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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: Ableism & Disablism in the Playroom: A Conversation with Marshall Lyles
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How does ableism show up in the playroom, and what can we do to create a more inclusive therapeutic space? In this powerful episode, Marshall Lyles (LMFT-S, LPC-S, RPT-S, EMDRIA Approved Consultant) joins Lisa Dion to explore the often unspoken realities of ableism and disablism in play therapy. Marshall, a leading voice in attachment trauma and sa…
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192. The Final Little Lessons Series: What to Do When You’re Overwhelmed in the Playroom
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Lisa is back with the final episode of the Little Lessons Series, wrapping up this heartfelt Q&A journey by answering your powerful questions including how to navigate moments when connection feels disrupted—whether by a child’s shutdown, caregiver dynamics, or those uncomfortable "I don't know what to do" feelings that arise in the therapy process…
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Special: Mandalas in Play Therapy: A Transformative Tool for Healing with Tracy Turner-Bumberry
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42:01
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Have you explored the power of mandalas in play therapy? In this episode, Lisa Dion sits down with Tracy Turner-Bumberry (LPC, RPT-S™) to uncover the transformative magic of mandalas—an incredible yet often unexplored tool in clinical practice. Tracy, a Certified AutPlay Trainer, Animal-Assisted Play Therapist, and DBT Therapist, shares how mandala…
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191. Little Lessons Series: Addressing Hesitation, Aggressive Play, and Emotional Boundaries in Play Therapy
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Lisa is back with another episode of the Little Lessons Series, answering your insightful questions about navigating the complexities of the playroom. Today’s episode focuses on how to handle those challenging moments in therapy where uncertainty, emotional flooding, and parents’ concerns come into play. In this episode, you’ll hear: Chrissy’s ques…
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Special: Exploring Perspective with Dr. Rachel Altvater: How We See Ourselves, Others & the World
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48:45
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How do our perspectives shape who we are and how we connect with others—both in the playroom and in life? In this thought-provoking episode, Lisa Dion sits down with Dr. Rachel Altvater (Psy.D., RPT-S™), an award-winning leader in play therapy, to explore the profound impact of perspective on our personal and professional lives. 🔹 Discover the insp…
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Special: The Power of Attunement in Play Therapy: Deepening Connection with Clients & Caregivers
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29:34
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Why is attunement the heart of the therapeutic relationship? In this episode, Lisa Dion explores why simply following a script or checklist in play therapy isn’t enough—true transformation happens when we deeply attune to our clients (and ourselves). 🔹 Discover what attunement is—and what it’s not 🔹 Uncover the biggest barriers to attunement in the…
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Special: How to Teach Kids & Caregivers About the Brain with Robyn Gobbel
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In this insightful episode, Lisa Dion is joined by the incredible Robyn Gobbel, MSW, to talk about a topic that has never been covered before on this podcast but is crucial for clinicians working with kids: teaching children about the brain. Robyn, a true brain enthusiast, has a new book out titled Raising Kids with Big Baffling Behaviors: Brain-Bo…
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190. When the Aggressor is You: Therapist Activation in the Playroom with Mili Shoemaker
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"Every part of us, even the ones we've been taught to reject, holds the potential for growth and healing." – Mili Shoemaker Aggression in the playroom is a familiar topic—but what happens when it’s not coming from the child, but from within us as therapists? This is a conversation we rarely hear in the play therapy world, yet it’s a reality many th…
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Special: Demystifying Dissociation in Play Therapy: A Conversation with Annie Monaco
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Original Air Date: July 4, 2023 In this groundbreaking episode, Lisa is joined by the brilliant Annie Monaco to tackle a topic that’s rarely discussed but essential to our work as play therapists: dissociation. With her extensive experience in EMDR Therapy, attachment, and dissociation in children, Annie brings invaluable insights to help therapist…
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189. Navigating ADHD Through Play Therapy: Dual Perspectives for Therapists and Caregivers
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53:38
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“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 i…
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Special: Embracing Messy Play: Navigating Messes in the Playroom with Synergetic Wisdom
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Original Air Date: July 19, 2022 In this playful and insightful episode, Lisa is joined by Certified Synergetic Play Therapists Andrea Davidson, Johanna Simmons, and Rachel Freeburg for a lively discussion on the beauty and power of messes in the playroom. From spilled paint to sensory chaos, they dive into the therapeutic opportunities that arise …
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188. The Power of Poetry in Play Therapy with Hannah Young
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38:40
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"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 conv…
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Special: Supporting Children with Adoption and Foster Histories with Ann Beckley-Forest
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47:40
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Original Air Date: April 18, 2023 In this heartfelt episode, Lisa welcomes Ann Beckley-Forest for a deep dive into working with children and families navigating adoption, foster care, or placement experiences. With her extensive expertise in EMDR Therapy and play therapy, Ann shares insights that will expand your understanding of attachment trauma …
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187. Cultural Curiosity in the Playroom: Lessons from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities
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"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 con…
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Special: Adlerian Play Therapy with Terry Kottman: Bringing YOU into the Playroom
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Original Air Date: October 11, 2022 In this exciting episode, Lisa is joined by the extraordinary Terry Kottman, founder of Adlerian Play Therapy, to explore the heart and soul of this impactful therapeutic approach. Known for her fun, engaging style and groundbreaking contributions to play therapy, Terry shares her wisdom, humor, and deep insights…
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186. Attachment to Self: The Cornerstone of Healing with Mili Shoemaker
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49:55
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“So much of our healing lies in our ability to come home to ourselves.” – Lisa Dion 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 …
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Special: Exploring Filial Therapy: Empowering Parents as Change Agents with Dr. Risë VanFleet
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Original Air Date: March 14, 2023 In this episode, Lisa is joined by the trailblazing Dr. Risë VanFleet for an inspiring conversation about Filial Therapy—a transformative model where parents and caregivers play a central role in their child’s therapeutic journey. Dr. VanFleet shares her incredible expertise in this psychoeducational approach, offe…
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