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 the ...
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This podcast was created to help parents around the world with the “biggies” of family life. Play Therapy Community will present a fresh, insightful episode once a week, usually on Thursday mornings. On this podcast, we will cover topics such as picky eaters, struggles in school, behavioral issues, grief and loss, and so much more. We’ll also delve into specific diagnosis such as ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Specific Learning Disabilities, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, etc. Difficult top ...
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Special: Exploring Intergenerational Trauma in Play Therapy with Dr. Arielle Schwartz
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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 Gu…
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174. Little Lessons Series: Listener Q&A with Lisa
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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 an…
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Special: Sensory Processing Disorder in Play Therapy: Guiding Children Towards Regulation
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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 makin…
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173. Back to Our Roots: A Deep Dive into Experiential Play Therapy with Nilüfer Devecigil
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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 extensiv…
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Special: Understanding Early Memory: How the Body Remembers Before the Mind
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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 sci…
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Special: Empowering Parents: Navigating Neurodiversity and Sensory Sensitivities with Cary Hamilton
41:18
41:18
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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 Uni…
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Special: Felicia Carrol: Insights from a Pioneer in Gestalt Play Therapy
41:56
41:56
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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…
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172. International Crisis Play Therapy: Insights from Isabella Cassina & Claudio Mochi
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In this special episode, Lisa is joined by two extraordinary guests, Isabella Cassina and Claudio Mochi, pioneers using play therapy in international crisis intervention. As co-founders of the INA International Academy for Play Therapy Studies and Psychosocial Projects in Switzerland, Isabella and Claudio have dedicated their careers to supporting …
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Special: Exploring Trauma Healing Through Expressive Arts Therapy: A Conversation with Dr. Cathy Malchiodi
49:46
49:46
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Original Air Date: December 20, 2022 Prepare for an enlightening conversation as Lisa Dion welcomes a distinguished guest, Dr. Cathy Malchiodi, Founder & Director of the Trauma-Informed Practices and Expressive Arts Therapy Institute. Dr. Malchiodi is a renowned figure in the field of Expressive Arts Therapy, with a wealth of experience and experti…
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171. Creating Affirming Play Therapy Spaces for Transgender & Gender-Diverse Children with Jennifer Shivey
48:26
48:26
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In this episode (and most timely for Pride Month), Lisa welcomes Jennifer Shivey, a Licensed Professional Counselor, Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, and Approved Clinical Supervisor with a focus on supporting LGBTQ+ children and their families. Jennifer, who has personal experience as the mother of a transgender child, shares her journey and …
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Special: Unveiling the Healing Power of StoryPlay: A Conversation with Dr. Joyce Mills
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51:57
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Original Air Date: January 31, 2023 Prepare for an enriching dialogue as Lisa Dion welcomes esteemed guest Dr. Joyce C. Mills to explore the transformative practice of StoryPlay®. Rooted in Ericksonian principles and resiliency-based approaches, StoryPlay® harnesses the innate inner resources, skills, and strengths of individuals to foster profound…
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Special: Unlocking the Power of the Vagus Nerve: A Key to Regulation
28:03
28:03
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Original Air Date: March 19, 2020 Join us for an enlightening discussion on the vagus nerve, a pivotal component of our overall health and well-being. In this episode, discover why the vagus nerve holds such significance, not only in regulation but also in immunity and the body's capacity for recovery. Explore simple yet effective techniques for st…
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170. Behind Closed Doors: Supporting Child Survivors of Sex Trafficking with Alejandro Castro Croy
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In this especially important episode, we shine a spotlight on the harrowing issue of child sex trafficking and explore how we can support the young survivors of this modern-day slave trade. Join Lisa for a deeply insightful conversation with Alejandro (Alex) Castro Croy, a bilingual, bicultural Trauma and Addiction Counselor, and the owner/Lead Cli…
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Special: Expanding Your Lens: Understanding Immigrant & Refugee Experiences with Liliana Baylon
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44:48
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Original Air Date: March 29, 2022 Join Lisa Dion for a poignant and timely conversation with Liliana Baylon, a bilingual and bicultural therapist and Certified Synergetic Play Therapist/Supervisor. In this episode, Liliana shares her profound insights into the experiences and challenges faced by immigrant and refugee families, offering invaluable p…
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Special: Navigating Challenges in Play Therapy: Insights from Certified Synergetic Play Therapists/Providers
39:26
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Original Air Date: October 26, 2021 In this episode, Lisa Dion is joined by three important people in her life - Certified Synergetic Play Therapists/Providers Andrea Davidson (Colorado), Johanna Simmons (Vancouver, British Columbia), and Rachel Freeburg (Oregon). Together, they engage in a thought-provoking discussion about the various challenges …
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169. Beyond Toys: Play Therapy Across Medical, Occupational, and Animal-Assisted Settings
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Lisa is joined by three remarkable professionals, Jacque Maben, Cara Smith, and Amy Pennington, to uncover the boundless potential of play therapy across various contexts and non-traditional mental health settings. This episode expands the definition of play beyond traditional toys to encompass movement, body experiences, and relational dynamics. M…
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Special: Embracing What Is: A Journey of Surrender with Lisa Dion
24:42
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Original Air Date: November 23, 2021 Join Lisa Dion on a soul-searching expedition as she delves into the profound question: why is it so challenging to relinquish control and accept the reality of "what is" in our lives? In this poignant episode of Lessons from the Playroom, Lisa provides invaluable insights and practical guidance for navigating t…
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Special: Unveiling Innate Wisdom: A Holistic Approach to Healing with Marie José Dhaese
42:43
42:43
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Original Air Date: December 7, 2021 Join us for an insightful journey with our esteemed guest, Marie José Dhaese, a psychotherapist with 50 years of experience, as she shares her profound insights into reconnecting with our sense of self and innate wisdom. As the founder of Holistic Expressive Therapy and the visionary behind a captivating therapeu…
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168. Demystifying Minecraft in the Therapeutic Space with Brian Keating
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In this episode, Lisa is joined by special guest Brian Keating, a Certified Synergetic Play Therapist and Certified Group Psychotherapist. Brian specializes in tele-play therapy and is a contributing author to Advances in Online Therapy: Emergence of a New Paradigm. He's presented on topics including grief, childhood bereavement, and the therapeuti…
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Special: Navigating the Impact of Trauma Exposure: Essential Insights for Therapists
33:40
33:40
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Original Air Date: March 28, 2023 Join Lisa for a crucial conversation addressing a topic often overlooked in the therapy community: the profound impact of trauma exposure on therapists and helpers alike. As therapists, we find ourselves on the front lines, intimately engaging with trauma exposure day after day, session after session. Despite the i…
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Special: Empowering Educators & Students: Transforming Education with Judy Norman & the Synergetic Education Institute
34:08
34:08
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Original Air Date: March 14, 2022 Join Lisa and Judy Norman, Certified SPT therapist/supervisor and SPT co-teacher, as they unveil the inception of the Synergetic Education Institute (https://synergeticeducation.com/). 🎉🙌 Years in the making, their journey highlights the profound impact of integrating Synergetic Play Therapy principles into school …
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167. Defying Expectations to Embrace Human Potential: Amit Chintan Ramlall’s Journey Beyond the Label of Autism
58:31
58:31
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Join Lisa in this inspiring episode as she sits down with Amit Chintan Ramlall and his father, Dr. Kumar Ramlall, for a heartfelt conversation about navigating life with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Despite facing challenges with independent speech, Amit shares his remarkable journey and how he has embraced his talents and gifts to defy expectat…
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Special: Why the Body Never Lies: Attuning to Body Language in Play Therapy
22:03
22:03
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Original Air Date: July 29, 2020 Discover the profound language of the body in therapy! In this episode, Lisa delves into the power of attuning to both our own and the child's body language, crucial for fostering co-regulation in therapeutic settings. Gain valuable techniques for staying within your window of tolerance to guide children through the…
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166. Giving a Voice to Children with PANS/PANDAS with Dr. Montserrat Casado
52:55
52:55
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In today’s episode, we delve into one of the most requested topics of the past year. Dr. Montserrat Casado joins Lisa to shed light on PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) and PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections), offering invaluable insights for supporting children, par…
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Special: Staying on Course: The #1 Thing That Will Get You Off Track As A Therapist
22:13
22:13
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Original Air Date: February 15, 2022 In this Lessons from the Playroom episode, Lisa discusses the #1 thing that will get you off track as a therapist ... and it's trying to be someone you’re not! Despite messages that might suggest differently, authenticity and "being yourself" is not easy and has so many implications for therapists. Join Lisa in …
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