Lessons from the Playroom

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

Original air date: January 24, 2019 Child's play is serious business, and games like Peek-a-Boo and Hide-and-Seek are no exception. In this episode, Lisa Dion explores how these seemingly simple games serve as powerful platforms for children to process their emotions. Inspired by her insight, "Games are platforms to help kids process their emotions. Sometimes peek-a-boo and hide-and-go-seek are just about wanting to be seen," we dive deep into the emotional underpinnings of these play activities. Lisa discusses: The emotional significance of Peek-a-Boo and Hide-and-Seek in a child's development. How these games reveal a child's desire to be seen and found. Practical applications for integrating these games into play therapy to support emotional processing. Join us as we uncover the deeper meanings behind these common childhood games and learn how to use them effectively in therapeutic settings to help children express and navigate their emotions. Podcast Resources:  Synergetic Play Therapy Institute Synergetic Play Therapy Learning Website FREE Resources to support you on your play therapy journey  Aggression in Play Therapy: A Neurobiological Approach to Integrating Intensity * If you enjoy this podcast, please give us a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcast, subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and invite your friends/fellow colleagues to join us.

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

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

We're shaking things up and doing something we haven’t done in a while. In this episode, Lisa is responding directly to your questions! And today, we have three fantastic questions from our listeners that Lisa will be answering. Jennifer asks: "What do you do if a child wants to bring food or their own toys into the session?"  Lisa gives insights and shares different ways to respond. She delves into the therapeutic function of foods and emphasizes the importance of including the child's toys in sessions, in line with Synergetic Play Therapy’s philosophy. Sarah asks: "What do you do when a child lies or exaggerates their stories?" Lisa helps us understand why it’s not about the specific details of the story and highlights what’s more important when working with a child who lies or exaggerates. Jennifer asks: "How do you handle it if a child wants to show their caregiver something they created in the playroom?" Lisa discusses the larger question we need to consider first and then offers various ways to respond to different ways that this can play out. We have three amazing questions that came from YOU! Keep your questions coming and join us for an engaging and insightful episode that deepens your understanding of the little lessons children teach us in the playroom. If you would like to be part of the conversation (...because yes, we’re going to keep doing these episodes), send your questions to Lisa at info@synergeticplaytherapy.com. Or even better, send us an audio of your question to share. 🙂 Podcast Resources:  Synergetic Play Therapy Institute Synergetic Play Therapy Learning Website FREE Resources to support you on your play therapy journey  Aggression in Play Therapy: A Neurobiological Approach to Integrating Intensity * If you enjoy this podcast, please give us a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcast, subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and invite your friends/fellow colleagues to join us.

Original air date: November 10, 2019 In this episode, we explore the vital role of play therapists in addressing Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) in the playroom, inspired by Lisa Dion's words: "It's not that children with SPD don't want to regulate; it's that they can't." SPD can present various challenges in the play therapy setting, often making it difficult for children to self-regulate. We will discuss how play therapists can recognize the signs of SPD, adapt their techniques to meet the needs of these children and implement effective strategies to help them develop self-regulation skills. Join us as we provide insights and practical advice for therapists dedicated to supporting children with SPD. Podcast Resources:  Synergetic Play Therapy Institute Synergetic Play Therapy Learning Website FREE Resources to support you on your play therapy journey  Aggression in Play Therapy: A Neurobiological Approach to Integrating Intensity * If you enjoy this podcast, please give us a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcast, subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and invite your friends/fellow colleagues to join us.

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

Whether we consciously remember our early years or not, the body holds onto those experiences in profound ways. In this episode, Lisa Dion delves into the intricacies of early memory, exploring how understanding different types of memory can shed light on the experiences of children under the age of two or three. Join Lisa as she discusses: The science behind early memory and its various forms. Why even if the mind doesn't remember, the body does. How this understanding impacts play therapy and supports healing. Practical approaches to recognizing and working with early memories in therapeutic settings. This episode is essential for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of early childhood development and the lasting impact of early experiences. Tune in to learn how the body holds onto memories and how this knowledge can enhance your therapeutic practice. Podcast Resources:  Synergetic Play Therapy Institute Synergetic Play Therapy Learning Website FREE Resources to support you on your play therapy journey  Aggression in Play Therapy: A Neurobiological Approach to Integrating Intensity * If you enjoy this podcast, please give us a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcast, subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and invite your friends/fellow colleagues to join us.

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

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