173. Back to Our Roots: A Deep Dive into Experiential Play Therapy with Nilüfer Devecigil

Lessons from the Playroom

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

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