and relational in supervision 🔹 How to build a supervisor-supervisee relationship that fos...
2025-06-1037 min
Lessons from the PlayroomSpecial: Ableism & Disablism in the Playroom: A Conversation with Marshall LylesHow does ableism show up in the playroom, and what can we do to create a more inclusive therapeutic space? In this powerful episode, Marshall Lyles (LMFT-S, LPC-S, RPT-S, EMDRIA Approved Consultant) joins Lisa Dion to explore the often unspoken realities of ableism and disablism in play therapy. Marshall, a leading voice in attachment trauma and sandtray therapy, brings invaluable insights into how therapists can become more aware of the biases and systemic structures that impact neurodivergent and disabled clients. 🔹 Uncover how ableism—both personal and institutional—has shaped the field of play therapy 🔹 Learn how...
2025-05-2744 min
Lessons from the PlayroomSpecial: Mandalas in Play Therapy: A Transformative Tool for Healing with Tracy Turner-BumberryHave you explored the power of mandalas in play therapy? In this episode, Lisa Dion sits down with Tracy Turner-Bumberry (LPC, RPT-S™) to uncover the transformative magic of mandalas—an incredible yet often unexplored tool in clinical practice. Tracy, a Certified AutPlay Trainer, Animal-Assisted Play Therapist, and DBT Therapist, shares how mandalas can create a safe, expressive, and healing space for children and families. 🔹 Discover what mandalas are and their deep multicultural roots 🔹 Learn how "circle art" and "circle play" can demystify mandalas for therapy 🔹 Explore practical applications, from templates to Tracy's Wellness Mandala pract...
2025-05-1342 min
Lessons from the PlayroomSpecial: Exploring Perspective with Dr. Rachel Altvater: How We See Ourselves, Others & the WorldHow do our perspectives shape who we are and how we connect with others—both in the playroom and in life? In this thought-provoking episode, Lisa Dion sits down with Dr. Rachel Altvater (Psy.D., RPT-S™), an award-winning leader in play therapy, to explore the profound impact of perspective on our personal and professional lives. 🔹 Discover the inspiration behind Rachel's new book, Perspective: Contemplating the Complexities of Our Realities 🔹 Unpack how we form perspectives about ourselves, others, and the world around us 🔹 Learn why perspective awareness is crucial for therapists and caregivers 🔹 Explore powerful self-reflection...
2025-04-2948 min
Lessons from the PlayroomSpecial: The Power of Attunement in Play Therapy: Deepening Connection with Clients & CaregiversWhy is attunement the heart of the therapeutic relationship? In this episode, Lisa Dion explores why simply following a script or checklist in play therapy isn't enough—true transformation happens when we deeply attune to our clients (and ourselves). 🔹 Discover what attunement is—and what it's not 🔹 Uncover the biggest barriers to attunement in the playroom 🔹 Learn how to create an experience where clients feel emotionally and energetically met 🔹 Gain insights on explaining the felt-sense of attunement to parents and caregivers Lisa also shares a powerful moment from a play therapy training, illustrating how...
2025-04-2229 min
Lessons from the PlayroomSpecial: How to Teach Kids & Caregivers About the Brain with Robyn GobbelIn this insightful episode, Lisa Dion is joined by the incredible Robyn Gobbel, MSW, to talk about a topic that has never been covered before on this podcast but is crucial for clinicians working with kids: teaching children about the brain. Robyn, a true brain enthusiast, has a new book out titled Raising Kids with Big Baffling Behaviors: Brain-Body-Sensory Strategies that Really Work! This powerful resource blends relational neuroscience with practical tools and applications, making it the ultimate guide for parents who want to understand and transform their children's challenging behaviors into safety and connection. After listening...
2025-04-1544 min
Lessons from the Playroom189. Navigating ADHD Through Play Therapy: Dual Perspectives for Therapists and Caregivers"Every child has the capacity to heal and grow, but it starts with meeting them where they are—with respect, curiosity, and an understanding of their unique needs." – Lisa Dion In this episode, Lisa sits down with Tony Vallance from the Building Better Brains Clinic for a conversation about supporting children with ADHD through play therapy. ADHD is often misunderstood, but with the right tools and understanding, play therapists can help children tap into their strengths while navigating the challenges they face. This conversation also explores ADHD from a dual perspective—not only through the experi...
2025-03-2553 min
Lessons from the Playroom186. Attachment to Self: The Cornerstone of Healing with Mili Shoemaker"So much of our healing lies in our ability to come home to ourselves." – Lisa Dion In this episode, Lisa is joined by Mili Shoemaker, a Synergetic Play Therapy supervisor trainer, long-time consultant, and dear friend. Together, they dive into one of the most foundational concepts in Synergetic Play Therapy: attachment to self. Join Lisa and Mili as they explore: How attachment to self differs from traditional attachment theories. Why moments of mindful awareness are key to healing and integration. The connection between attachment styles, perception, and self-regulation. Practical ways therapists can foster attachment to...
2025-02-1149 min
Lessons from the Playroom184. Vision, Momentum, & Mastering the Business of Therapy with Lisa and Jen Taylor"Your fear will always be the ceiling of your innovation." – Lisa Dion In this special post New Year's episode, Lisa is joined by Jen Taylor, therapist, educator, and mastermind behind Jen Taylor Productions. Together, they kick off the first month of 2025 with an inspiring conversation about goal-setting, vision, and how therapists can master the business side of their practice to create greater impact. Lisa and Jen dive into: The psychology of setting congruent goals that align with your values and what inspires you the most. Why "fantasy goals" often fail and how to replace th...
2025-01-1447 min
Lessons from the PlayroomEmbracing Gratitude: Finding Wisdom in Life's ChallengesOriginal Air Date: June 19, 2017 In this insightful podcast, delve into the transformative power of gratitude with guidance from Lisa Dion. While it's effortless to appreciate the positives in our lives, what about the challenges? Discover how cultivating gratitude can expand your window of tolerance and foster a compassionate heart. Explore the profound notion that clients enter our playrooms with purpose, serving as valuable teachers on our journey. Join us as we uncover the wisdom and blessings hidden within life's trials, embracing gratitude as a pathway to growth and understanding. Podcast Resources: Synergetic P...
2024-12-2416 min
Lessons from the PlayroomSpecial: Unlocking the Power of Bibliotherapy: Creative Solutions with Althea T. SimpsonOriginal air date: September 27, 2022 Do you know what bibliotherapy is or how to incorporate it into your client sessions? We're resharing this episode in which Lisa Dion is joined by Althea T. Simpson, the founder of Brighter Day Therapeutic Solutions and Unicorn Life Training. Althea is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, Certified LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Facilitator, and host of the podcast Chronicles of a Play Therapist. Her innovative approaches have been a tremendous inspiration in the play therapy field. Discover the therapeutic potential of books and learn creative ways to use bibliotherapy wi...
2024-12-1041 min
Lessons from the Playroom181. Little Lessons Series: Messes, Transitions, and Bathroom Breaks - Listener Q&A with LisaWe're diving into another special Q&A episode of Lessons from the Playroom! Lisa is answering three thought-provoking questions from our listeners, offering insights into some of the tricky moments that arise in the playroom. Tune in as Lisa explores messes, transitions, and those unexpected trips to the bathroom, unpacking what they might signify for the therapeutic process and how to respond with intention. This week's questions include: Jasmine asks: "What do you do when a child makes huge messes [in the playroom]?" Lisa explores the art of setting boundaries while...
2024-12-0322 min
Lessons from the Playroom180. Navigating Life's Transitions: An Empty Nester's Journey with Lisa DionIn this heartfelt episode, Lisa Dion, founder of Synergetic Play Therapy, steps into the spotlight as she's interviewed by long-time colleague and Certified SPT Supervisor, Polly Douglass. Together, they explore Lisa's deeply personal experience of transitioning into the "empty nester" phase of life when her daughter left for college. This episode isn't just for parents—whether you're facing a significant life change, are a therapist supporting others through transitions, or are simply curious about navigating life's changes, this conversation offers deep insights on how to move through them with intention and grace. In this episode, you...
2024-11-1143 min
Lessons from the PlayroomSpecial: The Healing Power of Rupture and Repair in Play TherapyOriginal Air Date: May 2, 2019 "The majority of relationship, any relationship, is rupture. Repair is the remedy." - Lisa Dion In relationships—whether with clients or ourselves—rupture and repair are essential. Mis-attunement isn't something we can avoid, nor should we. It's actually a key ingredient in the recipe for building trust. Each moment of rupture and repair forms the bedrock of connection, opening the doors to genuine healing and growth. Rupture, repair, repeat—this rhythm isn't just something we experience; it's something we practice. Podcast Resources: Synergetic Play Therapy Institute Synerge...
2024-11-0420 min
Lessons from the Playroom179. Little Lessons Series: Authenticity in the Playroom – Q&A with LisaLisa is back with another episode of the Little Lessons Series, where she answers your insightful questions about the complexities of working in the playroom. In this episode, Lisa dives deep into the theme of authenticity and how it plays a critical role in the therapist-client dynamic. Tune in as Lisa responds to 3 thought-provoking listener questions, exploring how to stay genuine and present when navigating imaginative play, emotional congruence, and handling personal questions from clients. In this episode, you'll hear: Carolyn's question: "When doing imagination play and a client assigns you a role...
2024-10-2828 min
Lessons from the PlayroomFrom the Archives: Navigating Boundaries in the Playroom with Lisa DionOriginal air date: April 24, 2017 Setting boundaries in the playroom can be a complex process! When to set them? How to set them? Why to set them? Is it important to set them? In this archived episode, Lisa Dion dives deep into these crucial questions, offering new insights on setting boundaries with children in ways you might not have considered before. Join Lisa as she explores: The fundamental reasons for setting boundaries and how they benefit the therapeutic process. How to set boundaries with children effectively and in a manner you may not have tried...
2024-10-2227 min
Lessons from the PlayroomSpecial: Bringing the Body into Therapy: Sensorimotor Psychotherapy with Dr. Bonnie GoldsteinOriginal air date: May 24, 2022 In this special episode of Lessons from the Playroom, Lisa Dion welcomes the amazing Dr. Bonnie Goldstein, a faculty member at Pat Ogden's Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute. Dr. Goldstein has uniquely applied Sensorimotor Psychotherapy to children, making her a pioneer in this field. Hear the delightful story of how Bonnie and Lisa met at the Australian Childhood Foundation's trauma conference in Melbourne in 2019, instantly connecting over dinner and sparking a meaningful professional relationship. Join Bonnie and Lisa as they discuss how to integrate the body into therapy practice to empower...
2024-10-0845 min
Lessons from the Playroom177. Little Lessons Series: Navigating the Teenage Terrain - Q&A with LisaLisa is back to answer more of your burning questions! And this time, we're diving deep into the world of teens, one of the most complex and rewarding populations to work with in the playroom. In this episode, Lisa addresses 3 thought-provoking questions submitted by listeners, shedding light on adolescents' nuanced and sometimes perplexing behaviors. Karen asks: "What do you do when a teen doesn't want to engage or say anything?" Lisa explores multiple angles to approach this challenge and offers insights into how to keep the relational connection alive, even when words are f...
2024-10-0125 min
Lessons from the PlayroomSpecial: Co-Regulation in Play Therapy: Supporting Parents and Caregivers with Lisa DionOriginal air date: February 28, 2023 We're resharing this episode in which Lisa revisits a frequently asked question: how to support parents and caregivers in regulating themselves and ultimately co-regulating with their child when the child is dysregulated. Offering co-regulatory moments to parents can repattern their nervous systems, empowering them to become their child's external regulator. Join Lisa as she covers: Recognizing and addressing dysregulation in parents/caregivers during the therapy process. Utilizing the Synergetic Play Therapy concept of "The Set Up" or "Offering" to gain a deeper understanding of the parent. Emphasizing the importance of...
2024-09-2425 min
Lessons from the PlayroomSpecial: Peeking Through the Play: The Emotional Significance of Peek-a-Boo and Hide-and-Seek in Play TherapyOriginal 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...
2024-09-1017 min
Lessons from the PlayroomSpecial: Exploring Intergenerational Trauma in Play Therapy with Dr. Arielle SchwartzOriginal 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...
2024-08-2741 min
Lessons from the Playroom174. Little Lessons Series: Listener Q&A with LisaWe'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. S...
2024-08-2028 min
Lessons from the PlayroomSpecial: Sensory Processing Disorder in Play Therapy: Guiding Children Towards RegulationOriginal 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...
2024-08-1326 min
A Hero's Welcome PodcastA Journey of Innovation and Resilience with Lisa DionSend us a textIn this enthralling episode, Maria Laquerre-Diego and Liliana Baylon delve into a captivating conversation with the esteemed Lisa Dion, LPC, RPT-S. Join us for a compelling episode with Lisa Dion as she shares her journey of revolutionizing play therapy. Lisa discusses the challenges of introducing innovative approaches to a resistant field, offering fresh insights into the regulation of the nervous system. She candidly explores the resistance to change, the task of proving herself, and the fears of advocating new methods. Learn about the perceptions and discomfort that arise when challenging norms and the...
2024-08-0834 min
Lessons from the PlayroomSpecial: Understanding Early Memory: How the Body Remembers Before the MindWhether 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...
2024-07-3020 min
Lessons from the PlayroomSpecial: Exploring Trauma Healing Through Expressive Arts Therapy: A Conversation with Dr. Cathy MalchiodiOriginal 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...
2024-07-0249 min
Lessons from the PlayroomSpecial: Unveiling the Healing Power of StoryPlay: A Conversation with Dr. Joyce MillsOriginal 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 prof...
2024-06-1851 min
Lessons from the PlayroomSpecial: Expanding Your Lens: Understanding Immigrant & Refugee Experiences with Liliana BaylonOriginal 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...
2024-05-2844 min
Lessons from the PlayroomSpecial: Navigating Challenges in Play Therapy: Insights from Certified Synergetic Play Therapists/ProvidersOriginal 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...
2024-05-2139 min
Lessons from the PlayroomSpecial: Embracing What Is: A Journey of Surrender with Lisa DionOriginal 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...
2024-05-0724 min
Lessons from the PlayroomSpecial: Why the Body Never Lies: Attuning to Body Language in Play TherapyOriginal 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 t...
2024-03-2622 min
Lessons from the PlayroomSpecial: Empowering Parents/Caregivers as Co-Regulators for their Children 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...
2024-02-1319 min
Lessons from the PlayroomSpecial: Navigating Goodbyes & Endings for Children & Caregivers in Play TherapyOriginal 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...
2024-01-2326 min
Lessons from the PlayroomSpecial: Paris Goodyear-Brown: How To Hold "Hard Stories" In Play TherapyOriginal 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...
2024-01-0940 min
Lessons from the Playroom160. Mandalas in Play Therapy: A Transformative Journey with Tracy Turner-BumberryJoin 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 n...
2023-12-1942 min
Lessons from the PlayroomSpecial: Jessica Schaffer: Understanding Sleep Issues in ChildrenOriginal 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."...
2023-12-1230 min
Lessons from the PlayroomSpecial: Regulating the Collective Nervous Systems of FamiliesOriginal 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...
2023-11-2124 min
Lessons from the Playroom158. Embracing Negative Self-Talk: Your Inner Feedback MechanismJoin 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 involv...
2023-11-0725 min
Lessons from the Playroom157. Why Therapists Attract the Clients They DoIn 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...
2023-10-2447 min
Lessons from the Playroom156. Heather Fairlee Denbrough: Navigating Childhood Suicidality: Insights, Strategies, and HopeIn 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...
2023-10-1047 min
Lessons from the PlayroomSpecial: How to Stay Inspired as a TherapistOriginal Air Date: August 23, 2019 The brain is a high maintenance organ, one that wants a challenge! In order to stay passionate in our careers as play therapists, we must give the brain the growth it craves. But we must give ourselves permission too – the permission to be ourselves and pursue what inspires us. "We all have deep within us the desire to pursue something that inspires us. We have a natural desire to evolve and grow" - Lisa Dion Podcast Resources: Synergetic Play Therapy Institute Synergetic Play Therapy Learning Website FREE Resources to...
2023-08-2223 min
Lessons from the PlayroomSpecial: Boredom in the PlayroomOriginal Air Date: October 1, 2017 Boredom in the playroom is something most therapists experience - from an unyielding yawn to counting the ticks of a slow-moving clock, we've all found ourselves less than enthused in one session or another. But boredom isn't always a negative thing. Sometimes, it's a gentle reminder that it's time to grow. "Boredom in the playroom may be a messenger. This turns it from something negative into your greatest friend." -Lisa Dion Podcast Resources: Synergetic Play Therapy Institute Synergetic Play Therapy Learning Website FREE Resources to support you on yo...
2023-08-0818 min
Lessons from the Playroom151. Dee Ray: Multiculturalism in Play TherapyLisa Dion has with her an extraordinary guest, Dr. Dee Ray to talk about an incredibly important topic for us as play therapists, Multiculturalism in Play Therapy (... if you don't already have Dee's book, Multicultural Play Therapy, we hope you'll go buy it by the end of this podcast. It's a must-have for every therapist that works with kids!) Dee Ray, Ph.D., LPC-S, NCC, RPT-S is Regents Professor and Elaine Millikan Mathes Professor in Early Childhood Education in the Counseling Program and Co-Director of the Center for Play Therapy at the University of North Texas. She ha...
2023-08-0149 min
Lessons from the Playroom150. Marshall Lyles: Ableism and Disablism in the PlayroomThe beautiful Marshall Lyles is again joining Lisa Dion for another Lessons from the Playroom episode, but this time to talk about understanding Ableism and Disablism in the Playroom. Marshall Lyles, LMFT-S, LPC-S, RPT-S, EMDRIA Approved Consultant, has 20 years of practice in family play therapy. Drawing on lessons learned from working with attachment trauma in a variety of settings, Marshall regularly teaches on sandtray therapy and family work around the globe. In our opinion, Marshall is one of the leading voices in helping us understand ableism and disablism. You can connect with him at www.marshalllyles.com....
2023-07-1844 min
Lessons from the PlayroomSpecial: Working with a Child's Emotional Age in Play TherapyOriginal Air Date: August 13, 2020 When our clients come to session it is easy to get caught up in thinking that they are their age, when in fact, they are not their age. At least not their chronological age. This episode is dedicated to helping you begin to understand the difference between emotional age and chronological age, a few clues to help you spot emotional age and regression, and how to work with these younger states in both your clients and yourself when they arise in the play room. * "When a child comes into play therapy...
2023-07-1127 min
Lessons from the PlayroomSpecial: Are Toys Necessary in Play Therapy?Original Air Date: Jan 20, 2021 As a play therapist have you ever experienced this or felt stressed thinking ... *"OMG, I don't have enough toys in the playroom" ... *" I don't have the right kind of toys"... *"I need a certain kind of toy because I work with children who have these issues"... *"I live in a part of the world that doesn't have access to toys"... *Or, "I'm a play therapist, I'm supposed to have toys" In this episode, Lisa asks the question - Are toys really n...
2023-06-2724 min
Lessons from the PlayroomSpecial: Behind the Microphone - An Interview with Lisa DionThis episode aired on Oct 5, 2020. To her thousands of listeners around the world, Lisa expresses in gratitude, "Thank you for providing me with a sense of home." It's time to turn the tables! For several years, Lisa has shared play therapy knowledge and insights, interviewed special guests and helped create discussion and new learning for clinicians all over the world. But who is this person behind the microphone? In this episode, Lisa is the one in the hot seat as she is interviewed by Katherine Eastlake, Certified Synergetic Play Therapist and Supervisor. Katherine t...
2023-06-1326 min
Lessons from the Playroom145. Rachel Altvater: Perspective: How We Come to See Ourselves, Others & the WorldIn this next Lessons from the Playroom episode, we're going in a totally different direction. Lisa Dion has a very special guest to talk about perspective - a topic we often don't talk about enough (... or in some cases, at all!) and the significance of it in our work as therapists and as beings walking through the world. Lisa's special guest is the lovely Dr. Rachel Altvater (Psy.D., RPT-S™). Rachel is an award-winning, pioneering expert, leader, researcher, international trainer, author, and supervisor in the field of play therapy. Her book, "Perspective: Contemplating the Complexities of Our Real...
2023-05-0948 min
Lessons from the Playroom144. A Discussion on Reflective and Relational Play Therapy SupervisionJoin Lisa Dion for a really important and special conversation about a topic that has never been discussed in this entire podcast series … It's about supervision. And not just any type of supervision, but reflective-relational kinds of supervision. Some of you may likely be engaged in your own supervision and some of you may be supervisors ... you're encouraged to listen to this conversation in whatever way you feel is most meaningful for you. To have this conversation, Lisa has three very important people in her life - Polly Douglass, Kim Buller, and Khris Rolfe are thr...
2023-04-2537 min
Lessons from the Playroom143. Ann Beckley-Forest: Working with Adoption & Attachment Trauma/WoundingLisa Dion's next guest has made quite the name for herself in the world of EMDR Therapy (although this is not a conversation about EMDR Therapy, if you work with the population that we're talking about today, you might want to consider some EMDR training 😉). Join Ann Beckley-Forest and Lisa in an inspiring conversation … one that is also quite near and dear to Ann's heart … that will help you conceptualize how to work with children and families when adoption, foster care, or some kind of placement experience is part of the child's life story. Ann is a Licensed...
2023-04-1847 min
Lessons from the PlayroomSpecial: Medical Trauma in Play TherapyOriginal Air Date: July 17, 2019 Medical trauma can be prevalent for many children who have undergone medical procedures or experienced chronic and acute conditions. And it can show up in the playroom in a variety of ways, including in ways that can lead the therapist to jump to conclusions. Listen in to explore how to not only help children who have experienced this type of trauma but how to minimize future trauma as well. "One of the best ways to reduce medical trauma is by making the unknown known. Children need information and lots...
2023-04-1125 min
Lessons from the PlayroomSpecial: Sueann Kenney-Noziska: Working With Childhood Sexual AbuseOriginal Air Date: December 21, 2021 This has been one of the most requested topics – Working With Childhood Sexual Abuse Lisa Dion is joined by Sueann Kenney-Noziska whose work with sexually abused children and adolescents is absolutely remarkable. In addition to maintaining a full-time private practice, she is internationally recognized as an esteemed author, guest lecturer, and professional speaker (… a phenomenal speaker!). Sueann has been educating therapists, courts, and community partners for years regarding the impact of trauma, dynamics of sexual abuse, delayed disclosure, and other matters pertaining to childhood abuse and trauma. This episode is packe...
2023-04-0440 min
Lessons from the PlayroomSpecial: Pre-Teens & Teens in Play TherapyOriginal Air Date: August 2, 2021 Join Lisa Dion as she demystifies working with pre-teens and teens and shares how to apply your play therapy skill set to this population (hint: you actually don't need to change much of what you're already doing 😉). She'll also tell you the reason that you might feel awkward, not good enough, unsure, and confused as therapists when working with this age group, as well as give strategies and techniques to support the pre-teen and teen to discover their authentic self. Podcast Resources: Synergetic Play Therapy Institute Synergetic Play Ther...
2023-03-2125 min
Lessons from the PlayroomSpecial: Lauren Porter: Yoga & Play TherapyOriginal Air Date: January 18, 2022 Lisa Dion's next special guest is a Certified SPT therapist, coach, mom and yoga instructor. Lisa has known her for years – all the way back to when Lauren worked in Cape Town, South Africa. Listen as Lauren Porter and Lisa talk about how to make Yoga a practice that can support you as a therapist and redefine and unpack yoga in a way that maybe you haven't considered… …And how getting to know yourself more and experiencing a widening of your window of tolerance for your emotional states can help your...
2023-02-2136 min
Lessons from the PlayroomSpecial: Sonya Joyce: Healing Touch in Play TherapyOriginal Air Date: January 15, 2021 Join Lisa Dion and guest Sonya Joyce as they discuss perhaps one of the most important topics in the play therapy process - touch! "Whether we like it or not, touch is a part of the play therapy experience." ... With this in mind, they explore ways to become more mindful and thoughtful about how to bring healing touch to children in the playroom, how to create a neuroception of safety around touch, how to model healthy boundaries and creative ways to bring touch into the child's experience, and the ramifications if...
2022-12-2731 min
Lessons from the Playroom134. Arielle Schwartz: Intergenerational Trauma & Play TherapyHave you ever wondered what intergenerational trauma can look like when it shows up in a play therapy session? If so, you have also likely wondered what you can do to support both the child and the parent to integrate the trauma. In this episode, Lisa Dion is joined by Dr. Arielle Schwartz (you might know her from the amazing books she's published including "The Complex PTSD Workbook" or "The Post Traumatic Growth Guidebook), to discuss this very topic. You will learn: What intergenerational trauma is and what it can look like in play t...
2022-12-0642 min
Lessons from the PlayroomSpecial: When a Child Doesn't Speak in the PlayroomOriginal Air Date: November 13, 2017 A child's refusal to speak inside the playroom can leave even the most seasoned therapist flustered. But connecting with clients involves much more than words. Silence can be golden when you know what it means and how to harness it. Join Lisa and find out how supporting a child in their healing process doesn't have to require words. "It's the child really feeling that you're with them that heals them most. Sometimes, that just doesn't require words." - Lisa Dion Podcast Resources: Freeman Attachment Cycle Synergetic Play Therapy In...
2022-11-1522 min
Lessons from the Playroom132. Play Therapy as a Spiritual Practice (Jackie Flynn interviews Lisa Dion)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 la...
2022-11-0849 min
Lessons from the PlayroomSpecial: How to Recognize Empowerment in the PlayroomOriginal Air Date: March 27, 2017 Therapists are so good at identifying and working with the problem, but are we as trained to also recognize empowerment? In this podcast, Lisa addresses why it can be challenging to recognize when a child is moving into empowerment, and she shares multiple strategies to help you identify when your child clients are overcoming their challenges. "Part of play therapy is widening the child's perspective but also widening our own" - Lisa Dion Podcast Resources: Freeman Attachment Cycle Synergetic Play Therapy Institute Synergetic Play Therapy Learning Website FREE R...
2022-11-0123 min
Lessons from the PlayroomSpecial: The Importance of Studying Different ModalitiesOriginal Air Date: October 30, 2017 Play therapy is an evolving field with new ideas around every corner. And each theory - new and old - has something to offer. Seeking knowledge improves your practice and benefits your clients (and yourself). As play therapists, it is important to embrace the idea that growth really never ends. The moment we believe we have figured it out is precisely the moment that we stop growing. "The moment we believe we have figured it out is precisely the moment we stop growing" - Lisa Dion Podcast Resources: S...
2022-10-0418 min
Lessons from the PlayroomSpecial: Mirror Mirror on the Wall: The Client is You After AllOriginal Air Date: May 31, 2018 As play therapists, we're often taught to check ourselves at the door. But, when the child's challenges reflect our own, this is difficult for even the most seasoned clinician. What happens when we embrace the mirror and tap into our humanness? You just might experience some of the most powerful sessions when you see yourself in your client's struggle. "The fear of going towards something in the playroom is a reflection of a wound in us that hasn't healed." - Lisa Dion Podcast Resources: Synergetic Play Therapy Institute: ht...
2022-09-2024 min
Lessons from the PlayroomSpecial: Nora Alwah: Social Justice in Play TherapyOriginal Air Date: June 3, 2020 "To overcome systems of oppression that want institutional racism to be invisible, we need to name it! ... And make it explicit!" - Nora Alwah What is social justice? What is oppression? What is intersectionality? Join Lisa Dion and as she invites Nora Alwah, social justice educator and therapist, to explore these questions and offer guidance to therapists on how they can support children and families in ways that create connection, attunement and empowerment. *Nora Alwah is a queer cis-woman of color, and an immigrant from Denmark and Comoros. Nora is pa...
2022-09-0628 min
Lessons from the PlayroomSpecial: Lying in Play TherapyOriginal Air Date: February 19, 2020 "Whatever the lie a child tells, it's all part of a protective pattern. And protective patterns are never right or wrong." - Lisa Dion While lying often gets a bad rap, everybody lies (yep, even you!). In fact, it has less to do with manipulation and more to do with protection of self. In other words, lying has a purpose. As therapists, it's up to us to recognize the feelings underneath the fib. Podcast Resources: Synergetic Play Therapy Institute Synergetic Play Therapy Learning Website FREE Resources to support y...
2022-08-2323 min
Lessons from the PlayroomSpecial: Janet Courtney: Infant Mental Health and Play TherapyOriginal Air Date: September 23, 2020 "It's about the therapist's ability to attune in order to facilitate a process of attunement and playful touch between caregiver and infant." - Janet Courtney Traditional play therapy targets children ages 3 and older, but what about the children who aren't yet three? How do we help these children? Join Lisa as she talks about infant mental health with special guest, Dr. Janet Courtney- founder of FirstPlay Therapy. Together they explore the biggest myth related to infants, the significance of implicit memory and most importantly, how clinicians can support healing a...
2022-08-0932 min
Lessons from the PlayroomSpecial: Getting it Wrong - Why Mistakes are Must-Dos for Great Play TherapistsOriginal Air Date: July 25, 2018 All of us have moments when we doubt ourselves. Moments when we shake our heads in frustration. Moments when we have no idea what we're doing. But challenges in the playroom are a necessity - they allow us to master new techniques and broaden our skills. Find out why getting it wrong, might just be right "Challenges and discomforts are necessities of growth." - 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...
2022-07-2623 min
Lessons from the PlayroomSpecial: David Crenshaw: Finding the Hidden Gifts Within ChildrenOriginal Air Date: September 14, 2021 Lisa Dion is joined by special guest Dr. David Crenshaw for a touching and heartfelt conversation about Finding the Hidden Gifts Within Children, especially those who have been deeply mistreated and hurt. In this episode, David reminds you that children who have been wounded so often present with many protective patterns that often hide their inner treasures, talents, strengths, and deeper qualities about themselves. And at times, these patterns are so strong in the child, that you might get easily swayed, become confused, or forget that they are protective st...
2022-07-1241 minLessons from the Playroom123. Carmen Jimenez-Pride: Internal Family Systems in the PlayroomJoin Lisa and Carmen Jimenez-Pride in a conversation about a topic that has never been talked about so far in this entire podcast series - Internal Family Systems (IFS) and how to incorporate it in the playroom. In this episode, Carmen, a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor and an Internal Family Systems therapist herself, shares how the Internal Family Systems framework offers a really cool way to hold the client's experience in the playroom, as well as our experience as therapists. Whether you are or aren't familiar with IFS, you will definitely want to have a listen! H...
2022-07-0539 min
Lessons from the PlayroomSpecial: The Most Important Toy In The PlayroomOriginal Air Date: February 14, 2017 Go back to the beginning in this very first Lessons from the Playroom podcast episode 💜✨ ....Because without learning about ourselves as the most important toy, we miss part of the magic in the playroom and we miss understanding how play therapy actually works. In this podcast, Lisa Dion will explore why not recognizing our own internal states cuts off access to a deeper level of intuitive knowledge available to us during the play and leaves us missing out on the ability to fully connect with the child. Podca...
2022-06-2822 min
Lessons from the PlayroomSpecial: Helping Children & Parents When Tragedy StrikesOriginal Air Date: May 16, 2018 "We can't promise to keep kids safe from tragedy, but we can promise to have a plan." - Lisa Dion Tragedy is an inevitability of life, no matter how much we wish it wasn't. No one is immune, including kids. But heartbreak can bring about a myriad of emotions, inside and outside of the playroom. We can't always keep kids safe, but we can reduce their fear of the unknown. Here's what you'll hear in this episode: 1:40 How do we help children who have lost their sense...
2022-06-0224 min
Lessons from the Playroom120. Bonnie Goldstein: Sensorimotor Psychotherapy with ChildrenAnother amazing guest is joining Lisa Dion for this Lessons from the Playroom episode - Dr. Bonnie Goldstein. As a faculty member at Pat Ogden's Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute, she's taken Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and applied it to children* …. Fun story - Bonnie and Lisa had a random (but not random 😉) meeting in Melbourne, Australia in 2019 at the Australian Childhood Foundation's world-renowned trauma conference. They both found themselves at the same dinner one night, and by the end, the two were cuddled up, holding hands and laughing - it was an immediate "Hi! I like you"- connection ✨ Join...
2022-05-2446 min
Lessons from the Playroom119. Felicia Carrol: A Conversation with One of the Pioneers & Experts of Gestalt Play TherapyThis next Lessons from the Playroom topic is near and dear to Lisa's heart as she is a Certified Gestalt Therapist and Gestalt is one of the root theories of Synergetic Play Therapy. And not only is the topic important to Lisa, but so is her guest. She is one of the Gestalt Play Therapy experts on the planet. Yes, we're talking about Felicia Carrol. Felicia Carrol is a LMFT, RPT-S, and founder/director of the West Coast Institute for Gestalt Therapy with Children and Adolescents - she is an international educator and the list of countries whe...
2022-05-1041 min
Lessons from the Playroom117. Paris Goodyear-Brown: How to Hold "Hard Stories" in Play TherapyLisa 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 holdin...
2022-04-1240 min
Lessons from the Playroom116. Liliana Baylon: Expand Your Cultural Lens When Working with Immigrants & RefugeesJoin Lisa Dion for a most beautiful and eye-opening (and, unfortunately, so relevant to what's happening in the world right now) conversation with someone very dear to her about understanding the experience of immigrants and refugees. Liliana Baylon is a bilingual (English-Spanish), bicultural therapist and Synergetic Play Therapist/Supervisor. And today she talks with Lisa about understanding the experience of immigrant and refugee families, and some really important things to be aware of that will widen your cultural lens and shape how you work with your clients. Liliana will share insights from her own journey, as...
2022-03-2944 min
Lessons from the Playroom115. Judy Norman: Transforming Education: Empowering Educators & StudentsDrumroll please ….. Lisa Dion and her next guest have a super exciting announcement to make (hint: if you're a teacher, educator, school counselor or work in any way with schools, you're going to love this 😍) Join Lisa and Judy Norman, Certified SPT therapist/supervisor and SPT co-teacher as they share the launch of the Synergetic Education™ Institute (https://synergeticeducation.com/). 🎉🙌 ...It's been years in the making as they've both seen the profound impact of bringing Synergetic Play Therapy® tenets into schools to support educators, school-based mental health professionals, and educational leaders. In fact, it's been such a...
2022-03-1434 min
Lessons from the Playroom111. Lauren Porter: Yoga and Play TherapyLisa Dion's next special guest is a Certified SPT therapist, coach, mom and Yoga instructor. She's known her for years - all the way back to when Lauren worked in Cape Town, South Africa. Listen as Lauren Porter and Lisa talk about how to make Yoga a practice that can support you as a therapist and redefine and unpack yoga in a way that maybe you haven't considered… ...And how getting to know yourself more and experiencing a widening of your window of tolerance for your emotional states can help your practice as a therapist tenf...
2022-01-1836 min
Lessons from the Playroom110. Translating the Play to ParentsHappy New Year! To kick off January 2022's first podcast, Lisa Dion is jumping into another most requested topic - Translating the Play to Parents/Caregivers. In this episode you'll find out why this can be such a challenge for play therapists, but oh-so important! Learn 4 tips for how to translate the child's play to parents/ caregivers including how to: Set the stage early on in the process for parents about what they can expect and to honor/protect the confidentiality of what's going on in the room with the child client. Develop or enhance parent...
2022-01-0423 min
Lessons from the Playroom109. Sueann Kenney-Noziska: Working With Childhood Sexual AbuseWe're ending the year with our most requested topic - Working With Childhood Sexual Abuse In this episode, Lisa Dion is joined by Sueann Kenney-Noziska whose work with sexually abused children and adolescents is absolutely remarkable. In addition to maintaining a full-time private practice, she is internationally recognized as an esteemed author, guest lecturer, and professional speaker (... a phenomenal speaker!). Sueann has been educating therapists, courts, and community partners for years regarding the impact of trauma, dynamics of sexual abuse, delayed disclosure, and other matters pertaining to childhood abuse and trauma. This episode is packed wi...
2021-12-2140 min
Lessons from the Playroom107. Why It's So Hard to Let Go/SurrenderWhy is it so hard to let go and surrender to the reality of WHAT IS, in your life?... Join Lisa Dion as she takes you on a reflective journey to answer this very important question (... because we know it's not easy and, let's just be honest, can be downright painful!). In this Lessons from the Playroom episode, learn: Why it's so hard to let go and surrender to what is happening in your life How to not lose yourself when you're letting go or surrendering How to become aware and work through the shoulds/unmet e...
2021-11-2324 min
Lessons from the Playroom106. Ana Gomez: EMDR Therapy & KidsThis next guest, from a young age, wanted to be both a philosopher and a pilot … while life took her down a different path, she has since translated the "mysteries" of EMDR Therapy when working with children for thousands of therapists worldwide ... and taken many of her clients on a journey to places within themselves, giving them wings to soar! 💖 Ana Gomez is the founder of the AGATE Institute and has focused her career on working with complex and developmental trauma, healing generational wounds, and understanding dissociative patterns. Join Ana Gomez and Lisa Dion in a disc...
2021-11-0945 min
Lessons from the Playroom103. Supporting Parents in Becoming External RegulatorsA fundamental question of your practice as a play therapist, might be - "How do I support parents/caregivers in becoming the external regulator for their child?" With this mantra in mind to "treat the parent/caregiver how you would love the parent/caregiver to treat the child," Lisa Dion tackles this very topic of how to support parents/caregivers in becoming their child's external regulator. In this Lessons from the Playroom episode, you'll learn: How to support parents/caregivers when they themselves do not already have a template for regulation, or they don't k...
2021-09-2819 min
Lessons from the Playroom87. Are Toys Necessary in Play Therapy?"With the understanding that a toy can be anything at all, we transcend cultural barriers and socioeconomic status to focus on the relationship and use whatever is in the environment. We also honor that the greatest toy in the playroom is really you, the therapist!" -Lisa Dion ARE TOYS NECESSARY IN PLAY THERAPY ... In this latest Lessons from the Playroom, we ask the question, are toys really necessary in play therapy? .... Join Lisa in this podcast episode dedicated to therapists around the world who may have limited access to toys. In this episode of Lessons...
2021-01-2824 min
Lessons from the Playroom85. Understanding Left-Brain / Right-Brain Decision Making "The dysregulation in our body is information about the congruency of our decisions." - Lisa Dion As you enter into 2021, explore how to manifest decisions that are congruent and in alignment with your authentic self. Join Lisa in this unique Lessons from the Playroom podcast that's not just about play therapy ... She'll help you explore how to plan, reflect and make decisions that integrate the left- and right-brain, how to know if you are making a congruent decision, and why there's no such thing as a "bad" decision. Podcast Resources: Synergetic Play Therapy Institute Synergetic Play Therapy Learning Webs...
2021-01-0525 min
Lessons from the Playroom80. An Interview with Lisa - Behind the MicrophoneTo her thousands of listeners around the world, Lisa expresses in gratitude, "Thank you for providing me with a sense of home." ~ It's time to turn the tables! For 80 episodes, Lisa has shared play therapy knowledge and insights, interviewed special guests and helped create discussion and new learning for clinicians all over the world. But who is this person behind the microphone? In this episode, Lisa is the one in the hot seat as she is interviewed by Katherine Eastlake, Certified Synergetic Play Therapist. Katherine takes Lisa all the way back to her very first...
2020-10-0526 min
Lessons from the Playroom78. Conflict In and Out of the Playroom "The more we try to avoid conflict, the more it shows up in our life." - Lisa Dion Why is conflict so hard to deal with when it arises and something we want to avoid? Listen as Lisa shares what to do when conflict shows up, why it's actually a necessary part of growth, and how to cultivate a relationship within ourselves when it comes up in relationships both in and out of the playroom. Podcast Resources: Synergetic Play Therapy Institute Synergetic Play Therapy Learning Website FREE Resources to support you on your play ther...
2020-09-0825 min
Lessons from the Playroom61. Kelly Miller: Nutrition in the Playroom"Diet is just another partner in crime contributing to the symptoms that show up in the playroom." - Lisa Dion The connection between gut and brain is becoming more widely studied and gaining in increased importance. For children who struggle, this brings up the possibility that what they're eating is feeding underlying dysfunction. Diet might not be the sole answer, but it could play a vital role in finding a solution. Join Lisa Dion, LPC, RPT-S, and Kelly Miller, LCSW, RPT-S, as they explore this intriguing topic. Podcast Resources: Synergetic Play Therapy I...
2019-12-1034 min
Lessons from the Playroom57. Little Lessons in Play Therapy"Broken toys may be a metaphor for how children see themselves." - Lisa Dion Little kids come with little issues, issues that might grow big if we are unsure how to handle them. In this podcast, Lisa discusses the commonly asked "little questions." Tune in as she explores what to do with broken toys, having food in the playroom, lying in the playroom, and what to do when a child tries to take a toy home. * Please note that we no longer offer the course "Growing Up In Play Therapy." This content is now part...
2019-09-1921 min
Lessons from the Playroom47. Double Duty: Working With Twins in Play Therapy"Twins are master co-regulators but also susceptible to losing themselves. The key is to help them find the 'I' in 'we.'" - Lisa Dion Twins may be nature's 2-for-1 deal, but being a twin (or having twins) comes with unique challenges not always experienced by singletons. From separation anxiety to individuality, join Lisa Dion (who is a fraternal twin) and Susan Stutzman (a mother of identical twins) as they discuss these marvelous multiples. Podcast Resources: Synergetic Play Therapy Institute Synergetic Play Therapy Learning Website FREE Resources to support you on your play therapy j...
2019-04-1733 min
Lessons from the Playroom42. Natascha Lawrence: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders in the Playroom"If the things that are not challenging for them are promoted and highlighted, that gets to be their story, not the disability." - Lisa Dion Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is often misunderstood, with diagnoses that vary by country. In this podcast, Lisa is joined by special guest Natascha Lawrence as they work to break down the confusion surrounding FASD while exploring the ways to most effectively support these amazing and misunderstood children. Podcast Resources: Synergetic Play Therapy Institute Synergetic Play Therapy Learning Website FREE Resources to support you on your play therapy journey Aggression in...
2019-02-0722 min
Lessons from the Playroom12. When a Child Says They're Done in the Session"In play therapy, children need to know that they're in charge" - Lisa Dion A child wanting to end a session early can rattle even the most seasoned therapist. So how do you handle the situation? In this podcast, Lisa Dion discusses how to recognize flooding, return a child to their window of tolerance, and why ending a session doesn't need to end the relationship. 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 In...
2017-08-1324 min
Lessons from the Playroom4. What Our Playroom Says About Us"Our playrooms should be rooms that allow children to explore a range of emotion." - Lisa Dion Did you know that your playroom is a reflection of you? What you put in it and how you set it up is information to the child about where you are willing to go emotionally and what is happening in your own nervous system! Join Lisa as she discusses what your playroom says about you and explores some of the most essential toys to have in it and ideas about how to set it up. Podcast Resources: S...
2017-04-1024 min
Lessons from the Playroom3. How to Recognize Empowerment in the Playroom"Part of play therapy is widening the child's perspective but also widening our own" - Lisa Dion Therapists are so good at identifying and working with the problem, but are we as trained to also recognize empowerment? In this podcast, Lisa addresses why it can be challenging to recognize when a child is moving into empowerment, and she shares multiple strategies to help you identify when your child clients are overcoming their challenges. Podcast Resources: Synergetic Play Therapy Institute Synergetic Play Therapy Learning Website FREE Resources to support you on your play therapy journey Ag...
2017-03-2723 min