Lessons From The Playroom

How does ableism show up in the playroom, and what can we do to create a more inclusive therapeutic space? In this powerful episode, Marshall Lyles (LMFT-S, LPC-S, RPT-S, EMDRIA Approved Consultant) joins Lisa Dion to explore the often unspoken realities of ableism and disablism in play therapy. Marshall, a leading voice in attachment trauma and sandtray therapy, brings invaluable insights into how therapists can become more aware of the biases and systemic structures that impact neurodivergent and disabled clients.

Lisa is back with the final episode of the Little Lessons Series, wrapping up this heartfelt Q&A journey by answering your powerful questions including how to navigate moments when connection feels disrupted—whether by a child’s shutdown, caregiver dynamics, or those uncomfortable "I don't know what to do" feelings that arise in the therapy process. In this episode, you’ll hear: Tracy’s question: “What do you do when a child goes into shutdown mode?” Lisa explains how to recognize the signs of a shutdown, why it happens from a nervous system perspective, and how to stay attuned while supporting a child’s regulation and reconnection—without pushing or forcing engagement. Megan’s question: “How do you handle it when a caregiver says their child is manipulative or controlling?” Lisa dives into the layers behind these labels, offering a reframe that helps caregivers understand what’s actually happening beneath the behavior. She shares strategies to shift the conversation from blame to curiosity and co-regulat

Have you explored the power of mandalas in play therapy? In this episode, Lisa Dion sits down with Tracy Turner-Bumberry (LPC, RPT-S™) to uncover the transformative magic of mandalas—an incredible yet often unexplored tool in clinical practice. Tracy, a Certified AutPlay Trainer, Animal-Assisted Play Therapist, and DBT Therapist, shares how mandalas can create a safe, expressive, and healing space for children and families.

Lisa is back with another episode of the Little Lessons Series, answering your insightful questions about navigating the complexities of the playroom. Today’s episode focuses on how to handle those challenging moments in therapy where uncertainty, emotional flooding, and parents’ concerns come into play. In this episode, you’ll hear: Chrissy’s question: “What do you do when a child can’t decide on what to play with or doesn’t even play after coming for weeks?” Lisa breaks down how to navigate moments of hesitation, offering insights on how to remain present and supportive without rushing to fix the situation. She also discusses how emotional age and developmental stage impact engagement in play. Sally’s question: “What do you do when the parent tells you they don’t want their child to play with aggressive toys or engage in aggressive play, like war play?” Lisa explores the importance of understanding the parent’s concerns and how to guide the conversation to help them see how aggressive play can be therapeuti

How do our perspectives shape who we are and how we connect with others—both in the playroom and in life? In this thought-provoking episode, Lisa Dion sits down with Dr. Rachel Altvater (Psy.D., RPT-S™), an award-winning leader in play therapy, to explore the profound impact of perspective on our personal and professional lives.

Why is attunement the heart of the therapeutic relationship? In this episode, Lisa Dion explores why simply following a script or checklist in play therapy isn’t enough—true transformation happens when we deeply attune to our clients (and ourselves).

In this insightful episode, Lisa Dion is joined by the incredible Robyn Gobbel, MSW, to talk about a topic that has never been covered before on this podcast but is crucial for clinicians working with kids: teaching children about the brain. Robyn, a true brain enthusiast, has a new book out titled Raising Kids with Big Baffling Behaviors: Brain-Body-Sensory Strategies that Really Work! This powerful resource blends relational neuroscience with practical tools and applications, making it the ultimate guide for parents who want to understand and transform their children's challenging behaviors into safety and connection. After listening to this episode, you’ll want to grab a copy of Robyn’s book—you’ll be hooked! This episode is packed with fun and engaging insights on how we, as clinicians, can introduce kids to their brains and how this can empower them to understand themselves in a deeper way. In this episode, you’ll hear:

"Every part of us, even the ones we've been taught to reject, holds the potential for growth and healing." – Mili Shoemaker   Aggression in the playroom is a familiar topic—but what happens when it’s not coming from the child, but from within us as therapists? This is a conversation we rarely hear in the play therapy world, yet it’s a reality many therapists silently grapple with. In this eye-opening episode, Lisa sits down with Mili Shoemaker, a seasoned play therapist, Synergetic Play Therapy trainer, and clinical supervisor, to explore what it means when therapists feel their own aggression arise in session. With honesty and compassion, Lisa and Mili unpack the discomfort, shame, and stigma that often accompany these experiences. They dive into the protective patterns that emerge when we try to suppress these feelings, and how true healing begins when we stop rejecting these parts of ourselves. Together, Lisa and Mili explore:   ✨ The taboo of therapist aggression – Why this conversation is missing in the

Original Air Date: July 4, 2023 In this groundbreaking episode, Lisa is joined by the brilliant Annie Monaco to tackle a topic that’s rarely discussed but essential to our work as play therapists: dissociation. With her extensive experience in EMDR Therapy, attachment, and dissociation in children, Annie brings invaluable insights to help therapists deepen their understanding of this complex phenomenon. Here’s what you’ll learn: A practical, usable definition of dissociation and how it shows up in client sessions; How dissociation reflects a child’s inner struggles and manifests in their behavior; The connection between dissociation and complex or developmental trauma; Ways to cultivate compassion for all the parts of a child—an essential component of their healing journey; Activities and strategies to help children explore and integrate the parts of themselves in therapy. Annie also shares a powerful question to add to your play therapy toolbox—a game-changer for understanding the inner world of your clien

“Every child has the capacity to heal and grow, but it starts with meeting them where they are—with respect, curiosity, and an understanding of their unique needs.” – Lisa Dion In this episode, Lisa sits down with Tony Vallance from the Building Better Brains Clinic for a conversation about supporting children with ADHD through play therapy. ADHD is often misunderstood, but with the right tools and understanding, play therapists can help children tap into their strengths while navigating the challenges they face. This conversation also explores ADHD from a dual perspective—not only through the experiences of the children we work with but also by reflecting on how therapists who identify as neurodivergent or have ADHD/ADD engage with their clients. How do we navigate the "mirrors" or parts of ourselves we see reflected in the children we serve? Together, Lisa and Tony dive into: What Play Therapists Need to Know About ADHD: Tony explains the core characteristics of ADHD and how play therapy can help children

Original Air Date: July 19, 2022 In this playful and insightful episode, Lisa is joined by Certified Synergetic Play Therapists Andrea Davidson, Johanna Simmons, and Rachel Freeburg for a lively discussion on the beauty and power of messes in the playroom. From spilled paint to sensory chaos, they dive into the therapeutic opportunities that arise when we embrace the mess. Here’s what you’ll discover: How to explain and normalize messy play to parents and caregivers, helping them see its value; Turning messes into teachable moments for boundaries, containment, and personal growth; Supporting children in expressing themselves and meeting sensory needs through messy play; Deciding when (and when not) to have a child clean up based on their treatment goals; Tools and strategies for therapists to stay within their window of tolerance when messiness gets overwhelming; and How to understand and approach messes through the lens of nervous system regulation and dysregulation.

"Every child has the capacity to heal and grow, but it starts with meeting them where they are—with respect, curiosity, and an understanding of their unique needs." – Hannah Young In this episode, Lisa sits down with Hannah Young, an accredited play therapist, clinical supervisor, and child-parent relationship practitioner, for a deeply moving conversation about the role of poetry in play therapy. Hannah shares how poetry can serve as a bridge between a child’s inner world and therapeutic processing—offering a powerful way to witness, contain, and reflect their experiences.  With her unique blend of clinical expertise and personal storytelling, Hannah invites us to reimagine the role of language in the playroom—not just as a form of communication, but as a gift of presence, attunement, and deep connection. Together, Lisa and Hannah explore: ✨ Poetry as a therapeutic tool – How writing and reflecting through poetry can deepen attunement and support self-regulation for both therapists and children. ✨ Capturing

Original Air Date: April 18, 2023 In this heartfelt episode, Lisa welcomes Ann Beckley-Forest for a deep dive into working with children and families navigating adoption, foster care, or placement experiences. With her extensive expertise in EMDR Therapy and play therapy, Ann shares insights that will expand your understanding of attachment trauma and offer practical approaches to support this unique population. Here’s what you’ll learn: What attachment trauma or attachment wounding is (hint: it’s about “the important good things that didn’t happen”); How adoptee-led movements are reshaping language, perspectives, and practices around adoption, honoring all parts of the adoption triad; The impact of a child’s trauma history on the collective nervous system of adoptive/foster families; Why unprocessed trauma persists in childhood and how therapists can address it effectively in sessions; Reparative treatment approaches that prioritize attuned experiences over cognitive processes. Whether you’re new to this w

"We all walk around in our little cultural bubble, and sometimes, without realizing it, that bubble shapes how we show up in the playroom." – Dr. Carmen Cubillo In this thought-provoking episode, Lisa sits down with Dr. Carmen Cubillo, a clinical psychologist, Registered Play Therapist, and cultural advocate based in Australia, for an essential conversation about culture—our own, our clients’, and how both shape the therapeutic relationship. Together, Lisa and Carmen dive into: ✨ The therapist’s cultural lens: How our personal cultural background influences the way we show up in the playroom and why it’s crucial to reflect on it. ✨ Layers of cultural curiosity: Beyond heritage, how systemic and societal influences shape our clients' experiences and why we must stay open and adaptable. ✨ Cultural safety in therapy: What it means to be a culturally safe therapist and how unconscious biases can create barriers to connection. ✨ The importance of rupture and repair: Why acknowledging cultural missteps—rather than

Original Air Date: October 11, 2022 In this exciting episode, Lisa is joined by the extraordinary Terry Kottman, founder of Adlerian Play Therapy, to explore the heart and soul of this impactful therapeutic approach. Known for her fun, engaging style and groundbreaking contributions to play therapy, Terry shares her wisdom, humor, and deep insights into how therapists can elevate their practice. Here’s what you’ll learn: How to bring more of yourself into your sessions to create authentic connections; Tips for custom-designing sessions to meet the unique needs of each client; Ways to deepen your client’s self-awareness (… and what it means to “spit in the client’s soup”); Strategies for navigating therapeutic work when the process doesn’t follow clear-cut phases; and Insights into attuning not only to your client but to their entire treatment process—an advanced “meta-attunement” approach.

“So much of our healing lies in our ability to come home to ourselves.” – Lisa Dion In this episode, Lisa is joined by Mili Shoemaker, a Synergetic Play Therapy supervisor trainer, long-time consultant, and dear friend. Together, they dive into one of the most foundational concepts in Synergetic Play Therapy: attachment to self. Join Lisa and Mili as they explore: How attachment to self differs from traditional attachment theories. Why moments of mindful awareness are key to healing and integration. The connection between attachment styles, perception, and self-regulation. Practical ways therapists can foster attachment to self within themselves and their clients. Personal stories and reflections on the profound impact of this concept in therapy and beyond. Lisa also shares actionable insights, including a reflective exercise to observe and strengthen your connection to self throughout your week. Whether you’re a therapist, a parent, or someone curious about deepening your self-awareness, this episode is pa

Original Air Date: March 14, 2023 In this episode, Lisa is joined by the trailblazing Dr. Risë VanFleet for an inspiring conversation about Filial Therapy—a transformative model where parents and caregivers play a central role in their child’s therapeutic journey. Dr. VanFleet shares her incredible expertise in this psychoeducational approach, offering insights into how Filial Therapy strengthens the parent-child relationship and enhances therapy outcomes. Here’s what you’ll learn: The fascinating history of Filial Therapy and the theoretical foundations that drive its success; Why Filial Therapy is a psychoeducational model, not a medical one; The 7 essential components that make Filial Therapy both elegant and effective; How parents and caregivers become the primary change agents for their child; Ways to integrate Filial Therapy with other therapeutic approaches for even greater impact.

“Every child has the capacity to heal and grow, but it starts with meeting them where they are—with respect, curiosity, and an understanding of their unique needs.” – Natascha Lawrence In this episode, Lisa reconnects with Natascha Lawrence, a Synergetic Play Therapy Supervisor, EMDR Practitioner, and founder of the FASD Institute, for an essential conversation about supporting children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) through play therapy. This is Part 2 of their dialogue, revisiting a topic that rarely gets the attention it deserves in the field of play therapy. Together, Lisa and Natascha dive into: What play therapists need to know about FASD: A holistic understanding of FASD as a whole-body diagnosis and its implications for therapeutic practice. Creating neurodivergent-friendly play spaces: Practical steps to make playrooms sensory-safe and accessible for children with FASD and other neurodiverse conditions. The FASD iceberg analogy: Understanding the layers beneath the surface and how the

Original Air Date: May 11, 2021 Separation anxiety is a common challenge in the therapy room—whether it’s the child hesitant to leave their caregiver or the parent struggling to step away. In this episode, Lisa unpacks the nuances of separation anxiety and provides actionable tools for therapists to navigate this tender dynamic. Here’s what you’ll learn: What separation anxiety is, its potential causes, and how to differentiate between normal developmental behavior and when additional support is needed; Creative and playful rituals that foster co-regulation between the child and parent/caregiver; Strategies to help children cultivate an internal sense of safety; Effective interventions for managing separation anxiety in the playroom, including how to support children in expanding their window of tolerance for transitions and separations.

"Your fear will always be the ceiling of your innovation." – Lisa Dion In this special post New Year’s episode, Lisa is joined by Jen Taylor, therapist, educator, and mastermind behind Jen Taylor Productions. Together, they kick off the first month of 2025 with an inspiring conversation about goal-setting, vision, and how therapists can master the business side of their practice to create greater impact. Lisa and Jen dive into: The psychology of setting congruent goals that align with your values and what inspires you the most. Why “fantasy goals” often fail and how to replace them with actionable, meaningful ones. The critical difference between resolutions and sustainable visions for growth. How to manage fear and navigate challenges as a therapist and entrepreneur. A behind-the-scenes look at Lisa’s Business of Therapy course, which blends strategic planning with emotional and psychological insights to help therapists succeed. This episode will leave you inspired and ready to tackle this coming year with