Lessons from the Playroom
394 episodes - English - Latest episode: 6 days ago - ★★★★★ - 114 ratingsThe 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!
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Episodes
16. Dustin Baker: Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation in the Playroom
October 16, 2017 12:00 - 29 minutes - 67.4 MB"The important message to our kids: 'All of you is welcome.'" - Lisa Dion Sexual identity and sexual orientation are not discussed often enough in the field of play therapy. But embracing these topics benefits our clients. So does refraining from black and white thinking. After all, children are colorful (and so are we). * 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 col...
Episode 16 “Lessons from the Playroom” Podcast: Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation in the Playroom
October 16, 2017 12:00 - 29 minutes - 67.4 MB"The important message to our kids: 'All of you is welcome.'" - Lisa Dion Sexual identity and sexual orientation are not discussed often enough in the field of play therapy. But embracing these topics benefits our clients. So does refraining from black and white thinking. After all, children are colorful (and so are we). Come learn with us! .... for recorded play therapy training webinars for Non-Contact CE hours, introductory level SPT courses, the SPT Certification program, and free we...
15. Boredom in the Playroom
October 02, 2017 01:43 - 19 minutes - 44.7 MB"Boredom in the playroom may be a messenger. This turns it from something negative into your greatest friend." -Lisa Dion Boredom in the playroom is something most therapists experience - from an unyielding yawn to counting the ticks of a slow-moving clock, we've all found ourselves less than enthused in one session or another. But boredom isn't always a negative thing. Sometimes, it's a gentle reminder that it's time to grow. * If you enjoy this podcast, please give us a five-star rati...
Podcast Episode 15 “Lessons from the Playroom” Podcast: Boredom in the Playroom
October 02, 2017 01:43 - 19 minutes - 44.7 MB"Boredom in the playroom may be a messenger. This turns it from something negative into your greatest friend." -Lisa Dion Boredom in the playroom is something most therapists experience - from an unyielding yawn to counting the ticks of a slow-moving clock, we've all found ourselves less than enthused in one session or another. But boredom isn't always a negative thing. Sometimes, it's a gentle reminder that it's time to grow. Come learn with us! .... for recorded play therapy training ...
14. The Four Threats of the Brain
September 15, 2017 16:17 - 21 minutes - 49.3 MB"Congruence in the playroom is one of the most important elements in creating safety" - Lisa Dion From fear of the unknown to uncomfortable incongruence, the brain is a worry wart! It's forever on the lookout for external and internal threats. And there are certain things that bother it more than others. * 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 u...
Podcast Episode 14 “Lessons from the Playroom” Podcast: The Four Threats of the Brain
September 15, 2017 16:17 - 21 minutes - 49.3 MB"Congruence in the playroom is one of the most important elements in creating safety" - Lisa Dion From fear of the unknown to uncomfortable incongruence, the brain is a worry wart! It's forever on the lookout for external and internal threats. And there are certain things that bother it more than others. Come learn with us! .... for recorded play therapy training webinars for Non-Contact CE hours, introductory level SPT courses, the SPT Certification program, and free webinars to support...
Podcast Episode 13 “Lessons from the Playroom” Podcast: Setting Great Goals in the Playroom
September 04, 2017 14:24 - 20 minutes - 47.8 MB"Everything that happens in the playroom must be linked back to goals" - Lisa Dion From the boardroom to the playroom and everywhere else, setting goals is a vital part of success. But in therapy sessions, the best goals follow certain rules, rules that allow both parent and therapist to see the progress made. After all, it is seeing this progress that acts as a catalyst of encouragement, keeping the parent bought into the play therapy process and the therapist able to celebrate the change...
13. Setting Great Goals in the Playroom
September 04, 2017 14:24 - 20 minutes - 47.8 MB"Everything that happens in the playroom must be linked back to goals" - Lisa Dion From the boardroom to the playroom and everywhere else, setting goals is a vital part of success. But in therapy sessions, the best goals follow certain rules, rules that allow both parent and therapist to see the progress made. After all, it is seeing this progress that acts as a catalyst of encouragement, keeping the parent bought into the play therapy process and the therapist able to celebrate the change...
Lessons From the Playroom Episode 12: When a Child Says They're Done in the Session
August 13, 2017 18:32 - 24 minutes - 20.9 MB"In play therapy, children need to know that they're in charge" - Lisa Dion A child wanting to end a session early can rattle even the most seasoned therapist. So how do you handle the situation? In this podcast, Lisa Dion discusses how to recognize flooding, return a child to their window of tolerance, and why ending a session doesn't need to end the relationship. Come learn with us! .... for recorded play therapy training webinars for Non-Contact CE hours, introductory level SPT course...
12. When a Child Says They're Done in the Session
August 13, 2017 18:32 - 24 minutes - 20.9 MB"In play therapy, children need to know that they're in charge" - Lisa Dion A child wanting to end a session early can rattle even the most seasoned therapist. So how do you handle the situation? In this podcast, Lisa Dion discusses how to recognize flooding, return a child to their window of tolerance, and why ending a session doesn't need to end the relationship. * If you enjoy this podcast, please give us a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcast, subscribe wherever you listen to...
Podcast Episode 12 “Lessons from the Playroom” Podcast: When a Child Says They're Done in the Session
August 13, 2017 18:32 - 23 minutes - 53.6 MBA child wanting to end a session early can rattle even the most seasoned therapist. So how do you handle the situation? In this podcast, Lisa Dion discusses how to recognize flooding, return a child to their window of tolerance, and why ending a session doesn't need to end the relationship.
Lessons From the Playroom Episode 11: Making Games Therapeutic in Play Therapy
July 31, 2017 02:41 - 16 minutes - 16.3 MB"Game act as metaphors, providing insight into a child's feelings" - Lisa Dion From Candyland’s Gum Drop Mountain to the rungs of Chutes and Ladders, games in play therapy are more than a race to the finish line. They provide us with direct insight into the minds and nervous system states of our child clients. Learn some tips on how to make games in your play therapy sessions more than about just winning and losing. Come learn with us! .... for recorded play therapy training webinars for...
11. Making Games Therapeutic in Play Therapy
July 31, 2017 02:41 - 16 minutes - 16.3 MB"Game act as metaphors, providing insight into a child's feelings" - Lisa Dion From Candyland’s Gum Drop Mountain to the rungs of Chutes and Ladders, games in play therapy are more than a race to the finish line. They provide us with direct insight into the minds and nervous system states of our child clients. Learn some tips on how to make games in your play therapy sessions more than about just winning and losing. * If you enjoy this podcast, please give us a five-star rating and revie...
Podcast Episode 11: "Making Games Therapeutic in Play Therapy"
July 31, 2017 02:41 - 16 minutes - 22.8 MBFrom Candyland’s Gum Drop Mountain to the rungs of Chutes and Ladders, games in play therapy are more than a race to the finish line. They provide us with direct insight into the minds and nervous system states of our child clients. Learn some tips on how to make games in your play therapy sessions more than about just winning and losing.
Podcast Episode 10: "Helping Parents Explain to their Child Why They are Going to Play Therapy"
July 03, 2017 12:00 - 20 minutes - 27.8 MBTalking to kids about why they are going to play therapy isn’t always easy. As play therapists, we can work with parents to help them find a clear explanation that helps soothe their child’s potential anxiety and helps minimize apprehension. Not only does it teach kids what to expect, but it also helps the parent get on board.
10. Helping Parents Explain to their Child Why They are Going to Play Therapy
July 03, 2017 12:00 - 20 minutes - 20.2 MB"We can work with parents to help them find a clear explanation that helps soothe their child’s potential anxiety and helps minimize apprehension." Talking to kids about why they are going to play therapy isn’t always easy. As play therapists, we can work with parents to help them find a clear explanation that helps soothe their child’s potential anxiety and helps minimize apprehension. Not only does it teach kids what to expect, but it also helps the parent get on board. * If you enjoy ...
Lessons from the Playroom Episode 10: Helping Parents Explain to their Child Why They are Going to Play Therapy
July 03, 2017 12:00 - 20 minutes - 20.2 MB"We can work with parents to help them find a clear explanation that helps soothe their child’s potential anxiety and helps minimize apprehension." Talking to kids about why they are going to play therapy isn’t always easy. As play therapists, we can work with parents to help them find a clear explanation that helps soothe their child’s potential anxiety and helps minimize apprehension. Not only does it teach kids what to expect, but it also helps the parent get on board. Come learn with...
Lessons From the Playroom Episode 9: "The Importance of Gratitude in the Playroom"
June 19, 2017 14:07 - 16 minutes - 18 MB"Find the wisdom. Find the blessing. Learn from your clients and allow them to be your teachers" - Lisa Dion It's easy to have gratitude for the good things in our lives, but what about the challenges? In this podcast, you'll learn how appreciation can widen your window of tolerance and open your heart. You'll also learn that clients come into our playrooms for a reason. Come learn with us! .... for recorded play therapy training webinars for Non-Contact CE hours, introductory level SPT ...
9. "The Importance of Gratitude in the Playroom"
June 19, 2017 14:07 - 16 minutes - 18 MB"Find the wisdom. Find the blessing. Learn from your clients and allow them to be your teachers" - Lisa Dion It's easy to have gratitude for the good things in our lives, but what about the challenges? In this podcast, you'll learn how appreciation can widen your window of tolerance and open your heart. You'll also learn that clients come into our playrooms for a reason. * If you enjoy this podcast, please give us a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcast, subscribe wherever you lis...
Podcast Episode 9: "The Importance of Gratitude in the Playroom"
June 19, 2017 14:07 - 15 minutes - 21.3 MBIt's easy to have gratitude for the good things in our lives, but what about the challenges? In this podcast, you'll learn how appreciation can widen your window of tolerance and open your heart. You'll also learn that clients come into our playrooms for a reason.
Lessons from the Playroom Episode 8: An Interview with an Eleven-Year-Old about Play Therapy
June 05, 2017 12:00 - 25 minutes - 34.2 MB"Play therapy is like a secret code that therapists know how to dissect" - Avery, age 11 Kids say the darndest things and they also ask the best questions. Join Lisa as she's interviewed by her eleven-year-old daughter, Avery. Listen in as they go back and forth discussing the power of play and hear Avery's advice to all play therapists. Come learn with us! .... for recorded play therapy training webinars for Non-Contact CE hours, introductory level SPT courses, the SPT Certification pro...
Episode 8: An Interview with an Eleven-Year-Old about Play Therapy
June 05, 2017 12:00 - 25 minutes - 34.6 MBKids say the darndest things and they also ask the best questions. Join Lisa as she's interviewed by her eleven-year-old daughter, Avery. Listen in as they go back and forth discussing the power of play and hear Avery's advice to all play therapists.
8. An Interview with an Eleven-Year-Old about Play Therapy
June 05, 2017 12:00 - 25 minutes - 34.2 MB"Play therapy is like a secret code that therapists know how to dissect" - Avery, age 11 Kids say the darndest things and they also ask the best questions. Join Lisa as she's interviewed by her eleven-year-old daughter, Avery. Listen in as they go back and forth discussing the power of play and hear Avery's advice to all play therapists. * 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 f...
7. Voicing the Toy and Observational Statements
May 22, 2017 12:00 - 17 minutes - 20.3 MBVoicing the toy is an important part of play therapy, but it’s the child’s voice that should prove loudest. In this podcast, Lisa offers tips on helping the child stay engaged in their process. She explains why sticking to the facts helps both client and therapist experience a session that sticks as well. * 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 ...
Lessons From The Playroom Episode 7: Voicing the Toy and Observational Statements
May 22, 2017 12:00 - 17 minutes - 20.3 MBVoicing the toy is an important part of play therapy, but it’s the child’s voice that should prove loudest. In this podcast, Lisa offers tips on helping the child stay engaged in their process. She explains why sticking to the facts helps both client and therapist experience a session that sticks as well. Come learn with us! .... for recorded play therapy training webinars for Non-Contact CE hours, introductory level SPT courses, the SPT Certification program, and free webinars to suppor...
Episode #7 "Voicing the Toy and Observational Statements"
May 22, 2017 12:00 - 17 minutes - 24.7 MBVoicing the toy is an important part of play therapy, but it’s the child’s voice that should prove loudest. In this podcast, Lisa offers tips on helping the child stay engaged in their process. She explains why sticking to the facts helps both client and therapist experience a session that sticks as well.
6. Endings and Transitions
May 08, 2017 12:00 - 28 minutes - 41.6 MBHow do we help kids transition at the end of a play session? How do we help them face the unknown? Find out in this week's podcast. It’s hard to say goodbye, especially for children! How do you help kids transition at the end of a play session? How do you help them transition at the conclusion of therapy altogether? How to you help them face the unknown? In this podcast, Lisa addresses why parting is sweet sorrow and how to help children accept change. * If you enjoy this podcast, please...
Episode 6 "Lessons from the Playroom" Podcast: Endings and Transitions
May 08, 2017 12:00 - 28 minutes - 38.9 MBIt’s hard to say goodbye, especially for children! How do you help kids transition at the end of a play session? How do you help them transition at the conclusion of therapy altogether? How to you help them face the unknown? In this podcast, Lisa addresses why parting is sweet sorrow and how to help children accept change.
Lessons from the Playroom Episode 6: Endings and Transitions
May 08, 2017 12:00 - 28 minutes - 41.6 MBHow do we help kids transition at the end of a play session? How do we help them face the unknown? Find out in this week's podcast. It’s hard to say goodbye, especially for children! How do you help kids transition at the end of a play session? How do you help them transition at the conclusion of therapy altogether? How to you help them face the unknown? In this podcast, Lisa addresses why parting is sweet sorrow and how to help children accept change. Come learn with us! .... for record...
Lessons from the Playroom Episode 5: When & Why to Set Boundaries in the Playroom
April 24, 2017 12:00 - 28 minutes - 32.9 MBSetting boundaries in the playroom can be quite the confusing process! When to set them? How to set them? Why to set them? Is it important to set them? These are just a few of the questions that Lisa will address in this podcast to help shed some light on this important topic. Come learn with us! .... for recorded play therapy training webinars for Non-Contact CE hours, introductory level SPT courses, the SPT Certification program, and free webinars to support you on your life's journey jo...
Episode 5 “Lessons from the Playroom” Podcast: When & Why to Set Boundaries in the Playroom
April 24, 2017 12:00 - 30 minutes - 41.9 MBSetting boundaries in the playroom can be quite the confusing process! When to set them? How to set them? Why to set them? Is it important to set them? These are just a few of the questions that Lisa will address in this podcast to help shed some light on this important topic.
5. When & Why to Set Boundaries in the Playroom
April 24, 2017 12:00 - 28 minutes - 32.9 MBSetting boundaries in the playroom can be quite the confusing process! When to set them? How to set them? Why to set them? Is it important to set them? These are just a few of the questions that Lisa will address in this podcast to help shed some light on this important topic. * 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. * 💜 Join our Newsletter 💜...
4. What Our Playroom Says About Us
April 10, 2017 12:00 - 24 minutes - 21.6 MB"Our playrooms should be rooms that allow children to explore a range of emotion." - Lisa Dion Did you know that your playroom is a reflection of you? What you put in it and how you set it up is information to the child about where you are willing to go emotionally and what is happening in your own nervous system! Join Lisa as she discusses what your playroom says about you and explores some of the most essential toys to have in it and ideas about how to set it up. * If you enjoy this po...
Episode 4 "Lessons from the Playroom" Podcast: What Our Playroom Says About Us
April 10, 2017 12:00 - 26 minutes - 36 MBDid you know that your playroom is a reflection of you? What you put in it and how you set it up is information to the child about where you are willing to go emotionally and what is happening in your own nervous system! Join Lisa as she discusses what your playroom says about you and explores some of the most essential toys to have in it and ideas about how to set it up.
Lessons from the Playroom Episode 4: What Our Playroom Says About Us
April 10, 2017 12:00 - 24 minutes - 21.6 MB"Our playrooms should be rooms that allow children to explore a range of emotion." - Lisa Dion Did you know that your playroom is a reflection of you? What you put in it and how you set it up is information to the child about where you are willing to go emotionally and what is happening in your own nervous system! Join Lisa as she discusses what your playroom says about you and explores some of the most essential toys to have in it and ideas about how to set it up. Come learn with us! .....
Lessons from the Playroom Episode 3: How to Recognize Empowerment in the Playroom
March 27, 2017 13:00 - 23 minutes - 30.2 MB"Part of play therapy is widening the child's perspective but also widening our own" - Lisa Dion Therapists are so good at identifying and working with the problem, but are we as trained to also recognize empowerment? In this podcast, Lisa addresses why it can be challenging to recognize when a child is moving into empowerment, and she shares multiple strategies to help you identify when your child clients are overcoming their challenges. Come learn with us! .... for recorded play therap...
Episode 3 "Lessons from the Playroom" Podcast: How to Recognize Empowerment in the Playroom
March 27, 2017 13:00 - 24 minutes - 33.4 MBTherapists are so good at identifying and working with the problem, but are we as trained to also recognize empowerment? In this podcast, Lisa addresses why it can be challenging to recognize when a child is moving into empowerment, and she shares multiple strategies to help you identify when your child clients are overcoming their challenges.
3. How to Recognize Empowerment in the Playroom
March 27, 2017 13:00 - 23 minutes - 30.2 MB"Part of play therapy is widening the child's perspective but also widening our own" - Lisa Dion Therapists are so good at identifying and working with the problem, but are we as trained to also recognize empowerment? In this podcast, Lisa addresses why it can be challenging to recognize when a child is moving into empowerment, and she shares multiple strategies to help you identify when your child clients are overcoming their challenges. * If you enjoy this podcast, please give us a fiv...
2. How to Leave Play in the Playroom (i.e. Not Take It Home)
March 10, 2017 02:00 - 23 minutes - 27.6 MB"If you learn how to regulate your nervous system in a different way, you can avoid compassion fatigue" - Lisa Dion Have you ever gone home at the end of the day only to realize that you can’t stop thinking or dreaming about your clients? Once home, have you found yourself agitated or highly fatigued and not sure why? Chances are your clients came home with you! In this episode, we explore what happens when we take our clients energetically home with us and what to do so that we can leave ...
Lessons from the Playroom Episode 2: How to Leave Play in the Playroom (i.e. Not Take It Home)
March 10, 2017 02:00 - 23 minutes - 27.6 MB"If you learn how to regulate your nervous system in a different way, you can avoid compassion fatigue" - Lisa Dion Have you ever gone home at the end of the day only to realize that you can’t stop thinking or dreaming about your clients? Once home, have you found yourself agitated or highly fatigued and not sure why? Chances are your clients came home with you! In this episode, we explore what happens when we take our clients energetically home with us and what to do so that we can leave ...
Episode 2 "Lessons from the Playroom" Podcast: How to Leave Play in the Playroom (i.e. Not Take It Home)
March 10, 2017 02:00 - 23 minutes - 32.1 MBHave you ever gone home at the end of the day only to realize that you can’t stop thinking or dreaming about your clients? Once home, have you found yourself agitated or highly fatigued and not totally sure why? Chances are your clients came home with you! In this episode, Lisa will discuss what happens when we take our clients energetically home with us, and she offers ideas on what to do so that we can leave our clients in the playroom.
1. The Most Important Toy In The Playroom
February 14, 2017 05:07 - 22 minutes - 30.9 MB"You are the most important toy in the playroom" - Lisa Dion Without learning about ourselves as the most important toy, we miss part of the magic in the playroom and we miss understanding how play therapy actually works. In this podcast, we'll explore why not recognizing our own internal states cuts off access to a deeper level of intuitive knowledge available to us during the play and leaves us missing out on the ability to fully connect with the child. * If you enjoy this podcast, ple...
Episode #1 "Lessons from the Playroom" Podcast: The Most Important Toy In The Playroom
February 14, 2017 05:07 - 22 minutes - 31 MBIn Episode #1, of the Play Therapy Institute of Colorado's "Lessons from the Playroom" Podcast, Lisa Dion, LPC, RPT-S, explores one of the most important topics in play therapy today—what is the most important toy in the playroom? She offers an overview of what the most important toy is—the therapist—and how therapists can begin to engage, learn about and most effectively use that toy while working with child clients.
Lessons from the Playroom Episode 1: The Most Important Toy In The Playroom
February 14, 2017 05:07 - 22 minutes - 30.9 MB"You are the most important toy in the playroom" - Lisa Dion Without learning about ourselves as the most important toy, we miss part of the magic in the playroom and we miss understanding how play therapy actually works. In this podcast, we'll explore why not recognizing our own internal states cuts off access to a deeper level of intuitive knowledge available to us during the play and leaves us missing out on the ability to fully connect with the child. Come learn with us! .... for rec...