“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 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: 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, offering insights into how Filial Therapy strengthens the parent-child relationship and enhances therapy outcomes.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• The fascinating history of Filial Therapy and the theoretical foundations that drive its success;
• Why Filial Therapy is a psychoeducational model, not a medical one;
• The 7 essential components that make Filial Therapy both elegant and effective;
• How parents and caregivers become the primary change agents for their child;
• Ways to integrate Filial Therapy with other therapeutic approaches for even greater impact.

🎧 Tune in to hear how this empowering model can deepen the therapeutic process and learn practical tools to bring Filial Therapy into your practice. Dr. VanFleet’s inspiring journey into the field of play therapy adds a personal touch to this enriching discussion!

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.

“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.” – Natascha Lawrence

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: May 11, 2021

Separation anxiety is a common challenge in the therapy room—whether it’s the child hesitant to leave their caregiver or the parent struggling to step away. In this episode, Lisa unpacks the nuances of separation anxiety and provides actionable tools for therapists to navigate this tender dynamic.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• What separation anxiety is, its potential causes, and how to differentiate between normal developmental behavior and when additional support is needed;
• Creative and playful rituals that foster co-regulation between the child and parent/caregiver;
• Strategies to help children cultivate an internal sense of safety;
• Effective interventions for managing separation anxiety in the playroom, including how to support children in expanding their window of tolerance for transitions and separations.

🎧 Tune in for practical insights, playful tools, and a deeper understanding of how to support children and their families through the challenges of separation anxiety in 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.

"Your fear will always be the ceiling of your innovation." – Lisa Dion

In this special post New Year’s episode, Lisa is joined by Jen Taylor, therapist, educator, and mastermind behind Jen Taylor Productions. Together, they kick off the first month of 2025 with an inspiring conversation about goal-setting, vision, and how therapists can master the business side of their practice to create greater impact.

Lisa and Jen dive into:

• The psychology of setting congruent goals that align with your values and what inspires you the most.
• Why “fantasy goals” often fail and how to replace them with actionable, meaningful ones.
• The critical difference between resolutions and sustainable visions for growth.
• How to manage fear and navigate challenges as a therapist and entrepreneur.
• A behind-the-scenes look at Lisa’s Business of Therapy course, which blends strategic planning with emotional and psychological insights to help therapists succeed.

This episode will leave you inspired and ready to tackle this coming year with a clear vision and renewed energy. Whether you’re looking to build your private practice, expand your offerings, or simply align your goals with what inspires you, this conversation offers practical tools and heartfelt wisdom.

Resources Mentioned:

The Business of Therapy Course: https://learn.synergeticplaytherapy.com/business-of-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: June 21, 2022

In this heartfelt episode, Lisa, dives into the tender and often challenging topic of the “shoulds” and “should nots” that we carry as clinicians. These inner judgments—those persistent whispers of self-criticism—show up in the playroom, in our work with parents and caregivers, and even in our personal lives.

Joined by two Certified Synergetic Play Therapists, Helen Ritchie and Kristina Dixon, Lisa leads a deeply personal and empowering conversation to help therapists explore and transform these inner dialogues.

Here’s what you’ll discover:

• Why “shoulds” and unmet expectations trigger a threat response in the brain;
• Common “shoulds” clinicians face (… and an invitation to reflect on your own);
• How to navigate the “shoulds” and “should nots” in therapy sessions, with parents/caregivers, and in your personal life;
• Practical insights for newer therapists grappling with self-doubt and the “Am I ok?” question;
• Personal stories, including Lisa’s own experiences with these challenges, showing how even seasoned therapists aren’t immune to the “shoulds.”

🎧 Tune in to reconnect with a deeper trust in yourself as a play therapist and celebrate the incredible work you do every day. Big hugs and much love on this 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.

"So much of play therapy is about clearing away the conditions that limit children from discovering who they are." - Georgie Wissen Vincent

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: June 19, 2017

In this insightful podcast, delve into the transformative power of gratitude with guidance from Lisa Dion. While it's effortless to appreciate the positives in our lives, what about the challenges? Discover how cultivating gratitude can expand your window of tolerance and foster a compassionate heart.

Explore the profound notion that clients enter our playrooms with purpose, serving as valuable teachers on our journey. Join us as we uncover the wisdom and blessings hidden within life's trials, embracing gratitude as a pathway to growth and understanding.

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.

"Working with families isn’t about fixing individuals; it’s about finding the rhythm where everyone can grow together." – Dr. Stacy Jagger

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: September 27, 2022

Do you know what bibliotherapy is or how to incorporate it into your client sessions? We're resharing this episode in which Lisa Dion is joined by Althea T. Simpson, the founder of Brighter Day Therapeutic Solutions and Unicorn Life Training. Althea is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, Certified LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Facilitator, and host of the podcast Chronicles of a Play Therapist. Her innovative approaches have been a tremendous inspiration in the play therapy field.

Discover the therapeutic potential of books and learn creative ways to use bibliotherapy with your clients, including:

• How bibliotherapy helps children navigate psychological, emotional, and social challenges.
• Choosing books relevant to a client's personal situation and developmental needs.
• Utilizing bibliotherapy in Teletherapy sessions.
• Engaging children in reflective activities such as art-based expressions, LEGO, sand tray, journal writing, and group discussions.

Althea also shares some of her favorite books for the playroom, including her top must-have book, and introduces her recently published book, "Hurt to Healing: Child Witnesses of Domestic Violence and Their Invisible Injuries," which intertwines her professional and personal experiences.

Join us for an inspiring conversation that highlights the creative and healing power of bibliotherapy in play therapy sessions.

Podcast Resources: 

• 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.