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Lessons from the Playroom

Lessons from the Playroom

By: Lisa Dion
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The Synergetic Play Therapy Institute’s “Lessons From the Playroom” podcast is a series of audio and video recordings heard in over 100 countries. Every other week, Lisa shares her wisdom or is joined by special guests to explore some of the little lessons kids teach us that make a big difference in the play therapy process and offer ways to transform both you and the clients that you work with. Lisa Dion, LPC, RPT-S, is an international teacher, creator of Synergetic Play Therapy, founder and President of the Synergetic Play Therapy Institute, co-founder of the Synergetic Education Institute, creator of the Business of Therapy and host of the Lessons from the Playroom podcast. She is the author of Aggression in Play Therapy: A Neurobiological Approach for Integrating Intensity and is the 2015 recipient of the Association for Play Therapy’s Professional Education and Training Award of Excellence.© 2015...2022 Synergetic Play Therapy Institute Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health
Episodes
  • Little Lessons Series: Messes, Transitions, and Bathroom Breaks - Listener Q&A with Lisa (Best of)
    Jun 23 2026

    Original air date: Dec 03, 2024

    We're diving into another special Q&A episode of Lessons from the Playroom! Lisa is answering three thought-provoking questions from our listeners, offering insights into some of the tricky moments that arise in the playroom.

    Tune in as Lisa explores messes, transitions, and those unexpected trips to the bathroom, unpacking what they might signify for the therapeutic process and how to respond with intention.

    This week's questions include:

    Jasmine asks: "What do you do when a child makes huge messes [in the playroom]?"

    Lisa explores the art of setting boundaries while respecting the therapeutic needs behind the mess.

    Amy asks: "How do you help a child transition when they don't want to leave the session?"

    Lisa shares insights into the emotional significance of endings and how to make transitions smoother and more meaningful.

    Heather asks: "What do I do when a child keeps leaving the session to go to the bathroom?"

    You're invited to get curious about what is happening beneath the surface and what this behavior might reveal about the child's inner process.

    This episode is packed with rich insights and practical takeaways to help you navigate some of the trickiest moments in therapy.

    We love hearing from you! Have a question or scenario you'd like Lisa to discuss? Send your questions to info@synergeticplaytherapy.com or submit an audio clip. Your stories inspire meaningful growth and learning for all of us.

    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.

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    23 mins
  • Climbing the Mountain: A Holistic Approach to Family Play Therapy with Stacy Jagger (Best of)
    Jun 16 2026

    Original air date: Dec 17, 2024

    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.

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    45 mins
  • Navigating Life's Transitions: An Empty Nester's Journey with Lisa (Best of)
    Jun 9 2026

    Original air date: Nov 11, 2024

    In this heartfelt episode, Lisa steps into the spotlight as she's interviewed by long-time colleague and Certified SPT Supervisor, Polly Douglass. Together, they explore Lisa's deeply personal experience of transitioning into the "empty nester" phase of life when her daughter left for college.

    This episode isn't just for parents—whether you're facing a significant life change, are a therapist supporting others through transitions, or are simply curious about navigating life's changes, this conversation offers deep insights on how to move through them with intention and grace.

    In this episode, you'll discover:

    • How the principles of Synergetic Play Therapy support navigating major life transitions
    • Lisa's personal reflections on the "empty nester" experience and conscious endings
    • Navigating parallel processes during life transitions with others
    • The importance of finding new routines during times of change
    • The emotional waves that come with transitions and how to stay connected to yourself

    Join Lisa and Polly for an intimate, thoughtful conversation that will resonate with anyone moving through the unknowns of change—whether you're an empty nester or simply navigating life's evolving journey.

    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.

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    44 mins
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