Lessons from the Playroom

Lisa is back with another episode of the Little Lessons Series, where she answers your insightful questions about the complexities of working in the playroom. In this episode, Lisa dives deep into the theme of authenticity and how it plays a critical role in the therapist-client dynamic. Tune in as Lisa responds to 3 thought-provoking listener questions, exploring how to stay genuine and present w...

Original air date: April 24, 2017 Setting boundaries in the playroom can be a complex process! When to set them? How to set them? Why to set them? Is it important to set them? In this archived episode, Lisa Dion dives deep into these crucial questions, offering new insights on setting boundaries with children in ways you might not have considered before. Join Lisa as she explores: The fundamental...

Lisa welcomes back the remarkable Marie José Dhaese, a trailblazer in the field of play therapy and the original creator of expressive play therapies. Building on their previous conversation about Holistic Expressive Play Therapy, Lisa and Marie José dive even deeper into the profound journey of healing, attachment, and reconnecting to one's true nature. With over 50 years of experience as a regis...

Original air date: May 24, 2022 In this special episode of Lessons from the Playroom, Lisa Dion welcomes the amazing Dr. Bonnie Goldstein, a faculty member at Pat Ogden's Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute. Dr. Goldstein has uniquely applied Sensorimotor Psychotherapy to children, making her a pioneer in this field. Hear the delightful story of how Bonnie and Lisa met at the Australian Childhood...

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...

Original air date: February 28, 2023 We're resharing this episode in which Lisa revisits a frequently asked question: how to support parents and caregivers in regulating themselves and ultimately co-regulating with their child when the child is dysregulated. Offering co-regulatory moments to parents can repattern their nervous systems, empowering them to become their child's external regulator. Jo...

In this insightful episode, Lisa welcomes back the incredible Liliana Baylon, a bilingual English and Spanish multicultural therapist and cultural ambassador for the Synergetic Play Therapy Institute. Building on their previous conversation about the experiences of immigrants and refugees, Lisa and Liliana delve into the evolving language and understanding around newcomers, which includes migrants...

Original air date: January 24, 2019 Child's play is serious business, and games like Peek-a-Boo and Hide-and-Seek are no exception. In this episode, Lisa Dion explores how these seemingly simple games serve as powerful platforms for children to process their emotions. Inspired by her insight, "Games are platforms to help kids process their emotions. Sometimes peek-a-boo and hide-and-go-seek are ju...

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 ther...

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...

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 in...

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 w...

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 he...

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. Wh...

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...

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...

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 challeng...

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 a...

In this episode (and most timely for Pride Month), Lisa welcomes Jennifer Shivey, a Licensed Professional Counselor, Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, and Approved Clinical Supervisor with a focus on supporting LGBTQ+ children and their families. Jennifer, who has personal experience as the mother of a transgender child, shares her journey and how it transformed her approach to creating safe a...

Original Air Date: January 31, 2023 Prepare for an enriching dialogue as Lisa Dion welcomes esteemed guest Dr. Joyce C. Mills to explore the transformative practice of StoryPlay®. Rooted in Ericksonian principles and resiliency-based approaches, StoryPlay® harnesses the innate inner resources, skills, and strengths of individuals to foster profound healing, growth, and change. Dr. Joyce Mills is a...

Original Air Date: March 19, 2020 Join us for an enlightening discussion on the vagus nerve, a pivotal component of our overall health and well-being. In this episode, discover why the vagus nerve holds such significance, not only in regulation but also in immunity and the body's capacity for recovery. Explore simple yet effective techniques for stimulating the vagus nerve, promoting its optimal f...

In this especially important episode, we shine a spotlight on the harrowing issue of child sex trafficking and explore how we can support the young survivors of this modern-day slave trade. Join Lisa for a deeply insightful conversation with Alejandro (Alex) Castro Croy, a bilingual, bicultural Trauma and Addiction Counselor, and the owner/Lead Clinician of Transcending Consulting Group in Denver,...

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 awaren...

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....

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 Lif...