In this special episode, 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: 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 Guidebook," to discuss this profound topic.

Together, they delve into:

• Understanding intergenerational trauma and its manifestations in play therapy sessions.
• Cultivating trans-generational resilience and generational empathy to model for clients and their parents/caregivers.
• Managing your own intergenerational trauma when it arises during sessions.
• The importance of self-care in trauma work, including Dr. Schwartz's own daily embodiment practice.

Join this enlightening conversation and expand your perspective beyond the client's immediate experiences to consider generational patterns and unresolved traumas within the family system. Discover how these dynamics shape the parent/caregiver-child relationship and learn effective strategies to support healing across generations.

About Dr. Arielle Schwartz: Arielle Schwartz, PhD, CCTP-II, E-RYT, is a licensed clinical psychologist, certified complex trauma professional, and Kripalu yoga teacher with a private practice in Boulder, Colorado. As an internationally sought-after teacher and leading voice in healing PTSD and complex trauma, she is the author of six books, including "The Complex PTSD Workbook" and "Therapeutic Yoga for Trauma." Dr. Schwartz offers an integrative, mind-body approach to therapy through her Center for Resilience Informed Therapy. Learn more about her work at www.drarielleschwartz.com.

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.

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 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.

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 making it difficult for children to self-regulate. We will discuss how play therapists can recognize the signs of SPD, adapt their techniques to meet the needs of these children and implement effective strategies to help them develop self-regulation skills. Join us as we provide insights and practical advice for therapists dedicated to supporting children with SPD.

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.

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

* 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.

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 science behind early memory and its various forms.
• Why even if the mind doesn't remember, the body does.
• How this understanding impacts play therapy and supports healing.
• Practical approaches to recognizing and working with early memories in therapeutic settings.

This episode is essential for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of early childhood development and the lasting impact of early experiences. Tune in to learn how the body holds onto memories and how this knowledge can enhance your therapeutic practice.

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 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 University in Seattle, owner of Olympia Therapy, and President of the Washington Association for Play Therapy, brings over a decade of experience as an author and international presenter on these topics. Additionally, Cary offers practical guidance through her educational platform, Playful Wisdom, designed to help parents rediscover the joy of parenting.

In this episode, discover how to guide parents and caregivers from feelings of overwhelm and confusion to a state of curiosity and deep connection with their child. Cary and Lisa share their lived experiences while covering:

• Supporting parents/caregivers in trusting their intuition about their child's needs and empowering them in the healing process.
• Engaging parents/caregivers when they feel shut down, hopeless, or scared, including an amazing question from Cary that fosters complete support and acceptance.
• Addressing systemic family challenges such as differences in understanding between partners, sibling perceptions, and marital stress.
• Trusting the child's innate ability to regulate their own dysregulation.

Gain a deeper understanding of neurodiversity and sensory processing challenges, and take away invaluable insights from this heartfelt and honest conversation.

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 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.

Felicia Carrol, LMFT, RPT-S, is the founder and director of the West Coast Institute for Gestalt Therapy with Children and Adolescents. An international educator, Felicia has conducted training across numerous countries and has contributed extensively to the play therapy field through her publications. As a direct student and close friend of the late Violet Oaklander, Felicia brings a wealth of knowledge and personal anecdotes.

Join Lisa and Felicia in a grounding and heartfelt discussion where you will:

• Discover the history and development of Gestalt Play Therapy, highlighting Violet Oaklander's significant contributions.
• Gain insight into the principles of Gestalt Play Therapy, including its paradigm and the 4 Pillars established by Violet Oaklander.
• Explore often overlooked yet powerful concepts such as "being for" your client, the "self-nurturing" technique, and the importance of a dialogic relationship.
• Learn about common misconceptions in Gestalt Play Therapy and the broader play therapy field, particularly regarding directive versus non-directive modalities.
• Hear personal and professional stories about Violet Oaklander, celebrating her legacy and the profound impact she had on play therapy.

This episode is dedicated to Violet Oaklander, who passed away on September 21, 2021, at the age of 94. A pioneering child and adolescent therapist, Violet is renowned for integrating Gestalt Therapy with play therapy, and her groundbreaking book, "Windows to Our Children," revolutionized the field.

Tune in to reconnect with the roots of play therapy and honor the legacy of Violet Oaklander. Thank you, Felicia, for sharing your wisdom and experiences.

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.

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 children and families in some of the most challenging environments around the world.

Isabella, Director of Project Management, and Claudio, Director of the Academy, bring decades of experience and a wealth of knowledge to the table. They have worked in over 30 cities across 15 countries, addressing the needs of those affected by natural disasters, conflicts, and high-risk situations. Together, they developed the "Coping with the Present while Building for the Future" (CPBF) model, which they have shared globally.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• How Isabella and Claudio began their journey in crisis and humanitarian work.
• The unique challenges and rewards of using play therapy to support children and their families affected by international crises.
• The philosophy behind "Recovering the Lost Play Time"—a program designed to restore play opportunities for children during migration and other crises.
• Insights into their model, CPBF, and its impact on mental health professionals worldwide.
• How to create play sanctuaries and foster a culture of play in international crisis contexts.
• The MAP (My Awareness Process) as a guiding reference point, emphasizing a comprehensive awareness process rather than just therapeutic techniques.
• The importance of co-constructing with populations in crisis to ensure program sustainability after providers leave, highlighting the need for community collaboration and cultural sensitivity regarding language, customs, and traditions.

Claudio and Isabella also share personal stories from the field, highlighting the emotional impact of their work and the resilience of the children and communities they serve. Learn about their strategies for self-care and the significance of creating safe play environments amidst chaos.

This is an inspiring conversation filled with practical insights and heartfelt stories, showcasing the transformative power of play therapy in crisis situations. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from two of the leading experts in the field.

For more information about their work and the International Academy of Play Therapy, visit Crisis Play Therapy.

Tune in to explore how play therapy can be a beacon of hope in the darkest times and how you can be a part of this vital work.

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: 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 expertise garnered from her extensive presentations and acclaimed books, including the timeless favorite "Understanding Children’s Drawings."

In this episode, delve into the transformative realm of Expressive Arts Therapy and discover the significance of "rhythmic synchronization" and "action-oriented" interventions in supporting clients on their journey of sensory integration and trauma healing. Dr. Malchiodi introduces a groundbreaking approach to conceptualizing the client's "Window of Tolerance," emphasizing the expansion of their capacity for trauma integration and playfulness.

Join us for a grounding conversation that transcends specific techniques, as we explore ways to empower clients in reclaiming and expanding their capacity for authentic self-expression. Dr. Malchiodi eloquently articulates the transformative potential of Expressive Arts Therapy, stating, "Trauma reduces our capacity for expression through movement, sound, enactment, image making, and play. Our job is to help people reclaim that capacity—to manifest a full range of restorative expression and reparative playfulness."

Discover the profound impact of Expressive Arts Therapy in fostering healing and restoring vitality. Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights from Dr. Cathy Malchiodi's vast knowledge and experience in trauma-informed practices and expressive arts 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.