Original 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.

Original 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.

Original 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/

Original 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 [email protected] 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.

Original 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.

Original 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.

Original 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 [email protected], 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.

Original air date: May 14, 2024

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.

Meet our guests: Cara Smith, a Certified Child Life Specialist; Amy Pennington, an Occupational Therapist; and Jacque Maben, an Equine/Animal Assisted Therapist. Learn more about them below. In this episode, each guest infuses the principles of play therapy into their unique practices, resulting in a magical fusion of healing modalities.

Cara enlightens us on integrating play into medical settings, using it as a tool to alleviate stress and anxiety surrounding medical procedures. Amy brings play into the realm of occupational therapy, shedding light on how it aids in sensory processing and skill development. Jacque shares her insights into incorporating animals, particularly horses, into play therapy, emphasizing their authenticity and ability to provide a sense of safety.

Discover how these professionals serve as external regulators, co-regulating with children toward trauma integration across various contexts. Tune in to explore the myriad forms of play and the transformative power it holds in diverse therapeutic practices, witnessing the beautiful unity that emerges when harnessing play therapy principles for healing in any setting.

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: September 3, 2024

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: August 20, 2024

In this episode, Lisa responds 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 [email protected]. 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.