Lessons from the Playroom

"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.