Original Air Date: May 11, 2021

Separation anxiety is a common challenge in the therapy room—whether it’s the child hesitant to leave their caregiver or the parent struggling to step away. In this episode, Lisa unpacks the nuances of separation anxiety and provides actionable tools for therapists to navigate this tender dynamic.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• What separation anxiety is, its potential causes, and how to differentiate between normal developmental behavior and when additional support is needed;
• Creative and playful rituals that foster co-regulation between the child and parent/caregiver;
• Strategies to help children cultivate an internal sense of safety;
• Effective interventions for managing separation anxiety in the playroom, including how to support children in expanding their window of tolerance for transitions and separations.

🎧 Tune in for practical insights, playful tools, and a deeper understanding of how to support children and their families through the challenges of separation anxiety in therapy.

Podcast Resources:

• Synergetic Play Therapy Institute
• Synergetic Play Therapy Learning Website
• FREE Resources to support you on your play therapy journey
• Aggression in Play Therapy: A Neurobiological Approach to Integrating Intensity

* If you enjoy this podcast, please give us a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcast, subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and invite your friends/fellow colleagues to join us.

"Your fear will always be the ceiling of your innovation." – Lisa Dion

In this special post New Year’s episode, Lisa is joined by Jen Taylor, therapist, educator, and mastermind behind Jen Taylor Productions. Together, they kick off the first month of 2025 with an inspiring conversation about goal-setting, vision, and how therapists can master the business side of their practice to create greater impact.

Lisa and Jen dive into:

• The psychology of setting congruent goals that align with your values and what inspires you the most.
• Why “fantasy goals” often fail and how to replace them with actionable, meaningful ones.
• The critical difference between resolutions and sustainable visions for growth.
• How to manage fear and navigate challenges as a therapist and entrepreneur.
• A behind-the-scenes look at Lisa’s Business of Therapy course, which blends strategic planning with emotional and psychological insights to help therapists succeed.

This episode will leave you inspired and ready to tackle this coming year with a clear vision and renewed energy. Whether you’re looking to build your private practice, expand your offerings, or simply align your goals with what inspires you, this conversation offers practical tools and heartfelt wisdom.

Resources Mentioned:

The Business of Therapy Course: https://learn.synergeticplaytherapy.com/business-of-therapy/

Podcast Resources:

• Synergetic Play Therapy Institute
• Synergetic Play Therapy Learning Website
• FREE Resources to support you on your play therapy journey
• Aggression in Play Therapy: A Neurobiological Approach to Integrating Intensity

* If you enjoy this podcast, please give us a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcast, subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and invite your friends/fellow colleagues to join us.

Original Air Date: June 21, 2022

In this heartfelt episode, Lisa, dives into the tender and often challenging topic of the “shoulds” and “should nots” that we carry as clinicians. These inner judgments—those persistent whispers of self-criticism—show up in the playroom, in our work with parents and caregivers, and even in our personal lives.

Joined by two Certified Synergetic Play Therapists, Helen Ritchie and Kristina Dixon, Lisa leads a deeply personal and empowering conversation to help therapists explore and transform these inner dialogues.

Here’s what you’ll discover:

• Why “shoulds” and unmet expectations trigger a threat response in the brain;
• Common “shoulds” clinicians face (… and an invitation to reflect on your own);
• How to navigate the “shoulds” and “should nots” in therapy sessions, with parents/caregivers, and in your personal life;
• Practical insights for newer therapists grappling with self-doubt and the “Am I ok?” question;
• Personal stories, including Lisa’s own experiences with these challenges, showing how even seasoned therapists aren’t immune to the “shoulds.”

🎧 Tune in to reconnect with a deeper trust in yourself as a play therapist and celebrate the incredible work you do every day. Big hugs and much love on this journey! 💕

Podcast Resources:

• Synergetic Play Therapy Institute
• Synergetic Play Therapy Learning Website
• FREE Resources to support you on your play therapy journey
• Aggression in Play Therapy: A Neurobiological Approach to Integrating Intensity

* If you enjoy this podcast, please give us a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcast, subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and invite your friends/fellow colleagues to join us.