 "The dysregulation in our body is information about the congruency of our decisions." - Lisa Dion   As you enter into 2021, explore how to manifest decisions that are congruent and in alignment with your authentic self.    Join Lisa in this unique Lessons from the Playroom podcast that's not just about play therapy ... She'll help you explore how to plan, reflect and make decisions that integrate the left- and right-brain, how to know if you are making a congruent decision, and why there's no such thing as a "bad" decision.      *

85. Understanding Left-Brain / Right-Brain Decision Making

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 therapy that bridges the gap between neuroscience and psychology. Lisa teaches and supervises all over the world, helping transform the lives of thousands of therapists and children. With these podcasts, she'll teach you practical ways to transform both you and the child clients you work with. These inspiring educational lessons are sure to leave you feeling more confident and excited for your next session!

Kids & Family

Health & Fitness

Mental Health

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 perspectives that will broaden your cultural awareness and enhance your therapeutic work with clients. Delve into a conversation where you'll learn:  The unique experiences and hurdles encountered by immigrants and refugees. Strategies for supporting clients through the grieving process, acknowledging their journey, challenges, and emotional needs. Understanding the nervous system experiences of immigrants and refugees and its impact on their sense of identity and safety. Insights into the perceptions of immigrants and refugees through the lens of the 4 threats to the brain. Techniques for holding space for families dealing with intergenerational disruptions and facilitating repair and reconciliation. The existential crisis faced by immigrants and refugees regarding their global perspective and sense of self. Approaches for helping clients explore their identity, values, and cultural integration.  As you listen, embrace moments of reflection and notice any tendencies to advocate, fix, or rescue. Consider how these actions may impact the empowerment journey of your clients, as Liliana emphasizes the importance of holding space with intention and sensitivity. Expand your cultural lens and deepen your connection with immigrant and refugee clients/families by incorporating Liliana's invaluable insights into your practice. This episode invites you to approach your work with curiosity, awareness, and empathy, fostering a more inclusive and supportive therapeutic environment for all. 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/colleagues to join us.

Expanding Your Lens: Understanding Immigrant & Refugee Experiences with Liliana Baylon

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 that play therapists encounter in their practice. Pause and reflect as they explore strategies for addressing common scenarios such as:  Children attempting to care for the therapist. Challenges related to teletherapy sessions, including situations where clients do not turn on their screens. Difficulties with transitions, such as reluctance to leave a parent's side or the playroom at the end of a session.  Discover surprising insights and practical solutions as these experienced therapists share their wisdom and expertise. Join us for a candid conversation that sheds light on navigating the complexities of play therapy with connection to self and others. 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/colleagues to join us.

Navigating Challenges in Play Therapy: Insights from Certified Synergetic Play Therapists/Providers

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.    *Jacque Maben is a Licensed Professional Counselor with certifications in Gestalt Equine Psychotherapy, Synergetic Play Therapy, and EMDR Training. As the founder of Finding Hiawatha, an Animal Assisted Therapy Ranch, she leads a team of therapists and animal co-therapists in empowering clients to embrace their full potential through the healing connection between humans and animals. *Cara Smith, MA and Certified Child Life Specialist has over 17 years of experience in child life and academia. She has worked globally, advocating for children's psychosocial needs and fostering resilience. Currently, Cara integrates mindfulness, interpersonal neurobiology, and play therapy into her clinical practice, emphasizing the healing power of connection and play in building resilience. *Amy Pennington is a board certified Occupational Therapist with 15 years of experience in occupational therapy, specializing in pediatric and adult care across educational and medical settings. She integrates sensory-motor intervention principles and Synergetic Play Therapy into her practice. Passionate about child development, Amy supports students with sensory challenges and promotes neurodiversity-affirming, trauma-informed classrooms in public education.  

169. Beyond Toys: Play Therapy Across Medical, Occupational, and Animal-Assisted Settings

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 the complexities of surrender, acknowledging that the journey is often fraught with discomfort and pain. Discover:  The underlying reasons behind the struggle to surrender to life's circumstances. Strategies for maintaining a sense of self while navigating the process of letting go. Techniques for recognizing and addressing unmet expectations and the weight of "shoulds," fostering a sense of safety amidst uncertainty. Approaches for working through resistance and mindfully embracing surrender. Powerful methods for fully integrating the experience of surrender, including a transformative technique.  Embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment with Lisa Dion as your guide, as you learn to navigate the transformative terrain of surrender and embrace the inherent wisdom of acceptance. 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.

Embracing What Is: A Journey of Surrender with Lisa Dion

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 therapeutic "play home," Marie José's work is nothing short of magical. In this captivating episode, Marie José delves into the concept of each individual harboring an inherent kernel of wisdom that propels them towards their fullest potential. Discover how she meticulously attends to the sensory nuances of indoor and outdoor environments, tailoring sessions to her clients' unique needs through a blend of expressive therapies. Explore Marie José's distinctive approach to healing, where she:  Addresses clients' physical, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual needs comprehensively. Transcends rigid protocols to distinguish between therapy and genuine healing. Facilitates healing holistically, nurturing both the internal and external landscapes. Guides clients to tap into their inner reservoirs of strength and resilience before delving into deeper therapeutic exploration.  Unlock the transformative power of Marie José's approach and embark on a journey towards holistic healing and self-discovery. 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.

85. Understanding Left-Brain / Right-Brain Decision Making

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