Podcast
Lessons from the Playroom
Hosted by Lisa Dion · EN
The Synergetic Play Therapy Institute's "Lessons From the Playroom" Podcasts are a series of recorded podcasts designed to help therapists understand the little lessons that kids teach us that make a big difference in the play therapy process.
Our podcast host, Lisa Dion, LPC, RPT-S, is an innovative and inspiring teacher and pioneer in play therapy. She founder and President of the Synergetic Play Therapy Institute and the creator of Synergetic Play Therapy, a cutting-edge model of play therapy that bridges the gap between neuroscience and psychology. Lisa teaches and supervises all over the world, helping transform the lives of thousands of therapists and children. With these podcasts, she'll teach you practical ways to transform both you and the child clients you work with. These inspiring educational lessons are sure to leave you feeling more confident and excited for your next session!
42episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Navigating ADHD Through Play Therapy – A Dual Perspective with Tony Vallance (Best of)
Today00:53:38Tap to summarizeOriginally aired March 25, 2025 "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 experiences of the children we work with but also by reflecting on how therapists who identify as neurodivergent or have ADHD/ADD engage with their clients. How do we navigate the "mirrors" or parts of ourselves we see reflected in the children we serve? Together, Lisa and Tony dive into: What Play Therapists Need to Know About ADHD: Tony explains the core characteristics of ADHD and how play therapy can help children manage the unique challenges of ADHD. Creating ADHD-Friendly Play Spaces: Practical tips on designing sensory-friendly, ADHD-conscious therapeutic environments that foster emotional regulation and focus. The ADHD Brain and Its Impact on Behavior: Insights into how ADHD affects cognitive functioning and behavior, and how play therapy helps children build strategies for resilience. Supporting Caregivers and Challenging Stigma: The importance of empowering parents and caregivers, and how to combat the societal stigma placed on children with ADHD. Integrating ADHD Strategies into Play Therapy: Practical strategies for play therapists to create more inclusive and effective therapy sessions. This episode will help therapists reflect on their own experiences, both as professionals and as individuals who may share similar neurodivergent traits with their clients. Tony's wealth of knowledge and lived-experiences provide valuable guidance for clinicians and caregivers alike. Tune in to explore the many perspectives on ADHD in play therapy and learn how to adjust your approach to make your practice more inclusive and supportive of neurodivergent children. 🌟 Podcast Resources: Find Tony at www.buildingbetterbrains.com.au Learn more about Hannah's work at https://beyondthelookingglass.org 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.
Transcribe →
The Power of Poetry in Play Therapy: A Conversation with Hannah Young (Best of)
1w ago00:38:40Tap to summarizeOriginally aired March 11, 2025 "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." – Hannah Young In this episode, Lisa sits down with Hannah Young, an accredited play therapist, clinical supervisor, and child-parent relationship practitioner, for a deeply moving conversation about the role of poetry in play therapy. Hannah shares how poetry can serve as a bridge between a child's inner world and therapeutic processing—offering a powerful way to witness, contain, and reflect their experiences. With her unique blend of clinical expertise and personal storytelling, Hannah invites us to reimagine the role of language in the playroom—not just as a form of communication, but as a gift of presence, attunement, and deep connection. Together, Lisa and Hannah explore: ✨ Poetry as a therapeutic tool – How writing and reflecting through poetry can deepen attunement and support self-regulation for both therapists and children. ✨ Capturing the unsaid – Using poetry to put words to children's experiences, especially in moments of struggle, transition, or emotional overwhelm. ✨ Bringing case notes to life – How therapists can transform their clinical reflections into mindful, compassionate narratives. ✨ Offering poetry back to the child – Ethical considerations, creative approaches, and the profound impact of witnessing a child's experience through poetry. ✨ The rhythm of healing – Understanding how poetry mirrors the tempo and flow of the therapeutic relationship. And this episode takes an unexpected turn as Lisa is brought to tears for the first time on the podcast, moved by the depth and beauty of Hannah's words. In a moment of profound resonance, Lisa experiences firsthand the power of poetry to touch the heart, validate emotions, and create space for healing. Join Lisa and Hannah for this heartfelt and illuminating episode, and discover how to integrate poetry into your practice in a way that is accessible, meaningful, and transformative. ✨🔗 Podcast Resources: Learn more about Hannah's work at https://beyondthelookingglass.org 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.
Transcribe →
Cultural Awareness in Play Therapy | A Conversation with Dr. Carmen Cubillo (Best of)
2w ago00:47:40Tap to summarizeOriginally aired February 25, 2025 "We all walk around in our little cultural bubble, and sometimes, without realizing it, that bubble shapes how we show up in the playroom." – Dr. Carmen Cubillo In this thought-provoking episode, Lisa sits down with Dr. Carmen Cubillo, a clinical psychologist, Registered Play Therapist, and cultural advocate based in Australia, for an essential conversation about culture—our own, our clients', and how both shape the therapeutic relationship. Together, Lisa and Carmen dive into: ✨ The therapist's cultural lens: How our personal cultural background influences the way we show up in the playroom and why it's crucial to reflect on it. ✨ Layers of cultural curiosity: Beyond heritage, how systemic and societal influences shape our clients' experiences and why we must stay open and adaptable. ✨ Cultural safety in therapy: What it means to be a culturally safe therapist and how unconscious biases can create barriers to connection. ✨ The importance of rupture and repair: Why acknowledging cultural missteps—rather than avoiding them—deepens trust and strengthens relationships. ✨ Connecting to the land: How understanding the cultural history of where you live can ground your practice and help you become more attuned to the experiences of the children and families you work with. This episode is an invitation to lean into cultural awareness, embrace the discomfort of learning, and grow into more attuned and connected therapists. With Carmen's wisdom, vulnerability, and deep experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, this conversation will challenge, inspire, and expand your perspective. 💡 Join Lisa and Carmen for this transformative discussion and take your cultural curiosity to the next level. 🔗 Resources Mentioned: Learn more about Dr. Carmen Kubio and her work in culturally responsive play therapy. 🎧 Tune in, reflect, and lean on in. 💜 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.
Transcribe →
Attachment to Self: The Cornerstone of Healing with Mili Shoemaker (Best of)
3w ago00:49:55Tap to summarizeOriginal air date: Feb 11, 2025 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 self within themselves and their clients. Personal stories and reflections on the profound impact of this concept in therapy and beyond. Lisa also shares actionable insights, including a reflective exercise to observe and strengthen your connection to self throughout your week. Whether you're a therapist, a parent, or someone curious about deepening your self-awareness, this episode is packed with transformative insights. Grab a notebook, and tune in to learn why attachment to self is not only the cornerstone of healing but also the foundation for developing secure relationships with others. Resources mentioned: 👉 The Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy Course – https://learn.synergeticplaytherapy.com/spt-signature-programs/ 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.
Transcribe →
Unveiling Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) Through a Play Therapy Lens (Best of)
4w ago00:47:35Tap to summarizeOriginal air date: Jan 28, 2025 In this episode, Lisa reconnects with Natascha Lawrence, a Synergetic Play Therapy Supervisor, EMDR Practitioner, and founder of the FASD Institute, for an essential conversation about supporting children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) through play therapy. This is Part 2 of their dialogue, revisiting a topic that rarely gets the attention it deserves in the field of play therapy. Together, Lisa and Natascha dive into: What play therapists need to know about FASD: A holistic understanding of FASD as a whole-body diagnosis and its implications for therapeutic practice. Creating neurodivergent-friendly play spaces: Practical steps to make playrooms sensory-safe and accessible for children with FASD and other neurodiverse conditions. The FASD iceberg analogy: Understanding the layers beneath the surface and how they influence behavior, communication, and regulation. Challenging the stigma: Reframing the narrative for children with FASD and their families, starting with compassion and respect. Supporting caregivers: Why empowering parents and destigmatizing FASD is vital for meaningful therapeutic outcomes. With Natascha's blend of professional expertise and personal insights as a parent of a child with FASD, this conversation provides invaluable tools and perspectives for therapists and caregivers alike. Join Lisa and Natascha for this heartfelt and eye-opening episode, and discover how to make your play therapy practice more inclusive, effective, and empowering for children with FASD. 🌟 Podcast Resources: Learn more about Natascha's work and the FASD Institute: www.fasdinstitute.com 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.
Transcribe →The Way of Play: A New Approach to Connection in Play Therapy with Georgie Wissen Vincent (Best of)
Jun 3000:44:07Tap to summarizeOriginal air date: Dec 31, 2024 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/
Transcribe →
Little Lessons Series: Messes, Transitions, and Bathroom Breaks - Listener Q&A with Lisa (Best of)
Jun 2300:22:57Tap to summarizeOriginal air date: Dec 03, 2024 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.
Transcribe →
Climbing the Mountain: A Holistic Approach to Family Play Therapy with Stacy Jagger (Best of)
Jun 1600:44:44Tap to summarizeOriginal air date: Dec 17, 2024 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.
Transcribe →
Navigating Life's Transitions: An Empty Nester's Journey with Lisa (Best of)
Jun 900:43:59Tap to summarizeOriginal air date: Nov 11, 2024 In this heartfelt episode, Lisa 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.
Transcribe →
Little Lessons Series: Navigating the Teenage Terrain - Q&A with Lisa (Best of)
Jun 200:25:41Tap to summarizeOriginal air date: Oct 01, 2024 Lisa 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 few. Sorina wonders: "How do you handle it when tweens repeatedly ask when the session can be done or if they can be done with therapy (parent wants them in therapy)?" Lisa explores how to respond to these moments and how to create a space that aligns with a teen's unique needs and interests, even when those interests clash with their parents'. Mary asks: "What do you say when a 17-year-old autistic teen is showing you their video game. You don't understand something and you ask them a question. Their response is, 'That is the dumbest question anyone could ever ask'?" Lisa shares how to handle these tricky situations and turn them into opportunities for deeper understanding and connection, using key concepts from Synergetic Play Therapy. Join us for a rich discussion filled with insights, strategies, and reminders on how to connect with and support teens in a meaningful way. *We appreciate your questions and encourage you to keep them coming! If you have a question or a scenario you'd like Lisa to discuss, email us at info@synergeticplaytherapy.com, or better yet, send an audio clip of your question. Your questions help us all grow and learn together in this beautiful journey of play 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.
Transcribe →