Lessons from the Playroom

Reconnecting to Our True Nature: A Transformative Conversation with Marie José Dhaese (Best of)

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 registered clinical counselor, art therapist, and play therapy supervisor, Marie José  shares her deep wisdom and heartfelt reflections on what it takes to create a therapeutic environment where children can reconnect to themselves and thrive. In this episode, you will explore: The metaphor of the "white dot": Discover how this symbol represents our core essence or true nature, and why nurturing this inner light is central to healing. Attachment and true nature: Understand how early attachment experiences shape a child's development, and how caregivers and therapists can reflect the child's true self back to them. The role of trauma in disconnection: Learn how attachment disruptions and trauma sever a child's connection to their true self, and how therapy can help repair these ruptures. The therapist's own journey: Hear how Marie José emphasizes the importance of therapists being on an ongoing journey of self-discovery and healing, and how this inner work allows them to hold space for others. Creating an environment for transformation: Explore the significance of designing therapeutic spaces that invite safety, creativity, and how nature and expressive therapies play a vital role in transformation. The importance of closure in therapy: Discover why creating a clear beginning, middle, and end in therapy sessions is essential for healing, and how a lack of closure can impact therapeutic outcomes. Navigating the complexities of healing: Gain insight into the delicate balance therapists must maintain between structure and spontaneity, allowing children to explore, express, and reconnect with their true selves at their own pace. Tending to your own "dot": Lisa and Marie José discuss the ethical imperative for therapists to engage in self-care, self-reflection, and self-compassion to remain present and attuned to their clients' needs. Join Lisa and Marie José for a thought-provoking and heartfelt conversation that will inspire therapists to reflect on their own journey, deepen their connection to their clients, and create spaces where true healing can unfold. This episode is filled with wisdom for those seeking to support children on their path to self-discovery and resilience. As mentioned in the podcast, explore Marie José's play sanctuary for children here: 💛 https://youtu.be/Lb20F3jF2nA?si=HSKWeTLQcrwlDtQn *Original Air Date: October 15, 2024 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.

Beyond Labels: Cultivating Cultural Humility as Therapists with Liliana Baylon (Best of)

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, refugees, and asylum seekers. Liliana, who has over a decade of clinical experience primarily treating LatinX community members, shares her expertise on the complexities newcomers face beyond migration trauma, such as post-migration trauma, acculturation stress, and assimilation challenges. They discuss the misconceptions and biases that therapists might hold, the multi-faceted traumas newcomers endure, and the importance of creating a culturally aware and curious therapeutic environment. In this episode, you will learn about: The shift from using terms like "migrants" to "newcomers" and the significance behind this change. The global nature of issues faced by newcomers and common misconceptions. The extensive range of traumas experienced by newcomers, including generational, cultural, racial, and educational traumas. The impact of racism and bias on newcomers and how therapists can address these in their practice. The concept of acculturation stress and its effects on mental health. How to support newcomers by fostering curiosity and understanding their unique identities and experiences. Practical tips for intake processes that honor the experiences and identities of newcomers. The importance of relationship-building and staying curious as a part of the healing process. Liliana's powerful TedEx talk about her personal experiences with assimilation and cultural identity. Join Lisa and Liliana for a heartfelt and educational conversation that will deepen your understanding and enhance your therapeutic practice with newcomers. Don't miss out on Liliana's wisdom and practical advice for creating a supportive and culturally aware therapeutic environment. "Beyond simple labels, such as Latina or Immigrant, our individual and collective identities encompass a range of experiences, aptitudes, and viewpoints that add to a complex and nuanced understanding of our shared humanity" -  Liliana Baylon Find Liliana's powerful TedEx talk about her personal experiences of assimilation and cultural identity on her website at lilianabaylon.com. *Original Air Date: September 17, 2024 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.

Crisis Play Therapy: Insights from Isabella Cassina & Claudio Mochi (Best of)

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 challenging environments around the world. Isabella, Director of Project Management, and Claudio, Director of the Academy, bring decades of experience and a wealth of knowledge to the table. They have worked in over 30 cities across 15 countries, addressing the needs of those affected by natural disasters, conflicts, and high-risk situations. Together, they developed the "Coping with the Present while Building for the Future" (CPBF) model, which they have shared globally. In this episode, you'll discover: How Isabella and Claudio began their journey in crisis and humanitarian work. The unique challenges and rewards of using play therapy to support children and their families affected by international crises. The philosophy behind "Recovering the Lost Play Time"—a program designed to restore play opportunities for children during migration and other crises. Insights into their model, CPBF, and its impact on mental health professionals worldwide. How to create play sanctuaries and foster a culture of play in international crisis contexts. The MAP (My Awareness Process) as a guiding reference point, emphasizing a comprehensive awareness process rather than just therapeutic techniques. The importance of co-constructing with populations in crisis to ensure program sustainability after providers leave, highlighting the need for community collaboration and cultural sensitivity regarding language, customs, and traditions. Claudio and Isabella also share personal stories from the field, highlighting the emotional impact of their work and the resilience of the children and communities they serve. Learn about their strategies for self-care and the significance of creating safe play environments amidst chaos. This is an inspiring conversation filled with practical insights and heartfelt stories, showcasing the transformative power of play therapy in crisis situations. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from two of the leading experts in the field. For more information about their work and the International Academy of Play Therapy, visit Crisis Play Therapy. Tune in to explore how play therapy can be a beacon of hope in the darkest times and how you can be a part of this vital work. *Original Air Date: July 9, 2024 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.

Supporting Child Survivors of Sex Trafficking with Alejandro Castro Croy (Best of)

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, Colorado. Alex brings his extensive experience from training law enforcement professionals and collaborating with the FBI on Crimes Against Children to the discussion. Together, they delve into the complexities of working with children who have endured compounded trauma and exploitation. Alex shares his journey into this challenging field and sheds light on the often-overlooked facets of child sex trafficking, including the surprising demographics it affects and the role of social media. Together they discuss the indicators of sex trafficking and key red flags to watch for. Alex also provides invaluable insights into the physical and behavioral signs that therapists should be aware of to help identify survivors. Learn why some clients might go AWOL or refuse treatment and how clinicians can approach these situations with sensitivity and care. Self-care for therapists is paramount, and Alex emphasizes the importance of mindfulness, debriefing, and the PERMS model—Physical, Emotional, Relational, Mental, and Spiritual domains of self-care—while sharing various intervention techniques and stressing the importance of honoring the human side of both therapist and client. This episode is a must-listen for therapists and anyone in the human services field. We encourage you to breathe and regulate as you listen to this important conversation, and as we navigate the challenging but essential work of supporting child survivors of sex trafficking. Talking Points: Understanding the true scope and demographics of child sex trafficking. The impact of social media and the daytime occurrences of trafficking. Recognizing indicators and key red flags. Identifying physical and behavioral signs of child sex trafficking survivors. The importance of self-care for clinicians and the PERMS model. Various therapeutic interventions: music, play, art, somatic, and narrative therapies. The importance of working with the client's protective strategies. Developing awareness of our own reactions as therapists to clients' trauma stories. Join us for this so-very important conversation to better understand and support the healing journey of child sex trafficking survivors. *Original Air Date: June 4, 2024 Additional Resources: For more information about Online training for introduction to Sex Trafficking: https://connect.missingkids.org/learn/learning-plans/4/introduction-to-child-sex-trafficking Physical and Behavioral Indicators: https://www.missingkids.org/content/dam/missingkids/pdfs/CST-Identification-Resource.pdf Reporting Sex trafficking: Local Social services and Police department Call 1-800-THE-LOST (800-843-5678) www.Cybertipline.org

Demystifying Minecraft in the Therapeutic Space with Brian Keating (Best of)

In this episode, Lisa is joined by special guest Brian Keating, a Certified Synergetic Play Therapist and Certified Group Psychotherapist. Brian specializes in tele-play therapy and is a contributing author to Advances in Online Therapy: Emergence of a New Paradigm. He's presented on topics including grief, childhood bereavement, and the therapeutic use of the video game Minecraft, which is the focus of this episode.  Join Lisa and Brian as they demystify the use of video games in therapy, with a particular focus on Minecraft, the most popular and successful video game ever to hit the market. Here are just a few of the key takeaways from this episode:  Gain insight into Minecraft's therapeutic potential and ways to integrate it into the therapeutic process. Explore transitioning from a "doing" to "being" perspective of Minecraft during therapy. Understand various modes of gameplay and the therapeutic themes they evoke, including how Minecraft is a version of sandtray and art therapy. Learn to communicate gaming's therapeutic benefits to parents and caregivers. Examples of directive interventions and non-directive interventions when playing the game. Understand how video games can support a client with body awareness and how to regulate their nervous system.  Reflect on using Minecraft in one-on-one versus group therapy settings and learn from Brian's experiences (including his mistakes) with video games in therapy. Tune in and discover the transformative potential of incorporating something as seemingly simple as a video game into your therapy sessions. Uncover the therapeutic magic behind Minecraft and how special it is for kids when we speak their language! *Original Air Date: April 23, 2024 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.