"So much of play therapy is about clearing away the conditions that limit children from discovering who they are." - Georgie Wissen Vincent

In this episode, Lisa is joined by Georgie Wissen Vincent. She is a play therapist, co-founder of the Play Strong Institute, and co-author of The Way of Play: Using Little Moments of Big Connection to Raise Calm and Confident Kids with Dr. Tina Payne Bryson, renowned psychotherapist, speaker, and author specializing in parenting and child development (...you likely know her from her co-parenting books with Dr. Dan Siegel). Together, they dive into the magic of play—not only as a therapeutic tool but as a way to strengthen relationships and foster meaningful connections.

Together, Lisa and Georgie explore:

• Why play is more than just an activity—it’s a language.
• The importance of involving parents in the therapeutic process and how to make it meaningful.
• A sneak peek into The Way of Play’s “Play Strong Strategies” that blend neuroscience with practical tools for connection.
• How this book fills a gap in resources for parents and therapists alike, offering an approachable way to communicate the magic of play.
• Georgie’s reflections on customizing play therapy to meet the unique needs of every child and family.
• Tips for therapists to reconnect with their own playfulness.

Grab a notebook, and tune in for a conversation that will leave you feeling inspired and ready to bring new energy into your play therapy practice!

Podcast Resources:

• The Way of Play Book: www.playstronginstitute.com
• Synergetic Play Therapy Institute: https://synergeticplaytherapy.com/
• Synergetic Play Therapy Learning Website: https://learn.synergeticplaytherapy.com/
• FREE Resources to support you on your play therapy journey: https://synergeticplaytherapy.com/free-resources/
• Aggression in Play Therapy: https://synergeticplaytherapy.com/books/

Original Air Date: June 19, 2017

In this insightful podcast, delve into the transformative power of gratitude with guidance from Lisa Dion. While it's effortless to appreciate the positives in our lives, what about the challenges? Discover how cultivating gratitude can expand your window of tolerance and foster a compassionate heart.

Explore the profound notion that clients enter our playrooms with purpose, serving as valuable teachers on our journey. Join us as we uncover the wisdom and blessings hidden within life's trials, embracing gratitude as a pathway to growth and understanding.

Podcast Resources:

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

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

"Working with families isn’t about fixing individuals; it’s about finding the rhythm where everyone can grow together." – Dr. Stacy Jagger

In this episode, Lisa welcomes back the inspiring Dr. Stacy Jagger, affectionately known as “Dr. Sassy,” to dive into a topic that has shockingly never been fully explored in the series: working with the entire family system in play therapy. With her groundbreaking Mountain Method and a reputation for blending bold truth-telling with heartfelt humor, Dr. Stacy shares her unique approach to supporting families as a unit, rather than focusing solely on the child as the client.

Together, Lisa and Dr. Stacy discuss:

• Reframing the family as the client: Why working with the entire system transforms outcomes.
• A step-by-step roadmap: The Mountain Method’s stages and how to engage every family member in the healing journey.
• The role of creativity and intuition: How therapists can embrace their inner artist to navigate family dynamics.
• Addressing resistance: Strategies for working with families who are hesitant to engage in the process.
• Healing through play: The profound impact of helping parents reconnect with their own inner child to better connect with their children.

With her refreshing honesty and deep compassion, Dr. Stacy inspires therapists to think beyond traditional methods and reimagine what’s possible when the whole family becomes part of the healing process.

Join Lisa and Dr. Stacy for a conversation that’s as insightful as it is empowering, and discover practical tools and encouragement to bring more creativity, authenticity, and connection to your work with families.

Tune in to uncover how you, too, can support families in climbing their own mountains of transformation. 🌟

Podcast Resources:

• Dr. Stacy Jagger’s work: www.drsassy.com
• The Mountain Method: www.themountainmethod.com
• Synergetic Play Therapy Institute: https://synergeticplaytherapy.com/
• Synergetic Play Therapy Learning Website: https://learn.synergeticplaytherapy.com/
• FREE Resources to support you on your play therapy journey: https://synergeticplaytherapy.com/free-resources/
• Aggression in Play Therapy: https://synergeticplaytherapy.com/books/

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

Original air date: September 27, 2022

Do you know what bibliotherapy is or how to incorporate it into your client sessions? We're resharing this episode in which Lisa Dion is joined by Althea T. Simpson, the founder of Brighter Day Therapeutic Solutions and Unicorn Life Training. Althea is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, Certified LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Facilitator, and host of the podcast Chronicles of a Play Therapist. Her innovative approaches have been a tremendous inspiration in the play therapy field.

Discover the therapeutic potential of books and learn creative ways to use bibliotherapy with your clients, including:

• How bibliotherapy helps children navigate psychological, emotional, and social challenges.
• Choosing books relevant to a client's personal situation and developmental needs.
• Utilizing bibliotherapy in Teletherapy sessions.
• Engaging children in reflective activities such as art-based expressions, LEGO, sand tray, journal writing, and group discussions.

Althea also shares some of her favorite books for the playroom, including her top must-have book, and introduces her recently published book, "Hurt to Healing: Child Witnesses of Domestic Violence and Their Invisible Injuries," which intertwines her professional and personal experiences.

Join us for an inspiring conversation that highlights the creative and healing power of bibliotherapy in play therapy sessions.

Podcast Resources:

• Synergetic Play Therapy Institute: https://synergeticplaytherapy.com/
• Synergetic Play Therapy Learning Website: https://learn.synergeticplaytherapy.com/
• FREE Resources to support you on your play therapy journey: https://synergeticplaytherapy.com/free-resources/
• Aggression in Play Therapy: https://synergeticplaytherapy.com/books/

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

We’re diving into another special Q&A episode of Lessons from the Playroom! Lisa is answering three thought-provoking questions from our listeners, offering insights into some of the tricky moments that arise in the playroom.

Tune in as Lisa explores messes, transitions, and those unexpected trips to the bathroom, unpacking what they might signify for the therapeutic process and how to respond with intention.

This week’s questions include:

Jasmine asks: "What do you do when a child makes huge messes [in the playroom]?"

Lisa explores the art of setting boundaries while respecting the therapeutic needs behind the mess.

Amy asks: "How do you help a child transition when they don’t want to leave the session?"

Lisa shares insights into the emotional significance of endings and how to make transitions smoother and more meaningful.

Heather asks: "What do I do when a child keeps leaving the session to go to the bathroom?"

You're invited to get curious about what is happening beneath the surface and what this behavior might reveal about the child’s inner process.

This episode is packed with rich insights and practical takeaways to help you navigate some of the trickiest moments in therapy.

We love hearing from you! Have a question or scenario you’d like Lisa to discuss? Send your questions to info@synergeticplaytherapy.com or submit an audio clip. Your stories inspire meaningful growth and learning for all of us.

Podcast Resources:

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

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

Original air date: February 13, 2023

In this special episode, Lisa welcomes Dr. Robert Jason Grant, creator of AutPlay Therapy, to explore his integrative approach to family play therapy designed specifically for neurodivergent children and their families. Dr. Grant, a Licensed Professional Counselor, Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, and dedicated Neurodiversity Advocate, shares his extensive experience in sensory differences, Autism, ADHD, group play therapy, and more.

Join the conversation as Robert offers insights on creating a play therapy environment that respects play preferences, honoring each child’s unique presentation and making therapy a safe space for neurodivergent and neurotypical clients alike.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• The inspiration behind AutPlay® Therapy and ways to incorporate it for children with sensory needs;
• A deeper understanding of neurodivergence and the connection between neurodivergent and neurotypical clients;
• Practical applications of the Neurodiversity Paradigm in therapeutic settings;
• Techniques to help children feel seen, valued, and respected at a profound level;
• And ways to integrate neurodiversity-affirming practices into your therapeutic approach.

This conversation is rich with insights and compassion, offering valuable tools for therapists seeking to support neurodivergent children and their families on their mental health journey.

Podcast Resources:

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

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

Original Air Date: June 12, 2021

In this episode, Lisa dives into the sensitive topic of death and dying as it appears in the playroom, offering guidance and practical insights for therapists. She addresses common questions, such as:

• What role does death & dying play have for children in the therapeutic space?
• How can we remain grounded and present when a child explores these themes?
• How do we embrace vulnerability and stay connected to ourselves, even in discomfort, to support the child’s integration?

Lisa provides strategies to help therapists approach these experiences with compassion, presence, and openness.

Podcast Resources:

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

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

In this heartfelt episode, Lisa Dion, founder of Synergetic Play Therapy, steps into the spotlight as she's interviewed by long-time colleague and Certified SPT Supervisor, Polly Douglass. Together, they explore Lisa’s deeply personal experience of transitioning into the “empty nester” phase of life when her daughter left for college.

This episode isn’t just for parents—whether you're facing a significant life change, are a therapist supporting others through transitions, or are simply curious about navigating life’s changes, this conversation offers deep insights on how to move through them with intention and grace.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• How the principles of Synergetic Play Therapy support navigating major life transitions
• Lisa’s personal reflections on the "empty nester" experience and conscious endings
• Navigating parallel processes during life transitions with others
• The importance of finding new routines during times of change
• The emotional waves that come with transitions and how to stay connected to yourself

Join Lisa and Polly for an intimate, thoughtful conversation that will resonate with anyone moving through the unknowns of change—whether you’re an empty nester or simply navigating life’s evolving journey.

Podcast Resources:

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

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