Original Air Date: May 2, 2019

"The majority of relationship, any relationship, is rupture. Repair is the remedy." - Lisa Dion

In relationships—whether with clients or ourselves—rupture and repair are essential. Mis-attunement isn’t something we can avoid, nor should we. It’s actually a key ingredient in the recipe for building trust. Each moment of rupture and repair forms the bedrock of connection, opening the doors to genuine healing and growth.

Rupture, repair, repeat—this rhythm isn’t just something we experience; it’s something we practice.

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.

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 when navigating imaginative play, emotional congruence, and handling personal questions from clients.

In this episode, you'll hear:

Carolyn’s question: “When doing imagination play and a client assigns you a role, how do you play that role? I'm often asked to be a child and the client is the adult. I find I respond as the "child" in ways that either surprise my client or I'm given the exact lines and actions to portray. My version of the authentic child when I'm improvising without lines isn't always what the client expects, nor is it always the ideal example because I usually play what I would have felt/said/done as a child and wait for guidance from my client. Hmmm?”

Lisa breaks down how to stay in the moment and respond from a place of genuineness and presence while allowing the child to lead.

An anonymous listener asks: Please elaborate on the statement you (Lisa) made: "I have never seen a child damaged because the therapist was real. However, I have seen children who never deeply connected to their therapist and didn't go as deep as they could have gone because their therapist was too scared to share and express their authentic experience congruently."

Lisa discusses how emotional congruence builds trust and safety, and why being authentic helps children connect more deeply in therapy.

Patricia’s question: “How do you handle personal questions from a child in session?”

Lisa explains how to navigate personal inquiries while staying attuned to the therapeutic goals and the child’s unique needs.

Join Lisa for a rich, reflective conversation that offers practical insights for therapists looking to deepen their authenticity and connection in the playroom.

*We love hearing from you! Have a question or scenario for Lisa to discuss? Send your questions to info@synergeticplaytherapy.com or submit an audio clip. Your questions 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.

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 reasons for setting boundaries and how they benefit the therapeutic process.
• How to set boundaries with children effectively and in a manner you may not have tried before.
• The timing of establishing boundaries in the playroom (hint: it may not be when you think).
• Strategies for setting boundaries in ways that do not disrupt play or induce shame.
• Practical advice and real-life examples to refine your boundary-setting skills.
• How to handle ruptures in the therapeutic relationship when boundaries are set, including strategies for repair and reconnection.

Revisit this crucial topic to gain valuable insights into supporting your clients' therapeutic journeys, navigating boundaries, and fostering a sense of safety in your play therapy sessions.

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.